The Camberwell Arms

Mike Davies opened his much-loved south east London pub back in 2014 with the aim of offering high-quality cooking and genuine hospitality in a laid-back setting. It’s a concept we can confidently say will never go out of style and The Camberwell Arms does it exceedingly well. There’s space to pull up a stool for a pint, but it undoubtedly makes its living as a restaurant than it does a pub, with most of the room kitted out with smartly dressed tables ready for an evening of full service. Filling a space this large is a feat in itself, but by 7pm every seat is taken, and the room is ablaze with laughter and conversation.  

In the corner, a vintage-style dresser carrying an industrial-size loaf of focaccia is ready to be sliced on demand and delivered to tables. Order it for £2.50 while you decide what to eat. Carnivores should take heed of the scotch bonnet pork fat on toast, but our visit coincided with a warm evening in July, so we opt for crisp broad bean and pea fritters served with tangy whipped feta, plus a beautiful plate of raw bream marinated in rosemary, lemon and chilli.  

For main course, a gorgeous piece of lamb (for two) served in its juices arrives with addictive creamy greens seasoned with anchovies and pecorino. We soak up the sauce with crisp, squashy chips. And for pudding, an old-fashioned drinking glass filled to the brim with aerated chocolate mousse, crushed honeycomb and salted caramel is very good indeed. There’s also a thoughtfully curated wine list that gets updated regularly and features a range of well-priced and special occasion bottles. If you just fancy a glass, the cheapest glass of white is £5.20.  

Take it as a sign that 10 years since opening, Davies’ Camberwell pub is still considered one of the best in London. Bring a group. Bring a mate. There’s a seat for everyone here.  

If you’re local to Camberwell, or even if you’re not, you’re likely to have heard of The Camberwell Arms. This neighbourhood pub has built a bulletproof reputation for its great grub and low-key, welcoming atmosphere, becoming a favourite haunt for many a South East Londoner (and beyond). Set up by chef director Mike Davies in 2014, The Camberwell Arms offers generous hospitality, seasonal cooking, informal but well-informed service and a natural leaning wine list. 

The pub is split over two floors, with a bright and airy private dining room upstairs and a more traditional, cosy pub and restaurant on the ground floor. It offers a main dinner menu throughout the week, as well as a weekday lunch and Sunday roast menu to rival. Main dishes are uncomplicated and focus on cooking fresh ingredients well, with a focus on sharing style dishes designed to be enjoyed by the table. There are staples that tend to stick around all year, from its famous house focaccia to Scotch bonnet pork fat on toast. Elsewhere, seasonal starters might include purple sprouting broccoli 'cacio e pepe' or Devilled Cornish mussels. 

For main course, there is always a choice between individual dishes and larger sharing mains. Previous examples have included fallow venison with Jerusalem artichoke, cavolo nero and elderberry, while sharing dishes typically include classic aged beef steak with garlic butter and chips. For dessert, think nostalgic British classics with a modern twist, from treacle tart with clotted cream to peanut parfait and chocolate mousse. 

Sunday lunch is designed to be enjoyed family-style, from slow-cooked lamb or beef and ale pie, all served with crispy roast potatoes. 

This is a pub, so the drinks list features plenty of ales and bitters, along with classic cocktails and an extensive wine list, from affordable options to special occasion bottles.