Living in Elephant & Castle
Elephant and Castle is currently undergoing a major transformation, with a total of £3 billion being spent on building 5,000 new homes, more open spaces, a new shopping centre, and innovative start-up incubators for new businesses to operate. Alongside aesthetic transformation, the development has brought about a new, more dynamic vibe to the area and it is becoming an increasingly popular place to rent properties. Falling within the borough of Southwark, Elephant and Castle is home to The University of the Arts London and London Southbank University, making the area popular with students and graduates. You will be able to find a great selection of restaurants and bars as well as a thriving nightlife with one of the most famous clubs in London situated in Elephant and Castle.
Elephant and Castle is an area rich in history. The area was badly bombed during the Second World War and was extensively redeveloped throughout the 50’s and 60’s. The Elephant and Castle shopping centre was built in 1965 and was one of the first of its kind in Europe. Today, the centre has been approved for demolition and will be rebuilt even bigger and better than ever. It is a great time to live in Elephant and Castle, where you can witness first-hand the breathtaking transformations that are taking place.
Transport
Tube:
Elephant and Castle Underground Zone 1: Northern Line and Bakerloo Line
Elephant and Castle to London Bridge: 3-minute tube
Elephant and Castle to Waterloo: 4-minute tube
Elephant and Castle to Bank: 5-minute tube
Elephant and Castle to Kings Cross: 14-minute tube
Elephant and Castle to Baker Street: 16-minute tube
Train:
Elephant and Castle Thameslink Services
Elephant and Castle to Blackfriars: 3-minute train
Elephant and Castle to Farringdon: 8-minute train
Elephant and Castle to St Pancras: 13-miunte train
Bus:
Elephant and Castle has an impressive 29 bus services running through the area. Some of the main routes can be seen below
Bus Number 1, 63, 188, 172, 188, 363, 415: Blackfriars, Kennington or Waterloo
Bus Number 12, 35, 40, 45, 68, 136, 148, 171, 176, 343: Brixton, Peckham or Camberwell Green
Bus Number 33, 133, 136, 333: London Bridge
Average Rental Prices
1 bed: £1,552 pcm
2 bed: £1,945 pcm
3 bed: £2,805 pcm
4 bed: £3,015 pcm
Council Tax
To be paid to Southwark Council
https://www.southwark.gov.uk/council-tax
Schools
There are several outstanding Ofsted rated schools in Elephant and Castle. The best primary schools include Charles Dickens, St John’s Walworth C of E, and Crampton. The best secondary schools are St Saviour’s & St Olave’s C of E, Oasis Academy Southbank, and Ark Globe Academy.
Life in Elephant and Castle
Elephant and Castle is rapidly becoming a one of London's hottest new places to live with its many restaurants, bars, attractions, and nightclubs to keep you entertained. It is situated close to Central London but still flies under the radar for tourists, so it is a great place to escape the overcrowded streets. It is an area popular with students, so the nightlife and amenities are exceptional. Below are our recommendations of where to eat, drink and have some fun in Elephant and Castle.
Food & Drink:
- Sabor Peruano
With outstanding reviews all over the internet, Sabor Peruano offer customers an authentic Peruvian experience that some diners have described as ‘just like the food back home’. It is a no-frills restaurant that serves up big portions at affordable prices. Try some fried yuca (South America's version of the chip) or a hearty, spicy lamb stew. The restaurant has been lauded for its quick service and informal, chilled setting, earning it a loyal crowd of regulars.
- Electric Elephant
Located only an 8-minute walk from the underground station, Electric Elephant is a friendly, funky café serving up delicious homemade cakes, coffee, tea and, if you're hungry, a hearty full English. There is seating both indoors and outdoors, so it is the perfect local place to enjoy a coffee on a sunny day. The interior is tastefully designed with a pastel pink colour scheme, a mini blossom tree, Chinese hanging lanterns and adorable, elephant-themed wall art.
- Leños and Carbón
Leños and Carbón pays homage to Colombian gastronomy with a variety of high-quality dishes reflecting Colombian culture and heritage. With a mouth-watering menu of authentic delicacies such as empanadas, parrillada mixta al carbón (mixed grilled meats) and sirloin or bone steak, you will be salivating as you browse the menu. Leños offers a weekend only special called Sancocho, a Colombian chicken or beef soup with cassava, plantain and potatoes. Give it a go, you won't be disappointed.
Culture & Leisure:
- Ministry of Sound
Ministry of Sound is perhaps one of the UK’s best-known (and best loved) clubbing venues. Four, large dancefloors each play genres of music such as R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop, Grime and Dancehall. Ministry of Sound first opened its door in 1991 and is still serving dedicated clubbers decades later. Located only a short walk away from Elephant and Castle Underground and University Halls of Residence, you will often find lots of students in the club, especially on a Tuesday evening (student night). However, the club is also open on Fridays and Saturdays, so there are plenty of opportunities to get your fix.
- Corsica Studios
Hidden beneath Elephant and Castle’s railway arches lies a secret gem. Corsica Studios is a small, intimate club offering its customers cheap tickets, excellent music and incredible live DJ sets. Unlike Ministry of Sound, Corsica specialises in techno, electronic and house music and opens its doors to up-and-coming artists, although cult favourites Jeff Mills and Nina Kraviz have performed there in the past. The venue is open until very late, with Fridays sometimes stretching on until 8am. So, you can be assured that you won’t be kicked out until long after you should be calling it a night.
- The Cinema Museum
Conveniently located a short stroll from the station, The Cinema Museum is an interesting collection of artefacts and memorabilia that tells the history of the cinema. The timeline starts from the 1890’s and tells the story of how the cinema has developed over the past century. Walking around the museum (guided tours are available), you will be able to see old cinema seat, stills, props, signage and machinery that used to be used in days gone by. This award-winning attraction even won the coveted Most Loved Culture Spot from Time Out magazine - so it's definitely worth your time on a grey weekend afternoon.
Is it for you?
If you’re looking for a rapidly modernising neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants, bars and a few open spaces, then Elephant and Castle is a great place for you. With excellent transport links to Central and South London, commutes to work will be relatively quick and free from hassle. The area is home to two major universities, so perfect if you are studying in the area. There is something to suit all budgets in Elephant and Castle, making it perfect for working professionals and families also.
