"This is the most exciting development
opportunity in Europe. Improving a central London area on this scale
will never happen again in our lifetime"
Norman Foster
Elephant and Castle today
Entertainment
The Coronet on New Kent Road has re-opened its doors with headline acts like Blur and Justin Timberlake. The Ministry of Sound draws clubbers south of the river, and the Latin American community has opened the Ministry of Salsa on the southern roundabout.
Eating and drinking
Pizzeria Castello at the top of Walworth Road is an Elephant and Castle institution. It has been joined by La Bodeguita, a bustling Latin cafe in the shopping centre, and Tiendas del Sur, an arcade of Latin shops and businesses. The Beehive on Penrose Street is a traditional boozer.
Shopping
Walworth Road is a popular shopping street. Baldwin's, a health store which has been in business there since 1844. East Street Market provides the opening shot on the credits of Only Fools and Horses and is an old stomping ground of Charlie Chaplins. Tlon, a second hand bookshop is on the ground floor of the shopping centre and the nearby Pullens Yards house a number of small arts and crafts businesses.
Culture
The London College of Communication adds an arty feel to the place, the Imperial War Museum is just up the road and the quirky Cuming museum at the top of Walworth Road is filled with archaeological curios. The Siobhan Davies Dance Company is set to move to the area.
Architecture
Well-known residential block Metro Central Heights was designed by Erno Goldfinger and was originally known as Alexander Fleming House. Perronet House was developed by the Greater London Council in the early 1970s. The listed Michael Faraday memorial sits in the middle of the northern roundabout and will be relocated to another location in the future.
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Elephant and Castle - past and present
Check out this section to find out more about the History of Elephant and Castle and its current attractions
