Multiple operator, Prospect Pubs & Bars has taken on the lease of The Cambria in Camberwell and is undertaking a £600k+ upgrade of the pub with Star Pubs & Bars.
It is the third Star Pubs & Bars pub that Prospect Pubs & Bars has taken on in 16 months taking its estate to six sites in total.
Closed since December 2019, building work has started at The Cambria with a reopening date scheduled for late March 2022.
The Cambria will undergo a full top-to-toe revamp to bring the much loved pub back to life. Alongside the necessary updates to expand the kitchen, the pub will also benefit from a number of structural changes to enhance the pub’s layout, creating new and areas to drink, dine and entertain.
The eclectic design reflects the pub’s colourful, up-and-coming neighbourhood, whilst providing the warmth expected of a neighbourhood local.
Downstairs an expansive 40-cover garden room with retractable roof and sides will come to life with festoon lighting and planting to create a laid-back, all-day drinking and dining area. Whilst inside the large bar area and lounge will be refreshed to become the buzzy heart of the pub, and an upstairs dining room that’s also available for private hire will be created.
Outside, a large but homely, festoon-lit front terrace will offer additional seating for up to 70 guests.
Design-wise The Cambria will fuse an urban and contemporary look with a more organic and relaxed feel. Decorated in a mix of rich heritage colours, the venue will feature refurbished wooden panelling against an eclectic mix of furniture styles and plush upholstery.
Open all day, food at The Cambria will focus on classic pub grub alongside small plates and extensive grill options.
The drinks offering will centre on nearby Brixton Brewery’s hand-crafted, small batch beers and ales on tap, alongside premium international beers and ciders, wines, spirits and cocktails, plus a vibrant selection of no and low options and an extensive menu of barista-style Fairtrade coffees and teas.
Mark Draper, director of Prospect Pubs and Bars, (pictured right) said, “This is now our third site operating with Star Pubs & Bars, following the successful re-opening of The Victoria and The Blue Ball in Surrey.
'We value the support they offer us in terms of helping us expand and drive our business, whilst they can be assured the sites they work with us on are in safe hands operationally, with a shared vision of embedding them back to their rightful place at the heart of the community.
“In spite of the pandemic, we’re on track with our expansion plans. We’re excited to bring The Cambria back to life and back into the heart of its vibrant community. These last couple of years have demonstrated the strength and value of a good local community pub, one that customers can call their own and where they can feel at home.
“My business partner, Dan Shotton [pictured left], and I follow the same simple philosophy when opening new sites. We aim to create authentic, timeless, quality pubs that are as well-known for their friendly welcome and independent spirit as they are for their great food and drink at fair prices. In a nutshell, they are pubs that we ourselves would want to drink and eat in.”
Colin Coogan, Business Development Manager, said, “We’re delighted that operators of Mark and Dan’s calibre are taking on The Cambria and taking it to a whole new level. They are very experienced pub operators and have a clear vision and a great track record of creating fantastic popular neighbourhood pubs, places where all ages can come together.'
Coogan concluded, 'This investment together with Mark and Dan at the helm will ensure it stands out from other pubs and becomes a favourite local.”