Focus On

THE NEW HOXTON

27 September 2007

Passers by might not consider Camberwell the place to head for to escape the madding crowds of the city, but as the saying goes, you shouldn't judge a book by its tatty dog-eared cover.
The area is slowly, perhaps reluctantly, being gentrified. The symptoms are clear; first come the new estate agents, then comes the culinary awakening and more upmarket shops.
We decided to take a look around the area and have found some examples as to why some people are saying it could well be the new Hoxton or Shoreditch. The area is rich in history and there are tastes spanning the globe. It remains synonymous with the Camberwell College of Arts, and has a real vibrancy that is at last getting the place recognised as having a good music scene.

THE CASTLE
65 Camberwell Church Street
SE5 8TR
Tel: 0207 277 2601
For party bookings call 07957 762 014
www.the-castle.co.uk

A reputation for terrific cuisine and a desire to book talented musicians has earned the Castle a loyal
following and a growing clientele.
The Castle is a comfortable and casual bar with an open fire place, (flames included), which is a hit with couples and those who want just to sit and chat about life. Camberwell is renowned for its students with the College of arts just down the road. The Castle has a student lounge which is available for birthdays and parties.
Both live and pre-recorded music represents a range of styles from the traditional to the eclectic. There is no charge for Jazz nights and food is available.The relaxed atmosphere is also conducive to great jazz artists, both local and international. With a wide selection of music every night, at times, you'll also find R&B performers and other styles of music, including funky house, dance, funk, head kandi and hip hop. While you listen to the rhythmic, seductive tones, make sure to enjoy a glass from their wine cellar, or sample a meal. There are open mic nights every Saturday where the customers can literally do anything from poetry, to rap to comedy. Fantastic food and entertainment in one place.

GRILLS ETC
27 Camberwell Church Street
SE5 8TR
Tel: 0207 701 6971
Order online: www.grillsetc.co.uk

There is little doubt that Camberwell is home to a fair share of takeaways but grills etc is billed as ‘the healthier alternative’, obviously as everything is grilled.
These guys have everything from meal deals (where for 50p extra you can add rice instead of chips), to kebabs, chicken tikka, curries, wraps and sandwiches and even sweets like Baklava pastry, muffins and cheese cake.
They have complete speciality meals like Mongolian barbecue with lamb and mixed veg to Jerk chicken and small mixed grills hot and spicy and a mild version.
They use oil with high polyunsaturates and low in saturates and where possible keep it to a minimum. They do not add salt as a preservative - only enough for taste - and where possible avoid using artifical colouring and preservatives. Delivery is free on all orders £10 or above from 5pm to 11pm.

FUNKY MUNKY
25 Camberwell Church Street
SE5 8TR
Tel: 0207 277 1806

The Funky munky is a prime example of just how young and trendy Camberwell really is.
A popular student hang out, this cozy Camberwell bar has a surprisingly good DJ and toxic cocktails which can lead to some fun filled morning after regrets.
Keeping the students happy they offer a student discount of £2.50 on pints and bottled beers and £2 on selected shots. A student room is available for hire - for all those able to present their student ID cards. 
DJs play at the bar four nights a week and it is renowned on the London music circuit.
Every second and last Sunday of every month there is live soul/jazz music.

CAMBERWELL DENTAL CARE
6 Camberwell Church Street
SE5 8QU
Tel: 0207 703 0301

Camberwell’s best dentist is located right opposite Camberwell Green.

They provide:
- implants
- teeth whitening
- cosmetic dentistry
- crowns
- veneers

MOZZARELLA E POMODORO
21 - 22 Camberwell Green
SE5 7AA
Tel: 0207 277 2020
Fax: 0207 277 2022

If you are looking for fine Italian cuisine in Camberwell then the finest has got to be Mozarella E Pomodoro.
On the corner right opposite Camberwell Green, the glass frontage allows you to watch the hustle and bustle of one of the busiest junctions in Southwark, while tucking into a delightful plate of pasta.
The spacious environment is clean and stylish, fully air conditioned with seating for 150 to 200 people. It is popular for weddings and others functions, including corporate lunches. 
They specialise in fish, meat, pizza and pasta. It is worth noting that on Tuesdays pizza and pasta is half price in the day and night.
Mozarella E Pomodoro is open Monday to Friday, 12noon to 3pm and then again between 6pm and 11.30pm. On Saturdays it opens just for the evening from 6pm to 11.30pm and from 5pm to 11pm on Sundays.

NEW DEWANIAN
225A Camberwell New Road
SE5 0TH
Tel: 0207 703 9318 / 020 7703 1941

If it is Indian cuisine you are after, Camberwell’s old Indian takeaway has been transformed into a sleek, modern sit down restaurant.
New Dewaniam’s airy room boasts glass chandeliers, wooden floorboards, marble tiles and comfortable leather seats.
You can take your pick from a wide range of classic Indian fare, along with an extensive list of 'Dewaniam signature dishes' that are mainly from the region of Goa. They pride themselves in offering traditional cuisine from all parts of India, with many of their dishes coming with a bit of a twist. There are over 150 dishes to choose from and they have an extensive Vegetarian menu. Menu selections can also cater for Vegetarians without losing the taste and zest.
All of the food is medium hot, but customers can ask when ordering if they want any dish cooled down or spiced up.
They also do healthy options, Biriyanis, Parsee dishes and Balti dishes.
It is highly recommended that you try one of their signature dishes. For example you could try their Papri Ma Goust. This is tender chunks of lamb cooked with ginger, garlic and fresh ground masala - a favourite with the Parsee community in Bombay - absolutely delicious.

BUDDHA JAZZ
119 Grove Lane
SE5 8BG
Tel: 0207 737 1888
www.buddhajazz.co.uk

If on your culinary travels of Camberwell you want to get a taste that unites the Far East then look no further than Budda Jazz bar and restaurant.
They have travelled through many far eastern countries, to bring a menu that is a combination of cultures, with some of your favourite classic Oriental dishes to others that appeal more to your adventurous side. They have recently introduced some new dishes with some delightfully delicate flavours and contrasting textures. Their reliance on fresh herbs and vegetables mean they are both tasty and healthy. Tatse Hong Kong with their delicious dim sum, explore Vietnam with sumptuous soup noodles, spice up your day with a tantalising Thai salad or drink Japan with their premium hot or chilled smooth sake. It is worth looking out for their recommended choices and sampling from their extensive range of beers, which have been carefully selected to complement the variety of food Buddha Jazz creates.
The surroundings are beautifully mellow and they have a cosy lounge with comfortable sofas and soft cushions. It is the perfect to soak up the unique ambience of the place, while drinking one of their magical Vietnamese coffees.  

EASTERN TREE
171 Coldharbour Lane
SE5 9PA
Tel: 0207 737 2545

Formerly the Coast Bar, the Eastern Tree Vietnamese resturant is a real find on the outskirts of Camberwell.
A family run business with some family recipes, they are even able to boast that some of their ingredients come all the way from Vietnam to give you a truly authentic eating out experience. And what an experience this place is - the food is freshly prepared from scratch on a daily basis and after enjoying your meal you and a few friends can hire out their private karaoke room. They do lunch time menu deals from £3.60 and are open from 12noon to 11pm, but are closed on Tuesdays. And they also do takeaway.  

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