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Beer of the Week (w/e 27th April 2025) with Thuck Phat
on the Pub Forum
Image posted by Ian Mapp
Submitted on Monday, 11th April 2022
With picture contributions to 1293 other pubs
View all this pub's pictures (11 more images)
Detail Pages
Hermits Cave, Camberwell, SE5
SE5
SE5 8QU
Served areas
Reviews of Hermits Cave (Average Rating: 6½ of 10) see review guidelines
Bucking Fastard left this review about Hermits Cave
A very good ale house,a somewhat basic pub.The curved exterior contains three doors,only one functional and it is difficult to make out the original layout.The interior seems hollowed out,the furniture a mismatch of styles and basic while the pine flooring looks cheap.There is a fireplace with mirrors above to the right,tables obscure two doorways but at least etched glass has been retained.There is an internal arch between the saloon doors and the left side of the pub,so maybe this was always a back lounge but without an external entrance.These days there is a Eurosport flatscreen,another small fireplace and a green seating bench but the unloved nature is retained.
The reason to visit is the ale range which on my trip was Thornbridge Jaipur IPA,Saltaire Best,Verdant Pental Pale,Fullers Mystic Harmony,Pentrich Meet the Meek and Cloudwater Red (very good,NBSS 4).I will forgive the lack of atmosphere,a good soundtrack would have helped on a quiet Thursday afternoon,but if you are after a great real ale selection,2025 GBG listed, this should be your target pub in Camberwell.I will return.
On 16th February 2025
- rating: 8
[User has posted 2936 recommendations about 2936 pubs]
Tris C left this review about Hermits Cave
This is a late 19th century pub, rebuilt in this curvaceous form in 1902, still featuring a Whitbread sign bracket.
The first thing you notice on approach are the lovely etched glass windows. The well preserved – or restored – Edwardian theme continues with a bare boarded floor, dark wainscoting, pale pink floral Edwardian-style wallpaper then a cream, textured ceiling. The bar array and pot shelf are all original, the bar back exhibiting some lovely etched and engraved mirrors; to complete the ensemble, there’s a fine wood and mirror overmantel above a wonderfully ornate marble fireplace. Lighting comes from Edwardian-style tulip sconces and there’s no music, enthusiastic conversation ruling the roost at the time of my Saturday 9.50pm visit. Furniture is traditional with décor taking the form of prints from yesteryear, a stuffed moose head and plenty of eclectic knickknacks above the pot shelf. Customers were of the CAMRA bent, a couple of women in their 70s passing favourable comments about the quality of their Jaipur.
There were seven pumps, one unused, one clip I couldn’t read then Brew York Pale, Jaipur, Thornbridge Union, Gun Extra Pale and Marble Stout, a steal at £2.50 a half for a 5.7% beer, ok and served by a friendly barmaid.
This is one of the best boozers I’ve visited south of the river outside SE1. Or indeed inside SE1.
Rated 7.5.
On 15th September 2024
- rating: 7
[User has posted 2208 recommendations about 2165 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Ian Mapp left this review about Hermits Cave
Unspoiled and imposing Victorian boozer. Curved external appearance, with etched bay windows. Advertised as open at midday and the door was just being opened at 12:16pm.
I was the only saturday lunch time punter for my 30 minute stay.
2-3 casks on and my Adnams Ghost Ship was in good condition, even if the first sold of the day.
Lovely chatty Irish landlady, who's family have run the place for 25 years.
Good Beer Guide 2022.
On 11th April 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1563 recommendations about 1543 pubs]
View more reviews of Hermits Cave (10)
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- Randomness Guide to London - Hermit's Cave entry
- Facebook - Hermits Cave
- CAMRA WhatPub :: Hermits Cave - whatpub.com
Loughborough Junction, 0.81 miles, 15 min walk (show)
Peckham Rye, 1.2 miles, 23 min walk (show)
Pub Details
Pub details supplied by members of this site to the best of their knowledge. Please check with pub directly before making a special trip.
- Accommodation : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Bar Billiards : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Beer Festivals : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Beer Garden : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- CAMRA Discount : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Car Park : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Child Friendly : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Darts : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Dog Friendly : Yes last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Function Room : No last updated 20 October 2020 by Pub SignMan
- Hot Food : No last updated 20 October 2020 by Pub SignMan
- Jukebox : No last updated 20 October 2020 by Pub SignMan
- Karaoke : No last updated 20 October 2020 by Pub SignMan
- Live Music : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Live TV Sports : Yes - Very occasional. - last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Micropub : No last updated 20 October 2020 by Pub SignMan
- Pinball : No last updated 20 October 2020 by Pub SignMan
- Pool Table : No last updated 20 October 2020 by Pub SignMan
- Quiz Night : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Real Ale : Yes last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Real Cider : No last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
- Wheelchair Access : Yes last updated 15 September 2024 by Tris C
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