Top six beer gardens in Elephant & Castle pubs

There are many wonderful things about our neighbourhood, but the vibrant Elephant and Castle nightlife attracts visitors from across London. Over the last few years, it’s no surprise we’ve developed a taste for the outdoors – so here’s our top six outdoor Elephant and Castle pubs, beer gardens, restaurants and dining haunts.

Located in the eclectic Mercato Metropolitano, Jim and Tonic is one of the area's most beloved summer watering holes and a must-visit destination for gin lovers. 

Self-described as a sustainable urban distillery, these guys are all about good times, friendly staff and helping to regenerate the local community. Their Elephant and Castle pub and beer garden (or should that be gin garden?) is a haven for summer afternoon socialising with friends for a cheeky weekend drink.

Jim and Tonic don’t take bookings, but instead keep their tables free for walk-ins. And, since they’re only a five-minute walk from Elephant & Castle and Borough underground stations, you can do just that.

One for the resident sports fans, this craft beer and bottle shop is a brilliant place for a pint, and a beloved Elephant and Castle pub staple. They screen all major football from Premier League, EFL, Serie A, La Liga and much more which you can enjoy while sampling their vast selection of over 20 varieties of local beer and 200 bottles and cans. 

And if you’re hungry, resident kitchen Angelo’s Place serves up a fun and unique combo of Greek and American cuisine – think chicken gyros and tirokafteri meets cauliflower wings and jalapeno poppers.

This attractive local Elephant and Castle pub, restaurant and bodega brings Latin American flavours to Southwark. Sip a glass of wine (South American grapes only, please) in their beautiful, fairy light lit courtyard, or sample a cocktail with more than just a hint of tequila. 

When the sun goes down and your appetite’s up, outdoor dining is the answer – dive into the likes of crispy pork belly lettuce tacos, quinoa fritters or tuna tostadas. Everything’s delicious and so it should be – paladar means palate in Latin American lingo… and your paladar won’t know what’s hit it!

A local staple since 1765, The Elephant and Castle pub is a great place for those looking for a spontaneous summer drink and hearty pub food. The Elephant & Castle team doesn’t book out all its outdoor tables to make room for walk-ins, so there’s more than a good chance you and your mates can have an off-the-cuff pint or enjoy outdoor dining without a reservation. 

Hungry? They also serve up delicious brunch and bar food including burgers, vegan and veggie options, plenty of desserts and a classic roast every Sunday. 

Born of the BrewDog family, The Tankard is a relaxed and stylish place to grab a drink. This Victorian era pub was once frequented by Charlie Chaplin, no less, and the famous rooftop terrace has spectacular views over London. The party line is great craft beer, fun atmosphere and delicious food – and it really delivers. 

They’re only a few minutes from the tube station too – meaning it’s the perfect haunt if you’re inviting friends from afar to enjoy Elephant and Castle’s nightlife! 

If the Peaky Blinders crew opened an Elephant and Castle pub, this would be it. We’re not talking brawling over a pint, but the aesthetic is very much vintage Victorian shabby chic. The team is proud of the large selection of craft beer, interesting gin and whisky selections, as well as delicious London pies. 

There’s also a spacious beer garden where you can while away a sunny day, as well as loads of cool events throughout the summer – beer festivals, quiz nights and their famous Sunday roast menu. Yum.