The Hermit's Cave

I really love this pub. I drink here a lot and have always drank (fairly) reasonably priced and delicious pints. However, I’ve not been able to drink for a few weeks. Despite this, I met some friends in the pub earlier this evening and ordered a soda water with fresh lime. I was absolutely SHOCKED when the card reader said £4.95. I can’t remember a time I’ve ever paid more than £3 for a soda water!! I recognise that pubs need to earn an income, but £4.95 for water is wild, and quite discriminatory to people who don’t drink

4 months ago · via Google

🚇 Denmark Hill 🍺 £6.00 Heineken The Hermits Cave Is located close to Camberwell Green in Camberwell, South London. The nearest station is Denmark Hill. This beautiful curved Edwardian pub was built in 1902, though records show that a beer retailer operated on this site as early as 1878. I love the architecture of this building and burgundy glazed tiles and etched glass windows. The name “Hermits Cave” is thought to reference Saint Giles, a hermit who lived in a cave near Nîmes, France. Legend says he was wounded by an arrow meant for a doe that fed him, and he refused treatment to strengthen his spiritual devotion. Saint Giles later became the patron saint of the poor and disabled. This is a good-sized traditional pub with two adjoining rooms. The servery is centrally located and adorned with all manner of bric-a-brac along the top of the gantry. The decor is traditional, featuring a colourful mix of wallpapers and mahogany woodwork. There is plenty of seating throughout, along with two stunning fireplaces topped with ornate mirrors, historic photos of Camberwell, and a huge wildebeest head mounted above one of the doorways. There also a few screens for live sport. The beer selection is good, offering a mix of familiar keg favourites, an impressive cask line-up, and some no- and low-alcohol options. I opted for a Heineken—my pint was very agreeable, price point was average. This is a wet-led pub that doesn’t serve food. I arrived at 1 p.m. on a warm and sunny Saturday lunchtime in May. The pub was quiet, with a chilled atmosphere and just one other punter in attendance. I was soon joined by fellow pub enthusiast @footballstickersinthewild and his good lady, and we had a nice catch-up over a pint. The service was great, the team member on duty was welcoming and courteous. I really enjoyed visiting The Hermit’s Cave, especially the traditional pub décor, which was nice to see. The cask ale selection will please the cultured imbiber. This pub is a solid all-rounder and definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. 📅 17th May 2025 If you want to see all my pub reviews in one place, head to @londonpubmap on Instagram. 🍻

a year ago · via Google

This was my favourite local pub until today! I have been frequenting this establishment for many years and believe this may be one of the best pints of Guinness in London… Today a member of staff came bounding over towards me extremely aggressively barking managers legislation, shouting and informing I am “ cut off” this was literally seconds after giving a homeless person who hadn’t eaten in days with no shoes on and only needed just £5 for a hostel.. which I thought was very good deal. I find it disgusting that I wasn’t informed in the years that I have been drinking here that it was the policy not to give homeless people money … I find this this extremely right wing and not in tune with the local community ethos, that everyone is welcome. This is a public house “public” but it baffles me why some members of society are not welcome. We are all humans!!! Everyone has a voice !

4 months ago · via Google

Walked into this pub on a Sunday evening expecting it to be empty and dead but was pleasantly surprised to find a merry smattering of locals and fellow passers through as well as a very cheerful and attentive barman called Ben. He was just a young chap but a natural behind the bar, walking me through the fine selection of cask and pale ales. I sampled a few and went with a lightbulb pale ale which was delightful. Will definitely be stopping there again next time I’m in Camberwell and would recommend to anyone after a refreshing pint and a great atmosphere.

7 months ago · via Google