Sick and tired of the predictable tourist locations in London? Looking for somewhere different to visit without the distraction of an abundance of tourists? Then look no further than Elephant and Castle.
If you’re in search of an undiscovered gem in the capital then surely E&C is it.
WHEN WALKING THE STREETS I tend to head for the Walworth Road. This world (in)famous street is a must-see to all who visit this part of the capital. However, watch where you tread as you might just step into a pool of last night’s vomit.
WHEN I'M HUNGRY I head straight back to the Walworth Road. Whether you’re looking for Southern Dried Chicken or a greasy spoon, floor, table, knife and fork, it is here in abundance.
WHEN I'M THIRSTY I just cannot avoid some of the pubs on the, you guessed it, Walworth Road. Sadly the last time I took a stroll along it, all seemed very quiet. In fact, quiet is an understatement - I’ve been to chess events with a greater atmosphere.
Nevertheless, it was a Tuesday night so I asked one barmaid at an un-named drinking hole if it ever became busy. “Definitely”, she retorted. “Especially at weekends, though sometimes there is a stabbing which tends to change the ambience somewhat.”
WHEN I'M LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION it is impossible not to be charmed by the shopping centre. The contours on show are breathtaking.
There are few complexes in the world that epitomise the 80s more than the one beside the tube station.
Speaking to Yuji Nishi, who is a student at one of the world’s outstanding educational institutions - University of the Arts London, which has one of its branches based in E&C - he said: “The shopping centre here is amazing.”
And he comes from Japan so he knows plenty about technology and architecture.
It puts the Sagrada Familia and the Guggenheim to shame. That bloke Gaudi knew nothing. If he did, surely he would have added an elephant to his work.
WHEN I WANT TO RELAX I like to head to Kennington Park. Most of the people there are close to slipping into a coma due to too much alcohol and that feeling can become infectious.
WHEN I WANT TO SHOP I am sure to visit one of the markets surrounding the tube station, especially if I'm in search of a Spiderman t-shirt or a pair of boxers with genuine urine stains on them.
Cruelly nicknamed the Elephant and A***hole by some, it is important to remember one thing – visiting SE1 is an experience you’ll never forget.
