At London College of Communication, we're proud to call Elephant and Castle our home. Not only is our building just a short distance from central London, we’re also part of a vibrant local community which boasts plenty of restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions of its own.
Whether you’re new to Elephant and Castle this year, or you’re a returning student who has been here for a little while now, there’s plenty to discover in our local area.
We’ve rounded up some of the shops, restaurants, museums and galleries that we’re lucky to be able to call our neighbours.
Food, Drink and Retail
Despite facing restrictions for eat-in services, many restaurants in the local are still offering take-away services and many are also offering an exclusive LCC student discount.
Castle Square
Situated just a 4-minute walk from the LCC campus on Elephant Road, Castle Square boasts a range of leisure and retail, including local, independent eateries, shops and services, all set in a modern complex with plenty of outdoor space.
40 Elephant Rd, London SE17 1AY
Visit the Castle Square website.
Elephant Arcade
Elephant Arcade is a new retail space situated in a disused carpark just one minute away from LCC. Elephant Arcade is home to a diverse range of independent, local business and eateries, many of which have relocated from the recently-closed shopping centre including tailors, hair salons and haberdasheries.
50 London Road, London, SE1 6FY
Elephant Park
Elephant and Castle is packed full of green spaces for you to use. Elephant Park is a celebration of Elephant and Castle's rich and vibrant history, with loads of cafes, restaurants and shops for you to use, as well as a lush, green space to relax and take a breather.
Elephant Road, London, SE17 1UB
Louie Louie
A cafe-bar hybrid, situated a 15 minute walk from London College of Communication. Grab a takeaway coffee or a bite to eat during the day, and in the evening enjoy a range of natural wines and local beers on their outdoor terrace. Louie Louie also offer a takeaway service, so you can enjoy their food from the comfort of your own home.
347 Walworth Road, London, SE17 2AL
Mercato Metropolitano
A sustainable, community-focused food market set on the site of a disused paper factory, Mercato Metropolitano is home to its own micro-brewery, and several food stands serving dishes from all over the world.
42 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6DR
Visit the Mercato Metropolitano website.
Walworth Road
Capturing the essence of the local community, Walworth Road is a bustling high street just to the south of Elephant and Castle. Home to countless independent shops, restaurants, cafes and bars – as well as the famous East Street Market – all within walking distance of the LCC site.
Walworth Road, London, SE17
Yard Cafe @ Jamyang Buddhist Centre
On the site of Jamyang Buddhist Centre, the Yard Cafe serves Redemption Roasters coffee and a range of tea, as well as a menu of lunch offerings and daily bakes and pastries. Based on an ethos of generosity and compassion, the cafe is also part of the Too Good To Go network, which reduces food waste in the hospitality industry, and offers a 'Pay It Forward' scheme, so that you can buy a coffee for somebody who may not be able to afford their own.
The Old Courthouse, 43 Renfrew Road, London, SE11 4NA
Museums, Galleries and Nightlife
Despite the coronavirus restrictions, many local museums, galleries and venues continue to offer online events, workshops and talks.
Imperial War Museum
Imperial War Museum documents the history of conflict from the First World War to the present day. The Museum hosts a great programme of online talks and events that you can attend from the comfort of your home.
Find out what's on at the Imperial War Museum.
Tate Modern
Situated just half an hour away from our building, take a stroll towards the Thames to Tate, one of the world's leading modern art galleries. With a range of online events, including Uniqlo Tate Lates – a monthly event including DJ sets, guest speakers, workshops.
Old Paradise Yard
Located just a 15-minute walk from campus and bordering Archbishop Park, Old Paradise Yard is home to artists, makers, musicians, writers and creative entrepreneurs, as well as music venue IKLECTIK. The former school house and Tibetan Buddhist Centre is situated within a serene garden space, and hosts frequent open studios, gigs and events.
Find out more about Old Paradise Yard.
Southbank Centre
Southbank Centre is a world-famous arts centre on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is home to the National Theatre, Hayward Gallery and the British Film Institute, all of which have online events, talks and screenings.
Find out more about Southbank Centre.
Other local cultural institutions to check out:
- The Cinema Museum
- Siobhan Davies Dance
- Southwark Playhouse
- Drawing Room
- Newport Street Gallery
- greengrassi gallery
- Gasworks
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Burgess Park
Burgess Park is Southwark's largest park, spanning over 50 hectares. Situated within a 30-minute walk of LCC’s site, it's the perfect place for a light walk or a game of tennis (when restrictions allow!). Outside the famous Chumleigh Gardens, you'll find the Park Life café, where you can grab a coffee or snack and enjoy the botanical gardens. If you have a green thumb, the park also offers a place for community gardeners to grow vegetables.
Kennington Park
The historic Kennington Park is situated in neighbouring Lambeth, a 20-minute walk away, and is known for its mature trees, open area for wildlife, and its old English flower garden. The Kennington Park café is open for takeaways from Tuesday to Sunday.
Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park
Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park is just an 8-minute walk away from LCC and provides an impressive backdrop to the Imperial War Museum. The park is also home to the Tibetan Peace Garden.
Other local green spaces to relax in include:
- St Mary's Churchyard, 105 Newington Butts, London SE1 6SF
- Newington Gardens, Harper Road, London, SE1 6PX
- Southwark Peace Garden, Walworth Methodist Church, 54 Camberwell Road, London, SE5 0EW
Local Charities and Organisations
Burgess Food Project
Based in Glengall Wharf Garden, the Burgess Park Food Project is a community garden managed for and by local people using sustainable growing techniques. The organisation provides the opportunity for you to build skills, be part of the community, and increase your wellbeing.
Find out more about the Burgess Food Project.
Walworth Gardens
Walworth Garden is a unique charity dedicated to improving lives through horticulture. Open to everyone, their award-winning gardens provide an oasis in the heart of Southwark.
Visit the Walworth Gardens website.
Elephant Magazine
Elephant Magazine is a quarterly magazine run by Southwark Council that includes interviews with local entrepreneurs, up-to-date information and events and opportunities to get involved in your local community.
Read the current issue of Elephant Magazine.
