How to spend a perfect Saturday in Camberwell: a local’s guide

We’re all proud of our neighbourhoods, but few match the loyalty of a Camberwell local. It’s bustling, it’s dynamic, and it’s creative. It can feel rather frenetic at times, but that’s what makes it special, and partnered with tree-lined streets like Grove Lane and Camberwell Grove and a multitude of parks, it makes for one of the most balanced and interesting London neighbourhoods out there. So, this is my local guide to a perfect Saturday spent in Camberwell.

8.00am: yoga at Zen Yoga

There are few places I love more than Zen Yoga. It’s a tiny little yoga studio located next to one of my favourite pubs for outdoor pints (Grove House Tavern). Dappled light shines in through the windows, you can hear the sounds of children playing tennis next door and there is a true sense of community the minute you walk in. The classes are small, and the teachers are passionate. I love to take a dynamic vinyasa class to kickstart some energy into my day, but there are plenty of Yin classes available. Top tip: Zen Yoga offers acupuncture weekly on Thursdays!

Address: 24A Camberwell Grove, London SE5 8RE
Website: zenyoga.org.uk

9.30am: coffee and pastries at Lumberjack Coffee

Now that I’ve had my Saturday stretch, it’s time to grab a coffee and treat from Lumberjack. Located on Camberwell Church Street, this little shop packs a punch when it comes to making an unmatched flat white. The line often snakes out the door but moves quickly. The pastries are hard to resist, and I personally love anything with lemon + poppyseed, so I order myself a piece of the loaf and make my way into the garden. Dinky tables and chairs and walls lined with happy vegetables and fruit make for a perfect location for a catch-up with friends. P.S. There are loads of delicious wines, Italian treats and local artwork in the back, which always make for a fun peruse after coffee.

Address: ​​70 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8QZ
Website: instagram.com/wearelumberjackcoffee

11.00am: explore Camberwell Green Market

Next up, I make my way to the Saturday morning market on Camberwell Green. It’s a small but mighty market offering, with great vendors there from 10 am-3 pm, including delicious fresh UK vegetables and fruit. I pick up a few bits to see me through the weekend – there’s something rewarding about buying directly from the farmer themself; it makes you feel more connected to your environment. And I’d be remiss not to mention Roka Brings Flowers, who sells vibrant bouquets from her bike each Saturday on the green.

Address: Camberwell Green, London SE5 7AA
Website: urban-farmers-market.co.uk

1.00pm: Grove House Tavern for a Mondo Sandwich

After a cup of tea at home, one of Saturday’s simple pleasures, I head to Grove House Tavern to meet up with some friends for a Mondo Sando, unequivocally the best sandwiches in london. Grove House Tavern has a beautiful outdoor area – shaded by the trees of Camberwell Grove, fairy lights sloping above the tables and the chitter chatter of the community. We take a seat and make our choices. Let’s be clear, you’re not going to get it wrong with any of these sandwiches, but my go-to is the Mondo Frango, tender chicken with a bit of a kick paired with salty matchstick potatoes, I dare you to find a better combo than that. We have a few pints (lager gal through and through), and then we’re off for a bit of a walk.

Address: 26 Camberwell Grove, London SE5 8RE
Website: grovehousetavern.co.uk

2.30pm: afternoon walk through Ruskin Park

We make our way up Denmark Hill to Ruskin Park – one of my favourite London parks. There’s an incredible community garden you can visit for free on Saturdays, a paddling pool for little kiddies, sports pitches, beautiful trees and terraced gardens. It’s an absolute delight of an Edwardian-era park, originally designed by J.J. Sexby, a famous landscape architect. We take a lap while enjoying the views of London, and I’m (as always) taken by how much of a community hub this park is, especially in a city the size of London.

Address: Denmark Hill, London SE5 9AW
Website: friendsofruskinpark.org.uk

4.00pm: South London Gallery for a peruse and coffee in the garden

Next up is South London Gallery, it’s on the other side of Camberwell, but it’s a small neighbourhood, so off we go. The gallery is free and comprised of two buildings – the main building and the fire station. I start at the fire station and then head to the main building, the exhibit is by Firelei Báez and is a “journey through vibrant spaces where ecology, power, and resistance interact.” I take in the installations and then grab an iced coffee, sitting in the gardens and taking in the summer sun. It’s also always worth looking at the shop in the SLG – they have an amazing curation of books that ranges from poetry to independently published literature on art, society, politics and more.

Address: 65 Peckham Rd, London SE5 8UH
Website: southlondongallery.org

5.00pm: Drinks at Peckham Pelican

Head a couple of blocks towards Peckham, and you’ll find the Peckham Pelican nestled comfortably on Peckham Road. It’s cosy, bohemian and a great spot for a glass of ice-cold wine. They serve up snacks (or dinner) too, if you’re interested in spending the evening there. It’s got an incredibly relaxed atmosphere, and sometimes you’ll be lucky enough to catch some live music. If you’re interested in taking that glass of wine a bit further, then walk back into the centre of Camberwell for a bottle (or two) at Little Cellars or Veraison Wines.

Address: 92 Peckham Road, London, SE15 5PY
Website: thepeckhampelican.co.uk

7.00pm: Dinner at Camberwell Arms

Second pub of the day, but hey, ho. Camberwell Arms is famed around London and with good reason. This is easily the best gastropub and possibly dinner one can get in the big smoke, and I’m lucky enough to have it on my doorstep. Incredibly high ceilings, deep greens, rich woods, and interesting artwork create a chic but inviting ambience. The staff are incredibly friendly, and are happy to recommend dishes, wines, cocktails – whatever you need. The menu rotates frequently, but what I can say is that one can never go wrong with a delicious piece of fish at this restaurant – rich, comforting, yet interesting dishes that are made to be shared with friends.

Address: 65 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8TR
Website: thecamberwellarms.co.uk

9.00pm: Hermit’s Cave

And somehow, I’ve found myself at the third pub of the day, don’t judge, but I cannot pass up an opportunity to visit Hermit’s Cave. It’s the perfect way to end your night – it’s a proper pub (you know what I mean) with great, cheap beer and where the clientele know how to have a good time. Ages range from 18-80, making for the perfect people-watching corner in Camberwell.

Address: 28 Camberwell Church St, London SE5 8QU