Grand Union

Stopped here for a pint last Friday, place was packed, had a pint and played some table football, on the whole not a bad venue

Have visited this place twice (firstly in early December 2010 and more recently Feb 2011) and will not be returning. GU Camberwell has great potential. It’s nicely kitted out, well positioned for the affluent local trade resident in nearby streets. It weakness is that the management and staff just can’t be bothered. Surly and sullen staff and managers drift around in a dream occasionally stopping by the bar to serve a customer or two. Piles of dirty dishes lie unwashed on the bar top sending stale odours around the bar. Intending diners look on forlornly from their tables as plates of by now cold fries are whizzed around the bar destination unknown. The toilets (gents, at least) are dirty and smelly.
For the prices charged, this place needs to do better, much better.

Visited on Sunday 6^th June around 1500. Not terribly impressed by the enthusiasm or proffesionnalism of the bar staff, they seemed tired, miserable and/​or hungover.
Inspite of the fact that there would have been at most 15 customers there was a big mess of dirty plates, dirty glasses on the bar and next to the cash till a pile of papers and a tooth brush???
I also did’nt like the fact that I ordered an orange juice, and was given a glass of Morrisons cheapest carton juice, which actually hardly can be called orange juice (59pence per carton) as it hardly contains any orange?
Can you explain how you can charge around 2.00 for a glass of juice from a carton costing 59pence? I think that’s called ripping customers off.
Management and/​or staff need a good kick up the backside.
Good points — great venue, in nice location, table football, lots of space, comfortable sofa’s and outdoor seating

Grand Union Camberwell Grove — Pics The London Foodie
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I was recently approached by the PR machine of the Grand Union group to visit their newly opened.
Having lived in South East London for eight years before returning North of the River, I used to cycle through Camberwell Grove to my then home in Dulwich. I enjoyed cycling down that beautiful street (one of the very few places worth visiting in Camberwell), and with that in mind, I decided to accept GU’s invite and down memory lane I went.
Unlike other burger joints such as GBK and Byron, GU’s new branch has been designed as an historic but rather funky Victorian pub, with beautiful wood panelling and green leather U-​shaped sofas resembling those of an American diner.
I liked the décor and the antique furniture, particularly the chairs and the gorgeous tables. Other nice touches included table football, the DJ turnstiles, and an area for drinking & relaxation in their conservatory. This is a place I would not feel rushed with my food, a place to relax and enjoy the company of friends.
We were soon greeted by the lovely manager Rose and her staff and seated in one of their green sofas. Beers in hand, Dr G and I perused the menu and noted a certain resemblance of some of their Gourmet Burgers to GBK’s. I had never been to a Grand Union before but had been recommended to try their Fired Earth Burger £7.95 while Dr G ordered GU’s version of Avocado & Bacon Burger £7.95 (my own GBK favourite).
Both burgers looked very impressive as they were brought to our table nicely toasted bread from Rhodes Bakers, stacked up salad greens, tomato slice and other trimmings. The burger itself was, however, disappointing. The meat had been too finely minced resulting in a homogenous and over processed patty. Moreover, the patties had been overcooked, and were on the tough side. My heart sank as I munched through my burger…
The Fired Earth Burger, a 7oz beef patty spiced with chilli powder, peppered cheese, sliced jalapenos, fresh rocket and secret spicy sauce, was (as it says on the label) incredibly hot! Dr G’s Avocado & Bacon Burger was spot on except that the burger was as overcooked and over processed as mine.
To accompany our burgers, we ordered a portion of their chunky chips £2.95 (fresh Maris Piper potatoes, highly rated by Time Out) and a portion of French Fries £2.65. These were both delicious, and perfectly cooked. I would heartily recommend them.
I would personally like to return to Grand Union Camberwell Grove once the patty is improved. This is place that has nearly all the elements for a great burger joint a warm welcome, unhurried service, stylish and comfortable settings, and among the best chips in town.
Verdict Good value venue, perfect for families and lazy Sunday afternoons. Serves one of the best chips in London but the patties were disappointing.