Living in Elephant & Castle
Located in the London Borough of Southwark, Elephant and Castle is a Central London neighbourhood known for its recent extensive redevelopment, excellent shops, and fantastic amenities. The area’s name comes from an 18thcentury pub and coaching inn that used to be located near the major roundabout. Elephant and Castle’s layout has earned it its nickname as the Piccadilly of South London, with immensely popular shopping centres and a busy road junction that are very similar to its counterpart in Soho.
Elephant and Castle’s location – which is just as central as Victoria – is just one of its great features. In the past two decades, the neighbourhood has undergone significant regeneration, resulting in new green spaces, mixed public and private sector housing, as well as a modernised leisure centre. More development is on the way, as planning permission has been secured for the complete renovation of Elephant & Castle shopping centre. This will include new commercial and residential units, a cinema, and a new campus building for the London College of Communication.
From commuters who need a quick connection to the business district to couples searching for a place to start their family, Elephant and Castle is a fantastic area that fits the needs of any demographic. The influx of independent shops has revitalised the neighbourhood’s local culture, with plenty to enjoy in the area’s theatre performances, indie stores, and exciting marketplaces now available in addition to its longstanding museums and galleries.
To learn more about living in Elephant and Castle, see our guide below.
Transport
The Elephant and Castle tube station connects to the Bakerloo and Northern lines. Arrive in King’s Cross Station in only 15 minutes!
Borough and Kennington Stations are nearby stops that also connect to the Northern Line. Lambeth North is the next stop on the Bakerloo line.
Just a few minutes over from the Elephant and Castle tube station is the Elephant and Castle National Railway Station, that connects to the Thameslink and Southeastern lines.
Elephant and Castle is located in Zones 1 and 2.
Things to do, places to eat & drink
Here are some of our favourite places to hang out in the local area
Mercato Metropolitano Elephant and Castle
One of Elephant and Castle’s most popular attractions, Mercato Metropolitano is home to over 40 independent trading partners all located under one roof. The food hall is situated in an abandoned paper factory and features one of London’s largest covered terrace areas. Mercato Metropolitano has food from all around the world, as well as various music, theatre, and community events.
With over 20 years in the business, Rincon Costeno has some of the best Ecuadorian food that London has to offer. From savoury meat dishes, like churrasco con carne and fritada, to delicious seafood concoctions, the restaurant has something for everyone. Try the fresh ceviche as an appetiser and don’t forget to order one of their many natural juices on the side!
Beza Ethiopian is a vegan Ethiopian restaurant that serves affordable, authentic food in a chic setting. Beza’s menu is both healthy and flavourful, putting a modern twist on traditional dishes. Even meat lovers will fall in love with Beza’s lentil and mung bean specialties!
Burgess Park is one of Southwark’s premier green spaces. The park features fantastic facilities, such as cricket and football pitches as well as tennis courts and a BMX track. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or try something more intense, you’ll find that the park has amenities for every member in your family.
Immerse yourself in Elephant and Castle’s art scene by taking in a show at the Southwark Playhouse theatre. The theatre’s Young Company program provides locals aged 14-25 with hands-on theatre experience so they can learn to express themselves through new mediums. The venue hosts various events throughout the year and even has its own bar inside.
The Imperial War Museum has five locations throughout the UK, with IWM London located in Elephant and Castle! This free museum has exciting exhibitions on both World Wars, providing an inside look into some of the most extraordinary 20th century military expeditions. New exhibits are added throughout the year, so there’s always something new to see!
If you’re considering a move to Elephant & Castle, you can view all of the fantastic properties we have available in the local area here.
If Elephant & Castle isn't the neighbourhood for you, we operate across the whole of London and can help you find your dream home, wherever it is that you want to live. All of our listings are available on our website, and you can use our convenient listing filters to find properties suited to your needs, whether you’re looking to rent with a pet or outdoor space is an absolute must-have. Alternatively, you can give us a call - just tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll get busy looking for you!
Author: Julia Kaluta
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