Pick of the pubs around Elephant and Castle

Here we take a look at some options that offer a good range of food and drinks – all within easy walking distance of Elephant & Castle tube station.

This pub is possibly as rich in history as pubs come. Back in the 18th century, the whole area was named after it. The popular corner pub has been updated since its coaching inn days, and now attracts locals and visitors thanks to its wide variety of beers on tap and its hearty menu. There’s a weekly pub quiz on Wednesdays, and, on the first and third Sunday of the month, you can tuck into a traditional roast with all the trimmings to a soundtrack of live acoustic music.

119 Newington Causeway Road SE1 6BN

A craft pub that, in its original incarnation, survived two bombings during the Blitz. In August 2016, three friends took the plunge and decided to run a pub together. Fast-forward a few months and the pub, which dates back to 1856, was reopened as the Spit and Sawdust, a “traditional London boozer with a contemporary twist”.

Including a beer selection that – ahem, in the establishment’s own words – “kicks the s**t out of most”, with 20 lines in total and a heavy focus on craft beer, the pub also regularly hosts street-food pop-ups, as well as housing a ‘branch’ of Pie Minister.

21 Bartholomew Street, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 4AL

Part of the legendary Draft House family, this former Victorian public house was built with a large roof terrace so drinkers could look over the wall for a view of the poor unfortunates incarcerated in the infamous Bedlam asylum. Nowadays, check out the great beer selection – including bottles and cans – and the ‘bottomless’ brunch for a relaxing weekend visit; you can even book that roof terrace for a party, where today the view is of the Imperial War Museum

111 Kennington Rd, Kennington London, SE11 6SF

An “oasis of a pub”, sandwiched between Elephant & Castle and Kennington tube stations, this pub offers some cosy corners and a kitchen open seven days a week. The mock-Tudor building also hosts blues, folk and pub quiz nights – perfect to make you feel like you’re at home with family and friends. 

42 Kennington Park Road, London, SE11 4RS