The Old Dispensary London

Noisy neighbourhood nights

Harry from London

About me I'm a reporter at a national newspaper based in London. Aside from writing, I love exploring where I live and finding the best and most exciting places around. Why London? London is always changing, never a dull day. Often places you love close down, and that's sad but fear not because here in one of the most vibrant cities in the world it's only a matter of time...
"With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night."

The Old Dispensary in Camberwell is a raucous, noisy den of energy and sound out from the shadows of the city's highrises. It’s hard to find a time after dark when the Old Dispensary isn’t loud; its front door takes you out onto the ever-busy Camberwell Road and at peak times the neighbourhood’s cool kids and alternative types spill out onto the narrow pavement, often even dicing slightly with the traffic. 

This shouldn’t be taken as a bad thing, however, because it is a testament to the popularity of The Old Dispensary amongst the area’s younger, artsier crowd. Live music is constant here with a wide variety and, while not every gig here will be for everyone, the energy can’t be faulted. 

With connections to the local skate scene, the Old Dispensary is a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from one of South London’s many arts unis head for a big night. So head down for a night of noise, energy and probably a decent shift spent listening to someone having a moan about the government.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

London Spotter Harry

About me I'm a reporter at a national newspaper based in London. Aside from writing, I love exploring where I live and finding the best and most exciting places around. Why London? London is always changing, never a dull day. Often places you love close down, and that's sad but fear not because here in one of the most vibrant cities in the world it's only a matter of time until a new place opens or you stumble across the next gem. Where can you find me online? Twitter Work Portfolio

About this spot

325 Camberwell New Rd

Pint:

£

6

07727725825

Oct 3, 2025

Our London City Guide

Find your way with 276 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Konjiki

Another Taste of Japan

Konjiki serves fresh, flavorful Japanese dishes from crispy Chicken Katsu to rich Sukiyaki. It's a cozy spot with occassional events, check their website!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Helena

Homsi

Nov 18, 2025

Craft Metropolis, Brixton

Small alley, big vibes

Blink and you’ll miss it. This private little Loughborough Junction spot is well hidden, down a single-file alley off the otherwise unremarkable Hinton Rd.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Nov 18, 2025

The Hermits Cave

The pub lover's pub

The Hermit’s Cave is the kind of place the pub lovers ‘pop down for a quick one’ before dinner, a gentle spot for a gentle relationship with alcohol...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Nov 18, 2025

BookMongers

Book lover's paradise

Bookmongers truly is one of the gems of Brixton. Just be warned, if you head down with a busy schedule, be prepared to miss your next appointment. 

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Harry

Thompson

Nov 18, 2025

Stormbird

The place to be

Stormbird is the perfect pub for the people who have arrived in recent years to call it home. A beer-focused tap room often with some 15 beers on offer...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Nov 18, 2025

The Bear

Old new kid on the block

With minimalist decor, The Bear’s clean walls and carefully curated artwork create a smooth blend between traditional pub and forward-facing...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Nov 18, 2025

The Tiger

Good times after dark

The Tiger plays by its own rules though, staying open until three on the weekends meaning you can call it a night when you actually want to.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Nov 18, 2025

The Clarendon Arms

Cherish, don't change

Inside are people that know each other, who have helped keep their boozer free from the relentless march of gentrification while so many others failed.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Nov 18, 2025

Theo's, Camberwell

Your neighbourhood Italian

In essence, when it comes to stylish neighbourhood pizza joints, Theo’s has all the bases covered starting with banging pizza, fair prices and good drinks.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Harry

Thompson

Nov 18, 2025

The French House

Old school journo den

The French House has a long-standing reputation as a central pillar in London's historic district of dastardliness and debauchery...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Harry

Thompson

Nov 18, 2025

Swingers London

Boozy indoor crazy golf

"Swingers London" London is a crazy indoors golf course with a bar and lots of street food-style eateries. Tip: get a few cocktails at the bar beforehand.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Ellie

Swain

Nov 18, 2025

Peckham Levels

A hub of creativity

"Peckham Levels" is in one of London's most formerly notorious neighborhoods. Now it's one of the coolest neighborhoods -- come and spend a whole day here!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Ellie

Swain

Nov 18, 2025

Heading to London?

276 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

London app Home
London app Home
London app Map
London app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

276 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Bars

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
19
Made with the 💚 of 496 Spotters.
Filters