The Crooked Well

£11 - £25 / British, European, Vegetarian options

16 Grove Ln, London

Opening hours

12:30PM-11:30PM

Sunday 12:30PM-9PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 4PM-11PM
Wednesday 4PM-11PM
Thursday 4PM-11PM
Friday 4PM-11PM
Saturday 12:30PM-11:30PM

Chilled Vibes and Remarkable Sunday Roast

Emerging through the vibrant landscape of Camberwell’s bar scene, The Crooked Well stands as a bastion highly revered for its culinary endeavors under the helm of Carter’s pop-up kitchen. Tucked away off the main road, this gastropub oozes charisma with its charming old-world exterior offering a decidedly quaint counterpoint to the chic, rustic furnishings within. It is a space where many patrons have found their palates piqued by inventive vegetarian dishes such as the panisse and smoked trout, revered staples amid a menu brimming with high-quality British fare crafted with great precision. On my recent visit, the air was abound with the hearty anticipation of Sunday roast enthusiasts, and the Pork Roast emerged as the house star, melt-in-your-mouth tender and an epitome of down-home comfort.

Beyond food, it’s often the prowess of excellent staff that defines the tenor of a diner’s experience, an aspect where The Crooked Well doesn’t waver. Service is ubiquitously praised, evidenced in charismatic waiters like Hayden whose devotion to hospitality artfully tied together the convivial ambiance with episodes of gastro-delight graciously delivered table-side. While some grumblings exist over a pint of Guinness with uncommon flavors or unwelcome extras sneaked onto bills, the allure of charming fare served in intimate warmth mostly ameliorates these eccentéries. What lingers most potent is the unabashed charm of Chef Frank whose culinary endeavours echo through each lovingly curated dish, promising patrons—newcomers and barflies alike—a place worth more than one consideration. — Audrey Al Dente