The Camel is a low-key local favourite. Lovely plain brown exterior tiles, an etched Camel mirror and archive shots offer reminders of its past, while dark wallpaper with red roses and bronze spherical lampshades create a modish retro interior thanks to a sensitive refit a few years back. The booze (Adnams and some continentals on draught, premium spirits, reasonable wine) and hearty gourmet pies (chicken, tarragon and bacon; asparagus and wild mushroom) do the essentials nicely; piles of books and scruffy games tempt you to surrender your afternoon. Even half-empty, there can be quite a racket here, and service is usually chaotic, but the chilled crowd of families and local arty types happily trade-in efficiency for beguilingly cosy.
