The Hermits Cave in London: photos, reviews

About

The Hermits Cave in London is a cozy Edwardian gem that has been welcoming patrons since 1902. With its traditional mahogany woodwork and vibrant wallpapers, this good-sized pub offers a warm atmosphere featuring two stunning fireplaces. Ideal for a casual meet-up with friends, The Hermits Cave provides a wide selection of alcohol, including a varied mix of keg and cask beers, as well as no- and low-alcohol options. It's a place where fashion meets comfort, with plenty of seating options and facilities to catch the latest sports games. The courteous staff enhance your experience, and at just 1 to 10 GBP per person, it's an affordable destination without skimping on quality. As an homage to Saint Giles, this all-rounder pub is a delightful addition to London's vibrant nightlife.

Price

$$$$ 1 - 10 GBP

Services

Dine-in

Offering

Serving alcohol, Serving beer, Serving wine, Serving food

Payment

Payment by credit card, Payment by debit card, NFC payment

Atmosphere

Fashionably, Casual, Cozy

Best for

Meet up with friends

4.1

based on 373 reviews

Google

4.1/5 373 reviews

Dr Richard Fishlington

Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Does what it does

London Pub Map

Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

🚇 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. 🍻

Bogdan

Food: 4
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 3

Decent pub, toilets are a bit small but staff and atmosphere are nice.

What is the address of The Hermits Cave?
The Hermits Cave is located at 28 Camberwell Church St, SE5 8QU, London, United Kingdom.
How to get here by public transport?
The nearest public transport options provide quick and easy access:
- Bus stop Caldecot Road (Stop Z) (505 m walk)
- Bus stop Camberwell Church St / Camberwell Grn (Stop L) (70 m walk)
- Bus stop Warner Road (Stop J) (246 m walk)
- Bus stop King's College Hospital (Stop A) (510 m walk)
How is The Hermits Cave rated by visitors?
The Hermits Cave has an average rating of 4.1 based on 373 reviews across platforms such as Google.
What is the average price at The Hermits Cave?
The average price is 1 - 10 GBP (it is cheap - $).
Is the venue pet-friendly?
The Hermits Cave is a pet-friendly venue where guests can bring their animals.

The Hermits Cave in London