The Grove (Bar)

brb is closing down on saturday 27th Jan 2007 and re-opening as The Grove in Feb 2007 - new review coming soon....


Leaving the main road, we trudged 500 meters along the wet pavement of Camberwell Grove in search of Bar Room Bar @ The Grove. I have to admit, I'm already confused by the name. Is it a bar? Or a room? Or a grove?

Whatever it is, it's a popular tonight. We push our way through the crowds and get a proper look at the venue which is vaguely reminiscent of a student union bar; retro meets industrial with plenty of stainless steel air ducting and claret-coloured walls. Solid wooden tables are packed, beer is flowing and the friendly atmosphere is really welcoming on a cold January evening. Local art and medical colleges mean that the clientele are refreshing mix of the young, the arty, the lively football contingent and the local working class. Everyone looks settled in for the night.

Behind the bar the drink selection is fairly basic but great value for money. The odd bottle of Absinthe lurks on the shelf and Thursday night is 2 for 1 on their best-selling cocktails. The home-made pizzas fired in a huge industrial Tardis which dominates the centre of the pub are fantastic. Already a bargain at £5 a go but even better on Tuesdays when all pizzas are 2 for 1. The flavours range from the conventional to the creative; try the Crispy Duck with a Hoi Sin base.

So it turns out that the name was pretty accurate. It's a really good ‘bar', with a ‘room' where you can escape the football screen and enjoy a few quiet pints. They even have a little ‘grove' out the back which must be a wonderful place to while away a hazy summers evening.

Read reviews and information on other Bar Room Bar's in London by clicking on:
Angel Bar Room Bar
Hampstead Bar Room Bar
Soho Bar Room
Alexandra Park Bar Room Bar...read more