London's got loads of great pubs, but the fact is a fair few of them are closing down. Londoners and visitors alike need to walk through their doors to ensure their survival, but in these tough economic times, we're more careful about how we spend our disposable income.
It's true, the cost of a pub pint can sometimes cause the eyes to water, but if the establishment makes an effort to welcome its guests, creates a decent atmosphere and serves up decent drink and food, then it makes shelling out that little less difficult.
One pub that fits this criteria is
The Cambria in Camberwell, situated just off Herne Hill Road, about a five minute walk from Loughborough Junction train station.
It's had a makeover in recent years and emerged as a fabulous neighbourhood boozer.
Owners Steve Riseley and Aimi Lauder have known each other some 20 years and pooled their extensive experience in the bar/pub/restaurant trade to create this popular drinking (and eating) den.
The interior is warm and inviting and you'll just dig those grand chandeliers spread about the place. Real ales and plenty of beers are served, and when the weather's good you can sit out in the pub garden.
Aimi's cheffing experience has resulted in a
menu that offers -- as it says on its website -- "much more than just traditional pub food."
Dishes from the daily menu include pan fried duck breast served with dauphinoise potatoes, spinach and a cherry sauce, and Lebanese ground lamb on hummus served with pine nuts, coriander and Arabic flat breads.
The Monday Meal Deal offers two courses for a tenner. How about starting with the home made falafel with hummus, tzatziki, sweet pepper sauce, mixed leaves and toasted pitta bread?
Cottage pie with veg could be your main dish, or Portobello mushroom burger with salad and chips. If you'd prefer a dessert to a starter, check out the chocolate fudge cake, carrot cake or sticky toffee pudding.
Tuesday night is curry night and there's a special Sunday roast menu available too. See the full range of food options
here.
A good way to visit The Cambria would be to combine it with a trip to nearby
Ruskin Park.
