If there’s one thing we love more than spending our free time frequenting London’s shops, bars and eateries, it’s saving a few quid whilst we do so. And in the lovely, leafy Elephant Park neighbourhood, there’s tons of fantastic local businesses to explore (with even better deals!). From Happy Hours for your post-work drinks to discounted exercise classes, Elephant Park is the place to go for some wallet-friendly fun. Keep reading to find out what’s on offer…
Food and drink
1. Rosy Hue
This characterful watering hole in Elephant Park brings a fun, modern twist to the traditional British pub. What’s more, the welcoming vibe and weekly live music makes it the perfect place to enjoy a post-work drink. And with their new weeknight cocktail offer it would be rude not to! Enjoy two cocktails for £14 from 4pm-7pm Monday to Friday and all night on Thursdays. There’s also a tempting food menu offering everything from brisket loaded chips to crispy buttermilk chilli squid. Order from here and you can enjoy bottomless tea and coffee for just £6, every weekday until 5pm. 6 Ash Ave, Elephant and Castle SE17 1GQ
2. Feed The Yak
At Secret London we love a pop-up food residency. And the latest one on our radar is family-run taqueria Buena Onda, bringing their magic to neighbourhood bottle shop, Feed the Yak. So next time you drop by to browse the craft beer, you can tuck into two tacos for £5 every Friday. 2 Sayer St SE17 1FG
3. Cheeky Chicos
Everything about this Mexican restaurant lives up to its name. Except the food and drink, which is just straight up delicious. Particularly their margaritas and daiquiris, which can be enjoyed for just £7 during their (three hour long) Happy Hour. Or if you’re out with friends, we recommend the pitcher for £28. Happy Hour is from 4pm-7pm, Monday to Friday. Ash Ave, SE17 1GQ
4. Little Louie
Whether you’re looking for coffee and a catch up or a bottle of biodynamic wine, Little Louie is your spot. This café-come-cocktail and wine bar is a wonderful place to hang out at any hour. But get down there during the day, and you can grab one of their scrumptious cakes or pastries with an iced coffee for £7. 14 Ash Ave, London SE17 1GQ
5. Koi Ramen
What do we love more than slurping a bowl of Japanese ramen? Slurping a bowl of Japanese ramen for under a tenner. In fact, every dish on their menu is less than ten pounds, including soup-less tossed noodles and grilled dumplings. And if you’re in the mood for a drink, select one of their premium Japanese spirit mixers for just £6. 19 Sayer St SE17 1FY
6. Tasty Jerk
Graduating from their stall on East Street Market to a permanent kitchen on Sayer Street, Tasty Jerk is a go-to for lovers of Caribbean cuisine. For a tenner you can get mouth watering jerk chicken, escovitch fish or curried goat. Or opt for the vegan ackee or potato and plantain curry for nine pounds. All dishes are served with vegetables and rice or salad. 15b Sayer St SE17 1FY
7. Bobo Social
Bobo social is the perfect spot in Elephant Park to meet your mates for dinner. The varied menu offers everything from miso salmon to Korean fried chicken bao buns and juicy beef burgers. But the thing that keeps us coming back is their incredible Skin Drinks. Made of cold pressed fruit and vegetables, and blended with ingestible cosmetics such as Hylauronic acid and Marine Collagen, it’s basically a glow up in a bottle. And they’re all under £8! Sayer St, SE17 1FY
8. Miko’s
Whether you’re sitting outside on the terrace or amongst the action inside, Miko’s is a wonderful place to enjoy the bold flavours of both Ecuadorian and Spanish cuisine. We’d recommend their two person sharing platters, offering both an array of fresh seafood and succulent grilled meats. And if you get down there between 4pm-8pm, Monday to Friday you can treat yourself to 2 for 1 cocktails. Unit 4, 17 Sayer St, Elephant and Castle, SE17 1FY
9. Kokoro
Translating to ‘heart, soul and spirit’, Kokoro’s name gives a great indication of the passion that goes into their food. What’s more, everything on their Korean-Japanese menu is under £10, making it some of the most wallet-friendly, delicious food around. Here you can eat everything from sweet chilli chicken to sushi. It’s a yes from us! 16 Ash Ave, SE17 1GQ
10. Hej
It’s likely that you’ll smell the nutty, smoky aromas wafting from Hej before you’ve even stepped inside. These coffee connoisseurs roast their beans to perfection, ready for you to sample along with some food from their bistro, or in a tasting session. Roastery 53 Mansfield Point SE17 1BA
11. Hana Coffee
Another must-try for coffee lovers is Hana Coffee, a cosy cafe tucked into the heart of Elephant Park. This top-rated coffee stall offers delicious gluten-free and vegan pastry options, in addition to classic coffee drinks made using buttery Monmouth espresso beans. With plenty of outdoor seating available, Hana Coffee is the perfect stop during your next summer park stroll! Cafe Elephant Park SE17 1HL
12. 400 Rabbits
Fermentation lies at the heart of everything they do at this sourdough pizza and craft beer joint. These guys are serious about sourdough, and they prove theirs for 72 hours minimum (just to prove it!). On Tenner Tuesday, you can enjoy a pizza and beer from £10 all day long. And if you swing by for Happy Hour (4pm-6pm daily), you can enjoy pints of house craft beer, house wine and house cocktails for £5. 16a Ash Avenue SE17 1GQ
13. Kiki & Miumiu
At this independent Asian food market you’ll find a plethora of Chinese, Japanese and Korean foodstuffs. From fresh ingredients to cupboard staples, there’s so many goodies to choose from. You can get four bottles of Tsingtao beer for £4.99, three packets of Mochi for £5 or a Master Kon Tea drink for 89p! And Nissin Noodles are buy one get one free. 141 Walworth Rd SE17 1RW
14. Pot & Rice
Try exciting variations on classic Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes at Pot & Rice. Their express lunch menu is available from 12pm-4pm Monday to Friday and offers a variety of flavour packed dishes for just £9.50. Our favourite is the fried chicken with spicy mayo on steamed rice. Pot and Rice, 13 Sayer St, SE17 1FY
Things to do
1. SideQuest
If you’re an avid gamer, you might’ve heard of SideQuest, the UK’s largest gaming hub. And there’s one in Elephant Park, so you can get on the console on a whim when you’re about and about. Visit from 12pm-5pm Monday to Friday and enjoy an hour of gaming in any area with a regular bubble tea for a tenner. Unit R2, Block H4, East Grove, Commercial, 54 New Kent Rd SE1 6TJ
2. FYC
Give your bike that little bit of extra TLC and protect it from the summer wear and tear with 10% off Silver Services at FYC throughout July. These health and safety checks are the best way to keep your set of wheels in the best nick possible. From the wheels and headset to the bottom bracket and drive train, they’ll ensure everything runs like a well-oiled machine. Elephant Stores Elephant Park, New Lion Wy., SE17 1GQ
3. SoLo Craft Fair
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or hunting for presents, you’ll find what you need at SoLo Craft Fair. This independent gift store hosts over 60 small businesses every month, bringing you everything from hand-painted candles and greetings cards to prints for your wall. Elephant Stores, 14 Ash Avenue, SE17 1GQ
4. Tempo
There’s something extremely satisfying about saving money whilst getting your endorphins. And Tempo 301 is offering a fantastic introductory package to newcomers that’ll do wonders for your body without rinsing your bank account. Bag 3 Tempo HIIT classes for £10, to be used across four weeks! H4.R8, 2 Ash Ave SE17 1GQ