Shopping at Elephant Park
The new shopping opportunities in and around the Elephant Park development will really put Elephant & Castle on the retail map. Shopping doesn’t get any more local than this, with a mix of independent outlets and convenience stores just a few steps from your front door. And it’s been a busy few years – Elephant Park’s new shops have brought even more of a retail offer to the local area. Here’s a breakdown of the latest openings at Elephant Park.
A sister store to London powerhouse Mercato Metropolitano, MM Factory is a unique sustainable dining experience and food market. Step through the doors and you’ll be greeted by a range of artisan food stalls and producers, similar to its big brother down the road, but on a much smaller and more intimate scale.
As is to be expected, the food and produce is exceptionally good and the interiors are stylish, casual and comforting. What’s really special about it, is the sustainable nature of the produce. The Factory has its own mill which mills a selection of grains, right on site, creating nutritious bread, patisserie and pasta – made quite literally from scratch, right here in Elephant and Castle.
This latest addition to Elephant Park’s new shops also operates as a social community hub, all centred around a love of food. And we for one can’t wait to see what sort of events and meetups take place this Summer.
1 WALWORTH ROAD, SE17 1GA
A ‘meanwhile use’ concept store that’s furnished almost entirely with vintage furniture and goods – Elephant Stores brings together three popular, independent businesses under one roof. Fix Your Cycle is a one stop shop for ken peddlers, a place where you can buy a second-hand bike, get some expert advice, or have your own bicycle repaired.
In the main part of the retail unit, you’ll find a bewitching shop selling goods curated by SoLo Craft Fair: an organisation that promotes the very best manufacturers, creatives and artists from South London. Then, once you’ve tired yourself out perusing the wonderful goods, you can grab a refreshment in the oh so cool Little Louie – younger sibling of the area’s oh so popular Louie Louie bar and restaurant.
14 ASH AVENUE, SE17 1UB
Perhaps one of the greenest of Elephant Park’s new shops, is Crate to Plate.
Crate to Plate’s aim is to bring home-grown fresh produce to inner-city neighbourhoods like Elephant and Castle. How do they do it? Technology. Crate to Plate’s unit (a transformed shipping container) uses controlled environments and minimal water to grow fresh produce like lettuce, herbs and vegetables, right in the centre of urban areas. Meaning no additional carbon is used for things like transportation, or flying produce from warmer climates at the other side of the world! You can even order online and they’ll deliver to your door.
This is one for the budding chefs amongst our readers. KiKi & Miu Miu is an independent food market specialising in pan-asian produce. If you often cook Asian cuisine, this is your place to find authentic ingredients that you wouldn’t otherwise find in your average UK supermarket.
Stocking ingredients and products that are revered in Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan and China, browsing the aisles is sure to transport you to a distant place. And it is not only fresh produce on sale here: sodas, candies, crisps, condiments, teas and milks are just a few of the different foodstuffs on offer.
141 WALWORTH ROAD, SE17 1RW
One of London’s oldest herbalists, here you’ll find a vast range of natural beauty products and health remedies with bags of product knowledge and experience thrown in for free. Located on bustling Walworth Road since 1844, step inside and the sight of the traditional high counters, shiny wooden floors and well-stocked shelves bursting with herbs, oils and ointments will transport you back in time. But don’t be fooled by the nostalgic atmosphere – Baldwins has moved with the times and can offer advice on the health food market, as well as its extensive collection of natural remedies.
171-173 WALWORTH ROAD, SE17 1 RW
Arty types will love the creative space at these former Victorian buildings. Made up of Clements Yard, Iliffe Yard and Peacock Yard, the Pullens Estate was built between 1870-1901 by local builders, James Pullen and Son. The yards have a history of creativity and, in their early years, housed a number of interesting trades including industrial clogmakers for the fire service, makers of ships’ fans, and manufacturers of X-ray machines. Visit during one of the regular Open Studios weekends to meet the artists, craftspeople, and designers – and maybe even commission your own piece of art.
CLEMENTS YARD, ILIFFE YARD, PEACOCK YARD, SE17 3LH
This stylish stationer’s is a one-stop shop for all your art and craft needs. Whether you’re a budding artist or a weekend crafter, you’ll find everything you’re looking for at Kennington’s first stationery and art supplies shop. QueArts also offers a bespoke framing service, so if you have a picture waiting to be framed, look no further. You can also pick up quirky greetings cards and all manner of gift wrap.
220 KENNINGTON PARK ROAD, SE11 4DA
Need to do a big weekly shop? If you’ve forgotten to book your online shopping slot, don’t worry – you can stock up on all your household essentials and food items in one location at this Tesco superstore close to Old Kent Road. Open daily from 6am to midnight from Monday to Saturday and 11am-5pm on Sunday, you’ll also find an instore pharmacy and a handy petrol station.
107 DUNTON ROAD, SE1 5HG
Offering a wide range of unisex services including: waxing; manicures and pedicures; eyelash extensions; high-definition brows; and hair treatments at the salon’s blow-dry bar. Customers can give their feet some attention can sit back and relax in one of Dima Beautiful’s luxurious pedicure ‘thrones’ and enjoy some light refreshments.
220 KENNINGTON PARK ROAD, SE11 4DA
Whilst there are plenty of retail options moments from our flats for sale at West Grove and Park & Sayer - it’s not just the newer areas of Elephant & Castle that will make you want to indulge in some retail therapy. Once called home by Michael Caine and Charlie Chaplin, a trip down vibrant Walworth Road is a shopping must. Foodies will find everything on their list and more, with Caribbean bakeries and Lebanese street food all in the mix. Running south from the Elephant & Castle roundabout, almost as far as Burgess Park, it’s impossible not to be impressed by Walworth Road’s rich history, with some of London’s oldest retailers still trading there today. You can indulge your interest in art, recharge in a quirky café and, if you’re heading out for an evening at one of the Elephant’s bars or clubs, you can pick up some choice breakfast items for the morning after the night before.
