Growing up in south-east London, Helen Hall spent her teenage years heading for nights out in Camberwell. “It’s changed a lot since then,” she says. The cofounder of wine and small plates bars Peckham Cellars and Little Cellars (located in Camberwell), Hall has been part of the area’s evolution, helping to shape its food and drink scene.
Today, the slow curve of Camberwell Church Street is home to both old-school dining establishments and freshly painted restaurants, dimly lit boozers and critically acclaimed gastropubs. Well-established joints like Silk Road, which has been serving up Xinjiang cuisine for aeons, have been joined by PR-hyped small-plates spots. No wonder, then, that it felt natural for Hall to open her Little Cellars with a Church Street address.
Today, the slow curve of Camberwell Church Street is home to both old-school dining establishments and freshly painted restaurants, dimly lit boozers and critically acclaimed gastropubs. Well-established joints like Silk Road, which has been serving up Xinjiang cuisine for aeons, have been joined by PR-hyped small-plates spots. No wonder, then, that it felt natural for Hall to open her Little Cellars with a Church Street address.
Little Cellars, the sibling establishment to Hall’s Peckham spot
When Hall opened Peckham Cellars with Luke West-Whylie and Ben McVeigh, the trio had envisaged a wine bar that removed the pretension around wine and delivered great food, fun and friendly service. The opportunity to open a second address in Camberwell was too good to miss: it felt like fate. “We had an established customer base in the area,” Hall says, “and when we found this little corner site, it all clicked into place.” Located beside Cellar Next Door, the trio’s wine shop, the Camberwell address is a slightly more serious drinking destination, offering hard-to-come-by wines amid an intimate, bottle-focused atmosphere.
For Hall, Camberwell isn’t just home to her newest venture; it’s a place of rich history, diverse culture and a close-knit community. Whether you’re looking to explore its hidden gems, sip on some standout wines, or experience the area’s laid-back charm, Hall’s insights into Camberwell will deliver.
Most likely Silk Road (47 Camberwell Church St). It is one of my all-time favourite restaurants – probably one of the restaurants I’ve visited the most in my life. It’s been on Camberwell Church Street since I was in my early 20s – so, over 15 years now. It serves up authentic Sichuan food at an unbeatable price point.
When Hall opened Peckham Cellars with Luke West-Whylie and Ben McVeigh, the trio had envisaged a wine bar that removed the pretension around wine and delivered great food, fun and friendly service. The opportunity to open a second address in Camberwell was too good to miss: it felt like fate. “We had an established customer base in the area,” Hall says, “and when we found this little corner site, it all clicked into place.” Located beside Cellar Next Door, the trio’s wine shop, the Camberwell address is a slightly more serious drinking destination, offering hard-to-come-by wines amid an intimate, bottle-focused atmosphere.
For Hall, Camberwell isn’t just home to her newest venture; it’s a place of rich history, diverse culture and a close-knit community. Whether you’re looking to explore its hidden gems, sip on some standout wines, or experience the area’s laid-back charm, Hall’s insights into Camberwell will deliver.
Describe Camberwell’s vibe
Camberwell has a lovely village feel, with a tight-knit community. There are lots of local associations and groups who work to protect, enhance and celebrate the area – putting on food festivals and tours, and publishing blogs and online magazines about what’s happening in the neighbourhood.When you have visitors, where do you take them first?
Most likely Silk Road (47 Camberwell Church St). It is one of my all-time favourite restaurants – probably one of the restaurants I’ve visited the most in my life. It’s been on Camberwell Church Street since I was in my early 20s – so, over 15 years now. It serves up authentic Sichuan food at an unbeatable price point.
Expect queues outside London’s most talk-about bakery, Toad
Where should we go for breakfast?
Pick up one of London’s most talked-about (deservedly) pastries from Toad. I go for the cornbread croissant when it’s available. Then, head to Lumberjack for a flat white. The guys behind this Church Street spot are doing great work supporting out-of-work young people by offering employment. Plus, the coffee, cakes and sandwiches are very tasty, so you can enjoy your flat white knowing you supported a great cause.Give us a weekend walk to try
Camberwell Grove is one of the most beautiful streets in south-east London; it’s a gorgeous tree-lined road lined with the most incredible (and huge) Georgian houses. From there, take a wander around the roads behind Camberwell Church Street up towards Ruskin Park, an Edwardian-era green space promising trees, terraced gardens and ornate hedges – for a lovely afternoon stroll.It’s lunchtime – where should we head?
If you’re going quick and casual, Theo’s offers some of the best pizza in the area. For long and languid, The Camberwell Arms never disappoints. Their Sunday roast is arguably one of London’s best.
The South London Gallery offers free admission and has a café inside | Credit: Andy Stagg
Noko – a teeny tiny spot with banging Japanese food.
What should we do on a rainy day?
Mooch around the South London Gallery – it’s a free community gallery that always has an interesting roster of exhibitions and installations. In the evenings, catch a Jazzlive at the Crypt night in St Giles’ Church.Where’s best for a drink?
Little Cellars, obviously! But I also love the Grove House Tavern for a chilled pub sesh, especially when it’s sunny and the area out the front is packed with people drinking pints at the picnic tables.What should we order on a visit to Little Cellars?
Our beignets are a must. They’re deep-fried cheesy clouds of puffed-up choux pastry garnished with different dips and sauces – hot honey, pickled walnut ketchup, jalapeño relish... Always different but always delicious. Our chicken liver parfait is a classic, too, but done exceptionally – we regularly get asked when it’s coming back if it’s not on the menu. Wine-wise, I’m quite particular and I love a light juicy red, preferably chilled (even when it’s cold). We have a huge beaujolais selection, thanks to our collective obsession with a famous winemaker from the region – Jean Foillard. It’s an area famous for light juicy reds. Follaird’s Côte du Py is a particular favourite.Any other great restaurants you’d recommend for dinner?
Forza Win, for excellent pasta and Italian small plates. Pasta is my favourite food and Forza always hits the spot.Any other food spots we should know about?
The Grove Lane Deli sadly closed a few months ago, but the owner, Danielle, has been putting teasing posts out on social media about what she’s going to do next with the space and we (along with the whole neighbourhood) are waiting with bated breath to see what that is.Most underrated dining spot in Camberwell?
Noko – a teeny tiny spot with banging Japanese food.
Gladwell’s Deli & Grocery, on Camberwell Church Street