Hermits Cave, Camberwell, SE5

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 15^th September 2024 - rating: 7
[User has posted 2115 recommendations about 2080 pubs]