Camberwell Fair is back on 1st September

The heatwave may be over, but Summer’s not finished yet in Camberwell. There are a couple of events coming up in the next few weeks.

First is the Brunswick Park Summer Fete, this Saturday the 18th. Surrey Docks farm will provide a petting zoo, and there will be games, competitions, and food and drink. It runs from 1pm to 4pm.

Then Camberwell Fair returns to the Green on Saturday 1st September from 12–9pm. Here’s their official press release:


Now in its 4th year, the Fair [is] a chance for all the community to come together and celebrate themselves, each other and the local area.

The fair will offer 3 music stages, 30 stalls showcasing local community organisations and independent traders, games, food, bars and a special daytime carnival led by street band Kinetika Bloco.

In addition to the Fair itself, this year Camberwell Fair offers a range of FREE activities in the local area in the run up to the Fair. More info on all of these below and on our website:

  • Carnival Costume Making Workshops on the Aylesbury Estate (in association with Latin American Multicultural Society)
  • Poetry workshops on the Aylesbury Estate (in association with Hammer and Tongue)
  • Artist Showcase at Louie Louie in Walworth – 17 August – a chance for aspiring artists to compete for a chance to perform at the festival – email oddmotionmedia@​gmail.​com to sign up
  • Rare Doings at Camberwell’ – a Heritage Lottery funded project to explore the roots of the Fair.

Tapete restaurant review

Tapete is a new tapas bar and restaurant which opened in June at 119 Grove Lane, the site of the former Buddha Jazz (and, some 13 or so years ago, another tapas restaurant the name of which escapes me). I’ve eaten there twice in the past month, and can recommend it.

The interior layout hasn’t changed drastically, but has been given a fittingly Spanish-style redecoration. They’ve also refreshed the outdoor decking area which is perfect in this heatwave. Over all, Tapete feels modern, warm, and welcoming—and the staff match that description too.

I’d describe the food as classic, or typical, tapas; from albóndigas to boquerones to croquetas, all the dishes you know and love are on the menu. It’s all freshly cooked and really well made. They also serve paella made to order (with a 30-or-so minute wait), which seems very popular from my observations.

The wine list is entirely Spanish, and one of the few things I think would improve Tapete is if they offered more variety of wine by the glass—right now your choices are house red or white.

The other suggestion I’d make is for them to offer regular specials—the menu is fixed, and while that’s mostly not a problem it would be more of an incentive to return regularly if there were some seasonal variety.

But those are really just additions I’d like to see, not negative marks. In all, I’m very happy with this new addition to the area and wish it plenty of success.

Fire at the Grove House

On Saturday night at around 8.40pm a fire broke out in the kitchen of the Grove House pub, on Camberwell Grove. Fifty staff and punters were escorted out of the building when the alarm went off, so no-one was hurt. A total of ten fire engines and 70 fire crew attended the blaze, which was finally extinguished some six hours later.

The full extent of the damage hasn’t been reported, but there is damage to the first and second floors, and the extraction system which goes to the roof. Personally speaking, I hope the damage isn’t too bad as the Grove is one of my favourite buildings in the area.

The cause of the fire has also not been reported. Update: an article in the Morning Advertiser says “fire officials believe the fire was caused by a thermostat failing on a deep fat fryer, causing the oil to catch alight”.

The pub will remain closed “until further notice”—here’s hoping they’re back on their feet soon.

You can see a couple of clips of the fire in these videos from Twitter user Rodnie Oro.

Eating Out News: Italian, Spanish, Cheese, and Fish & Chips

A flying update with some quick news about local restaurants.

Golazio is a new bar opening on 14th June at 59 Camberwell Road. The bar is inspired by Italian football of the 90s, and will sell pizza by the slice and Italian craft beers.

Tapete is a new Spanish restaurant now open at 119 Grove Lane (the former Buddha Jazz). Can’t find any online presence, but you can see a photo of their menu (one, two).

Good Neighbour have a series of events coming up in June, from live music in the basement to a battle of the cheeses.

Fladda fish & chips was sold at the beginning of May (I missed that news entirely), but continues operating under the new owner. No idea of why or plans for the future.

That’s all. Enjoy your evening.

Camberwell Arts Festival 2018: A Cure for What Ails You

The Camberwell Arts Festival 2018 begins this Saturday, 16th June, running for a whole nine days. Here’s the official lowdown…

9 days of art to make you feel better

This year’s Camberwell Arts Festival will explore the theme of All’s Well – the motto adopted by the Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell when they were granted the right to a coat of arms in 1901.

For nine days, Camberwell is set to become a crucible of artistic and scientific experimentation as arts and health practitioners collaborate to explore the unique mix of the area. Part science lab, part art studio All’s Well will offer a varied programme of exhibitions, events, talks, walks, workshops and open studios inviting you to take the Camberwell Arts Cure.

The varied programme includes easeful exhibitions, soothing shows and well-being workshops. Providing the opportunity to sing aah with the House of Praise Gospel Singers, join the Strange Women Society of South London to ferment kimchi or untangle your weekly woes with Knit and Nibble. Check out new art by recovering addicts and check-in emotional baggage at The Embodiment Cloakroom. From an art health and beauty spa to autism friendly arts, a doggy dress up parade to African drumming, you can get your daily dose of art at this year’s Camberwell Arts Festival.

It all kicks off on the Green at 12pm on Saturday. There’s a full line-up in the brochure (you might also find a printed one in a local hostelry).