The Elephant And Castle

£8 - £20 / British, Vegetarian options

40 Holland St, London

Opening hours

11AM-11PM

Sunday 12PM-10:30PM
Monday 12PM-11PM
Tuesday 11AM-11PM
Wednesday 11AM-11PM
Thursday 11AM-11PM
Friday 11AM-11PM
Saturday 11AM-11PM

Savor Cozy Charm in Kensington's Hidden Gem

Ah, The Elephant and Castle—have they named it so for the trombone-like nose and regal stance of its management, I wonder? Situated in the quaint labyrinth of Kensington, this British pub is as much a cherished relic as one of London’s backward lanes. The place exudes an inviting warmth that feels untarnished by age or trends—a reward perhaps, given its possibly deliberate obscurity to the further reaches of Google's ad-targeted tourist bait. Once inside, you'll find a rich tapestry of clinks and chatter spurred by jovial staff who seem genuinely interested in doing more than just refilling your pint; they engage, they recommend, and heaven forbid, they even multitask.

As you'd expect in any beloved establishment whose foundations might well have felt like London's turning streets were built around it, dishes ranged from the decadent Sunday roast—a must-try endurance event in gravy appreciation—to the refined humility of plant-based sausage and mash, the sort that earns approving nods for the ethical diet chaser. Yes, perhaps the rare wrinkled brow here could once shrug off a less-than-perfect burger mishap or extend their Session IPA envy post last-call condolences, yet these moments garnished themselves unexpectedly endearing. Perfect for friends' debates over esoteric pub memorabilia or poised locals blessedly free of camera-laden tourism. Visiting E&C is less public plea amnesty and more mutual welcome to institutional character; an impeccable antidote to relentless modernization where tradition and innovation uncork together, and mostly in fine taste. — Penelope Savory