A statue of a pink elephant proudly carries a castle on its back in the middle of Castle Square in South London… It might sound like a beginning of a play, yet it is an iconic scenery in London’s vibrant neighbourhood, Elephant and Castle.
The name is not the only unique thing about the area, and what’s even more exciting is the future this Southwark neighbourhood beholds, with Elephant Central at the… well, centre. It was a challenge to narrow it down to 10 reasons to love this
On the corner of Elephant Road and New Kent Road, and across the street from Elephant and Castle train station, we’re at the heart of SE1 life. (OK, technically we have an SE17 postcode but step out of our building and take a couple of strides steps and there you are).
A 30-minute walk will take you into the heart of the City of London – good news for all the hustlers looking to live closer to their offices and still have their relaxed space to come back home to.
If you decide not to cross the bridges during weekends, Borough Market, The Shard, and Bankside are on the south side of the river with so many more hidden gems in Elephant and Castle to keep you entertained.
Elephant and Castle’s Zone 1 location is second to none. Its underground platforms reside on both the Bakerloo line and the City branch of the Northern Line, so wherever you wish to go in one of London’s 1-9 Zones, you shall get there!
The Bakerloo line will take you straight to Paddington in 18 minutes and there are plans to extend the line south to Lewisham. With Thameslink services, you will easily get to both Luton and Gatwick airport, and London St Pancras International is just 15 minutes away – ideal for that business trip or a weekend getaway.
Not to forget, 29 (day and night) bus routes passing through the area.
And for cyclists – free and secure 24-hour cycle storage in Elephant Central basement is a safe place to store your bike in between your cycling adventures.
Follow the pink elephant and you’ll find Castle Square. A collective of local traders proudly carrying the spirit of the Elephant and Castle community with years of experience in their craft. Located with this striking timber structure you’ll find everything from natural herbal products and hairstyling, to comfort foods and freshly brewed Colombian coffee. Castle Square traders know their onions. Alongside a diverse range of products and services, shopping locally offers so many benefits, all coming together in a one-of-a-kind Elephant & Castle neighbourhood.
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Mercato Metropolitano London’s first Sustainable Community Market, is an exciting foodie hotspot in the area. Irresistible plates and groceries from across the globe bring in locals week in, week out. Amidst this massive, airy market, you’ll find everything from Italian delicacies to Argentine steaks and Vietnamese bowls – plus craft beers and cracking cocktails, making it a cool evening hangout. You can also order food and groceries online for home delivery.
Another street food destination is Sayer Street, bursting with flavours coming from independent foods and drinks joints. Wandering around Sayer Street is like a quick alternative to travelling around the world with global cuisines and aromas inviting you to try everything from traditional Ethiopian vegan food in Beza to Caribbean wonders in Tasty Jerk.
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Yes, this one’s also about food but deserves a special mention. The Borough of Southwark, specifically Elephant and Castle has the second highest concentration of Latin Americans in London, so you’re in for some good, authentic South American cuisine.
One of our personal favourites is Paladar (which means plate, and in Cuba, refers to a small, privately-run restaurant with the character) serves up a delicious ever-changing menu. They also boast an impressive Latin American wine cellar. On the ground floor of Elephant Central you’ll also find TUPI, offering Brazilian flavours and delicious cocktails. Pay a visit during a happy hour…
Getting you in the mood for a fiesta, check out the sultry sounds of our Late Night Latin playlist on Spotify.
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Trailblazing global dance and house music venue, The Ministry of Sound, is based right here in Elephant and Castle! For those who enjoy house every weekend (and sometimes weekdays as well), this iconic club hosts both famous and upcoming names in the dance music niche.
If music and dancing all night is your bag, keep your eyes peeled for Corsica Studios’ upcoming events: this warehouse-style venue plays host to an ever-changing line-up of small club nights and live gigs.
In case you get swept away to the bars and clubs up in the City, don’t worry because Uber will take you back home in less than 20 minutes.
When a fitness haven Gymbox Elephant and Castle is literally your ‘neighbour’, there are no excuses to skip a gym day. This massive fitness playground offers an exquisite range of gym classes, sauna, holistic studio and even resident DJs.
But if you’d rather not even leave your building… Peak Performance team runs free outdoor training sessions for all Get Living residents living in Elephant Central. Another brilliant way to find your people – a new friend or a gym buddy!
For those who prefer to warm up with a brisk walk, check out the Castle Centre: an Everyone Active fitness centre with a pool, cycle studio and full fitness suite.
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Not many people know about Pullen’s Yard. This cutesy cobbled street houses artists, artisans and crafts; from potters and furniture designers to painters and architects, it’s a gorgeous quaint spot that shouldn’t be missed.
The newly opened Elephant and Park features rolling lawns and calming water springs that bubble from rock formations in natural landscapes. The perfect inner-city oasis, and super convenient for pet owners taking lunchtime walkies.
Further down Walworth Road is the more established Burgess Park. Southwark’s largest, glorious park has designated BBQ areas set next to the fishing lake with eight purpose-built BBQs and 10 spots for disposable ones. You’ll also find a BMX track, and sporting facilities and on Saturdays, there’s a weekly 5k race at 9 am. It’s free and a wholesome way to start the weekend!
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Speaking of weekends, Elephant and Castle takes care of both day and night activities. Before joining the queue for a club, make the most of your day with The Imperial War Museum, Southwark Playhouse, the Independent Moving Pictures Cinema, Sayer Street and the Cinema Museum – so worthy.
For those in need of fellow companions to explore the area, Elephant Central residents have access to regular free events and groups that meet regularly – find your people.
Resident Sonia has rented not one, but two homes with us at Elephant Central:
“When we decided we were coming back to London, I knew right where I wanted to be – I love how connected Elephant and Castle is, you can reach so much in 10 minutes: Borough Market, the river, the City. Add on another 10 minutes and you can be in West London or Shoreditch. It’s all so convenient.
“… The team being on-site also saves so much time – they’re really responsive and if we’ve ever had any issues with maintenance it’s been resolved within a day.”
Enquire now for a hustle-free renting experience and speak to our Elephant Central team today!
Live central to the action with an apartment to rent in London’s Zone 1. Elephant Central offers close proximity to the bustling South Bank and London Bridge, green space by Elephant Park and an eclectic mix of independent shops and restaurants on your doorstep.
With fully-furnished apartments ranging from 1-to 3 bedrooms, we’ll find a size and style to suit you.
