On a sunny stretch of Camberwell Church Street in south-east London, Hello JoJo’s blue-and-red frontage feels like a party invitation you can’t refuse. Opened this summer by Camberwell locals Rob Newlan and Jo Lavender, with head chef Will Faris in the kitchen, the restaurant and bakery serves up playful, elevated comfort food – think just-baked bread, ready to tear and use to scoop up creamy artichoke dips and whipped goat’s curds, and smoked potato dumplings in buttermilk sauce served beneath flame-frilled squid skewers brushed with a seductive garum caramel – alongside low-intervention wines and spritzy vermouth cocktails. The newly launched bakery tempts passers-by in the early hours with fresh loaves and sweet delights. Born from a love of Camberwell’s vibrancy, variety and fiercely independent spirit, Hello JoJo is a space where locals can gather, celebrate and eat fabulously. In short, it’s the perfect place to start (or end) the perfect day in SE5.
We caught up with Rob Newlan to find out how he’d spend the rest of it.
We caught up with Rob Newlan to find out how he’d spend the rest of it.
What’s the best way to start the day in Camberwell?
Start with a sauna, first thing, at the amazing new Community Sauna in Ruskin Park. Then, swing by Toad Bakery on the way back, for one of their iced buns and a coffee.
Inside one of the saunas at Community Sauna in Ruskin Park | Credit: Liz Seabrook
Lunch would have to be a falafel and aubergine wrap, with chilli and garlic sauce, from our brilliant neighbours, Falafel & Shawarma (27 Camberwell Church St). Or a parmigiana and house salad from Theo’s. Oh, and how could I forget Mondo Sando? Their veggie Christmas sandwich was maybe the best thing I ate in December, or possibly 2024. And if we’re talking about a Sunday lunch, then I’m not sure anywhere beats The Camberwell Arms.
I’ve had great dinners all over Camberwell. The food – and the vibe – at The Bear is amazing (and I’m a sucker for eating at a counter and bothering the chefs). The team at The Kerfield Arms has smashed it with a gorgeous new space and food. Nadine is a class act, too. But if I had to pick one place, it would be FM Mangal – I could live off that smokey bread with cacik and the patlican soslu dip.
Where are we heading for lunch?
Lunch would have to be a falafel and aubergine wrap, with chilli and garlic sauce, from our brilliant neighbours, Falafel & Shawarma (27 Camberwell Church St). Or a parmigiana and house salad from Theo’s. Oh, and how could I forget Mondo Sando? Their veggie Christmas sandwich was maybe the best thing I ate in December, or possibly 2024. And if we’re talking about a Sunday lunch, then I’m not sure anywhere beats The Camberwell Arms.
For dinner?
I’ve had great dinners all over Camberwell. The food – and the vibe – at The Bear is amazing (and I’m a sucker for eating at a counter and bothering the chefs). The team at The Kerfield Arms has smashed it with a gorgeous new space and food. Nadine is a class act, too. But if I had to pick one place, it would be FM Mangal – I could live off that smokey bread with cacik and the patlican soslu dip.
The Camberwell Arms | Credit: J W Howard
Any suggestions for a post-prandial drink?
Stop by the brilliant Veraison Wines for a glass of something cold, or have a Guinness at The Old Dispensary, which is Dublin-level good. When I want to try something new, I love to browse the selection at Stormbird, the craft brewery spot on Camberwell Church Street. Dear God, there is so much good stuff to choose from.What’s next for Hello JoJo?
Following the restaurant launch, and the bakery, which has just opened, the team is hard at work on new menu ideas. There are a few exciting things in the pipeline – everything’s moving fast, and we’re learning loads every day, but there’s nothing quite like the noise of a happy, buzzing restaurant to drive the whole project forward.