Resident’s Guide: what to do in Camberwell
SEE
1. Camberwell College of Arts
Rather than sitting-in on a lecture, consider visiting Camberwell Space: a dedicated gallery within the university that hosts rotating contemporary exhibitions in all media, typically in response to what has been taught on the syllabus that year. Or, explore the contrasting architecture, which blends Victorian pomp, 1970s brutalism and a modern-day glass-meets-steel extension at the back by Stephen Marshall Architects.
2. South London Gallery
The public gallery was once part of Camberwell College but is now a lauded and much-frequented contemporary art institution in its own right. It was the first venue, for example, to have shown Tracy Emin’s The Tent in 1995. After exploring one of the exhibitions, head next door to number 67 where you’ll find a pop-up café or restaurant in collaboration with the gallery.
3. Blue Elephant Theatre
Theatres don’t come much more left-of-field than this. By which we don’t mean bad improv, but rather off-beat, international and always pushing the boundary of theatre’s possibilities. Over its two-decade run it has staged an adaption of Fernando Pessoa’s The Book of Disquiet, dedicated a whole season to Balkan art, film and theatre, and hosted troupes from as far as Zimbabwe. In short, come here for something new and cerebral.
EAT
4. The Camberwell Arms
Camberwell, for a such small and somewhat isolated neighbourhood, has a surprisingly good cluster of restaurants and bars. The Camberwell Arms is very much at the heart of this offering and you can make of it what you will. Mid-week negronis and bar snacks? Right this way. A quiet pint after a Sunday walk? Tick. Or perhaps a sumptuous three-course dinner? You won’t find better pub food in London.
5. Theo’s
The rule of thumb for dinner at Theo’s is either to book ahead or leave your name and go for a drink around the corner – this pizzeria is always packed, and for a good reason. The fluffy, leopard-printed Neapolitan-style pizzas are a cut above anything else in London, and the affordable spritzes and house red seal the deal. On warmer days, try to get a table in the garden.
6. Good Neighbour
Australian chef Paul Williamson, after stints at Soho House and WC in Clapham, opened Good Neighbour in 2018 – his first venue. It’s a welcome addition to the neighbourhood’s offering: charcuterie, small plates and natural wine in a dimly-lit, cosy atmosphere.
7. Silk Road
This is a London institution whose fame goes far beyond the bounds of Camberwell. Silk Road is a cheap, cheerful and delicious take on the cuisine of Xinjiang, a region in northwestern China.
SHOP
8. Review
This independent bookshop, established by the Peckham Literary Festival’s founder Roz Simpson and author Evie Wyld, offers a small and engagingly curated selection through which the owners’ personalities and tastes shine – expect more than just a few Penguin Classics.
9. Lumberjack Café
Lumberjack brings together the café and the grocery shop. There are Lumberjack’s own homemade bread and pastries, but also a selection from some of the best independent producers around the country and beyond: Neal’s Yard cheese, beer from London’s Kernel Brewery, coffee by Hasbean in Staffordshire.
DO
10. Burgess Park
The expanse of Burgess Park, with stunning views of the Shard and beyond, caters to every want. Besides lolling about on the grass, or reading in the rose garden and by the lake, you’ll find a BMX track, football pitches, a rugby club, and a café.
11. Tennis at Myatt’s Field Fields Park
Leafy Myatt’s Fields Park sits in a cosy nook surrounded by red-brick Victorian and Edwardian tenements and townhouses. At £5 an hour, its tennis court are some of the most affordable in London. And thankfully they’re fenced, making that stray shot less embarrassing.
RELATED ON THE MODERN HOUSE
Our guide to Walthamstow: the Wetlands, a neon nirvana and family-run restaurants
Resident’s Guide: a walking tour of Regent’s Canal
Where to shop in Kent and Sussex: the best grocers, delicatessens and farm shops
To market, to market: the best local food markets in London
Resident’s Guide: our area guide to Clifton, Bristol, from architecture to restaurants
A local’s guide to Peckham, from restaurants to galleries
Resident’s Guide: how to spend a weekend in Hampstead
Resident’s Guide: the best restaurants in Clerkenwell, plus what to see, shop and do
Resident’s Guide: what locals do in Borough and Southwark
A Resident’s Guide to what to see and do in Bath, Somerset