Elephant and Castle – A Hidden Gem

After a 4-billion-pound regeneration scheme, Elephant and Castle has well and truly arrived just in time to be the spot of the summer. Just a stone’s throw from the Southbank, the area has a diverse culture, rich history and vibrant nightlife.

A wander round Elephant Park, a melting pot of delicious eats in food market Mercato Metropolitano or a culturally stimulating experience in the Imperial War Museum – the area has it all and is easily accessible through the Northern and Bakerloo lines.

Found at the heart of Elephant and Castle and on the edge of Elephant Park, you are greeted with dozens of elephant sculptures and installations, and you’ll know you’ve arrived at Castle Square. A thoughtful development which is dedicated to highlighting the local talent of Elephant and Castle with various independent traders from clothing stores and hairdressers to authentic, family ran restaurants. A cacophony of cuisines from Latin America to Africa via the Caribbean, Castle Square also has a huge outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy your takeout amongst the elephants, south London’s very own safari!

Castle Square also hosts various family focused events all year round in their open space, and this summer will be home to the Fiesta Latina Procession, taking place on Saturday 10th June, as part of the annual celebration of arts, culture, and heritage in the Elephant and Castle community. The Fiesta Latina Procession launches at Castle Square, showcasing some of the most exciting and vibrant groups in the city, including Yurupari, Coldanzas, Rumiñawi and Expression Inca. The event promises to be a colourful celebration, where participants and onlookers alike can revel in the rhythms of Latin music and dance. The procession will then lead community members to Bankside Open Spaces Festival where Latina performers open the festival’s Main Stage on Union Street’s Flat Iron Square. The event is free