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Bear

296A Camberwell New Road, SE5 0RP Full details & map

Pub

Time Out says 2 Users say 4/5 Rate it

By Time Out Editors Posted: Jun 30 2010

It's something of a surprise to find a pub as amiable as this on what is the least appealing arm of Camberwell's beleaguered crossroads. A former Victorian gin palace dominated by a horseshoe bar, the Bear has scrubbed up nicely and now oozes warmth, especially by candlelight.

Despite this, it's still very much a locals' boozer, with an unusually fine selection of cast ales (look out for the occasional beer festival), a decent range of bottled beers (Duvel, Peroni, Anchor, Erdinger, Chimay Blue), a well-chosen wine list and good-value food among the consumable attractions. The rear room, decorated with stopped clocks and china dogs, is an easy place to while away an evening. There's also a popular quiz on Tuesdays.

Tags: Chilling out, Local flavour, Speciality beers, South East, Camberwell, Pub

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Bear details

Address

Bear

296A Camberwell New Road SE5 0RP

Transport Oval tube

Telephone

020 7274 7037

Bear website

Open 4-10.30pm Mon; noon-11pm Tue-Thur; noon-midnight Fri, Sat; noon-10pm Sun. Food served noon-3pm, 7-10pm Tue, Sat; noon-3pm, 6-10pm Wed-Fri; noon-4pm Sun

Credit cards MC, V

Facilities

Tables outdoors ( 4, pavement ), Babies and children admitted, Function room ( 40 capacity ), Entertainment ( quiz 8pm Tue ), Wireless internet

Bear map

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Comments & ratings 4/5 (Average of 2 ratings)

By James - Mar 8 2012

2/5

The review describes the pub as being on "the least appealing arm of Camberwell's beleagured crossroads"? I can't work out whether that's more unfair on Camberwell or on Camberwell New Road, nor can I work out what twisted criteria it's based on. Not enough chippies? Fewer grocery stores? Too many bus depots? Who knows?

Anyway, the Bear is a pretty bog-standard new-style pub with lots of crap on the walls straight out of the 'kitsch rubbish for your pub refurbishment' catelogue that is wholly unconvincing. The food is quite good, the menu seems to change fairly regularly and if you're after a pub dinner around Camberwell it's a good shout, although the prices - for what you're getting - are 30 to 40 per cent above what they should be and there are restaurants about the area offering better food for cheaper prices. Beer's expensive too - £4.05 for a pint of Pilsner last time I was in. Clientele mostly well-heeled young professionals and students though, so the prices aren't necessarily surprising.

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By gemma - Nov 6 2011

5/5

This place is brilliant- can't believe it has not got more stars- Food is best gastro pub food in Camberwell. Chefs are really skilled and know what they are doing. Never been let down by the food once. Still remember my first dish there from 4 and half years ago it is that good!!

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By bele - Dec 22 2010

The listed link to the Bear website takes you to the Bear in Stratford-upon-Avon! Here is the link for the Camberwell Bear....
www.thebear-freehouse.co.uk