Discovering SE1

Located in Zone 1, Elephant and Castle is one of London’s liveliest areas, best known for its busy roads, 1960s shopping centre and, more recently, a fresh wave of property development.

With the old shopping centre due to make way for yet new buildings, and the character of the local area and its community undergoing fundamental changes, this corner of south East London is in a state of flux – but it still has plenty going for it.

Just south of the River Thames and home to the two universities – London College of Communication and London Southbank – as well as the Imperial War Museum, SE1 offers locals and visitors alike more than just busy roads, tall buildings and construction sites.

From quirky cafes and galleries to one of the capital’s best-known nightclub, these are some of the best places to visit.

1. The Electric Elephant, Walworth
   

Sat on the corner of Crampton Street since 2008, you will find a little café by the quirky name of The Electric Elephant. Serving fresh homemade cakes, pastries, soups, salads, and coffee, it also doubles as a gallery showcasing artwork from the artists opposite the café at Pullens Yards Studio; home to creatives and artists since 19^th century.

The Electric Elephant provides seating outdoors and indoors allowing customers to enjoy their break away from the busy streets of London. Check out the vegetarian and vegan menu, and visit the café for breakfast which is served all day.

For more information, visit The Electric Elephant’s website.

2. The Cinema Museum, Kennington

Take the tour of the Cinema Museum which has won the Most Loved Local Cultural Spot award from Time Out magazine. The building itself has been there since the 1890s, and was originally a workhouse where Charlie Chaplin went as a child. It is devoted to keeping the spirit of film and cinema alive and is set in the historic surrounds in Kennington holding a unique collection of equipment and memorabilia.

The museum is open to the public to view its eclectic collections of films, posters, artefacts and projections. It showcases an insight into the history and grandeur of cinema. Book in advance £10 per adult, £7 for children, and explore this quirky museum devoted to the silver screen.

For more information, visit the Cinema Museum’s website.

3. Inspire Cafe, Elephant and Castle

Hidden away in the crypt of St Peter’s Church off the Walworth Road, you will find a new café and bar. Inspire Cafe serves hot fresh food including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options. It is also part of a programme providing support and guidance to the local community, including a digital arts and media facility, an IT suite, performance space, and meeting rooms. Visit this hidden spot to relax and enjoy its delicious menu and homemade ginger beer.

4. Ministry of Sound, Elephant and Castle

This iconic nightclub was founded in 1991. It boasts four rooms; The Box, The 103, The Baby Box and The Loft alongside, a 64-speakers 22-channel sound system with technology by Dolby Atmos allowing guests to experience house and techno music.

Not only is this one of – if not the – best-known clubbing venues in the UK, it is also recognised worldwide with a brand which includes a radio station, clothing line and magazine as well as the largest independent record label in the world. Join over 300,00 clubbers and electro music lovers in Elephant and Castle to experience the world-famous nightspot.

The iconic nightclub has also introduced Ministry Does Fitness, holding London’s first fitness classes at a nightclub. The fitness classes and private workout sessions include HIITBOX, yoga and spin, so why not join the sessions and keep fit in rhythm to the house tunes?

For more information, visit the Ministry of Sound website.

5. Louie Louie, Walworth

Cafe by day, bar by night. Louie Louise features a range of cuisines from Nepalese to Iranian, Hungarian, Israeli and Mexican, and served natural wines and local beers. As well as offering delicious foods from around the world, Louie Louie holds events in its basement on Friday and Saturday evenings serving cocktails, food and live music from Grassroots Music.

For more information, visit the Louie Louie website.

6. Southwark Playhouse, Southwark

Sat just a quick stroll from Elephant and Castle tube station. Southwark Playhouse stages a range of productions, from Shakespeare to brand new dramas and musicals. Over the past 20 years, it has become one of London’s leading studio theatres.  

The Playhouse also welcomes local schools and has worked alongside Southwark Council and local organisations in order to improve the community and educational aspirations for young people. Workshops are open to anyone in the areas aged 14-25, with the option of joining the Young Company in order to develop performance skills and perform live at the theatre and other venues across the borough.

For more information, visit the Southwark Playhouse website.

7. Moving Pictures Cinema, Elephant and Castle

A recent addition to the local arts and cultural scene is this single-screen cinema located in Mercato Metropolitano food hall. Opened in 2018, it seat over 100 peoplein specially designed armchairs to showcase the art digital projection. Founded by two filmmakers, the Moving Pictures Cinema screens newly-released and classic films suitable to all audiences. This small, cosy cinema is ideal for date nights and relaxed evenings shared with wine and popcorn.

For more information, visit the Moving Pictures Cinema website.