The best clubs and nights out around Elephant & Castle

103 Gaunt Street, SE1 6DP

This iconic venue is known very much as the home of dance music. In fact, many of us will remember the symbol that adorned a CD cover on the annual compilation album. The Ministry is set to celebrate its 21st birthday next year and, in true style, it’s celebrating with a club night. 

On various nights through the week, you’ll find events that feature different genres of dance music from electronic to rave. Once inside, you’ll find a variety of rooms, from more laid-back areas for chatter, to the full-on dance halls which feature the 64-speaker, 22-channel sound system. 

140 Newington Butts, SE11 4RN

Taking place on one Thursday of each month, Big Band Burlesque is a live show that entertains audiences with live vocals, burlesque acts and a live jazz band led by Pete Saunders (of Dexy’s Midnight Runners fame). 

The venue for the Burlesque show is Toulouse Lautrec; restaurant, piano bar, and arguably one of the best jazz bars in London. A late-night venue in its own right, this is one for those who perhaps favour more classic instrumental sounds to electronic beats. 

Suitable for over 18s only and please note that it takes place slightly earlier in the evening, from 7.30pm – 10pm. 

4/5 Elephant Road, SE17 1LB

The closest thing there is to an Elephant and Castle club, Corsica Studios offers up late nights, early mornings, and dance music. Events generally run until 3am, Sunday to Thursday and 6am on Fridays and Saturdays. 

The venue is based in two old railway arches (a great acoustic for music of any kind) and is split into two rooms. The first room is home to the bar and the stage for live shows, whilst the second is the full-on rave experience, with intense speakers for an immersive club sound. 

Surrey Quays Road, SE16 7PJ

Not strictly in Elephant & Castle but a mere 20-minute tube journey away is Printworks London – a completely unique music venue featuring electronic acts and a mainstream stage. 

The building itself pays homage to its past purpose, with many of the original machines and aesthetics left behind from its days as one of Europe’s largest printing factories. 

Late night events, club nights and gigs take place almost every night. So, if being on the dancefloor until early hours of the morning is your thing, this is the place for you. 

42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR

While not quite an Elephant and Castle club… but one more late-night venue that’s an alternative to dancefloors and electronic music. Mercato Metropolitano is well-known to Londoners as a social venue that’s home to some of the city’s best food popups. 

Did you also know that fabulous cocktails, heated outdoor areas and live music also take place, right the way through to 11pm midweek and 12am on weekends? A great place for post-dinner socialising during the festive period. And maybe even dessert…

So, you’ve hit the ‘town’ and now it’s time for a bite to eat before you head home. Here’s a roundup of the best restaurants offering late night food in Elephant and Castle.

280 Walworth Road, SE17 2TE

One of Elephant & Castle’s few 24-hour restaurants in London, Bagel King creates a menu based on – you guessed it! – bagels that are surprisingly satisfying. Serving up a number of bagels, with fillings like fried chicken, jerk chicken, saltbeef and salami, it’s exactly what you need at the end of a fabulous night. 

They’re also known in Elephant & Castle for their jerk chicken, which is available on the hot food menu. 

173 New Kent Road, SE1 4AG

South east London is well-known for its Lebanese food and this takeaway outlet has a bit of a cult following of customers from across the city. 

Serving up falafel, kebabs, shawarma, spicy rice, meze and perfectly grilled meats, with an abundance of vegetarian, vegan and halal options too. 

We say taste all the sauces – every single one. And it’s open till 2am, should you need sustenance in the early hours! The perfect option for late night food in Elephant and Castle.

42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR

Not open quite as late as the other listed venues, Mercato Metropolitano is still serving up an incredible selection of fare until 10pm, and sometimes 11pm. 

The only problem you’ll have is trying to decide what to eat. We’ve given you a breakdown of what’s good here.

194 Bermondsey Street, SE1 3TQ

Slightly further afield, but worth it for an exceptional menu. Pizarro serves food late into the evening, with last food orders taking place at 10.45pm. 

The theme? Tapas. And what’s better when you’re hungry than a variety of small plates to nibble through with friends, along with a glass of wine? 

For more information about the restaurants, bars and venues based here at Elephant Park, have a browse through our Eat, Drink, Shop page.