The Best Cafes in Elephant and Castle, London

ituated in Zone 1, Elephant and Castle has become a sought-after location due to its exciting vibe, excellent transport links, and impressive regeneration plans. 

In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into exploring the best coffee venues Elephant and Castle has to offer.

The best coffee in Elephant and Castle

1. Hej Coffee (Mansfield Point, Rodney Rd, SE17 1BA)

Hej Coffee, pronounced "hey", Swedish for "hello", is a neighbourhood-focused speciality coffee company based in Elephant & Castle with a bold mission to become a net-zero roaster.

Hej offers in-house small batch roasting to ensure freshness and quality, a neighbourhood cafe and barista school providing certifications and training, and a wholesale supply of beans to local businesses.

Coffee-wise, Hej offers a range of roasts from Carnival Blend, El-Buho Sugarcane Decaf, to Cafe Queero, Bullseye Brew, and Polo Beans. In addition, you can also buy special teas like casara cherry tea and hot chocolate. Prices start from £9.50 and go upwards. Hej offers customers the whole immersive experience for those coffee connoisseurs amongst us.

2. Hana Coffee (Sayer Street, next to Elephant Park Wildflower Meadow, SE17 1HL)

Hana Coffee operates as a charming kiosk nestled beside the wildflower meadow at the top of Sayer Street in Elephant Park. Opening initially as a pop-up, it now has a permanent home on the ground floor of The Tree House. Operating from Monday to Friday 06.30 am to 4.00 pm, Saturday 8.30 am to 5.00 pm, and Sunday 8.30 am to 4.00 pm.

Hana serves classic hot and iced coffees, made from ethically roasted Monmouth beans from Bermondsey, freshly pressed juices and teas of all varieties. Once you have your drink sorted, choose from a range of croissants, cakes, banana bread, and other tasty snacks. This coffee shop is praised for its excellent brews, welcoming environment, and sense of community, so it’s a must-visit if you’re new to the area.

3. Change Please (131 Walworth Road, SE17 1RW)

Change Please, located at 131 Walworth Road, is a coffee house with a mission to fuel change for hundreds of homeless people by brewing hope, one cup at a time. Change, an award-winning social enterprise, sells great-tasting beverages and uses 100% of profits are used to power barista training and hospitality-focused career development for people experiencing homelessness.

Change sells a wide variety of beans, grounds, and merchandise. From Happy Go Lucky beans, Welcome guest, Cool, Calm & Collected, and Tall, Dark and Handsome, to name a few. Prices range from £4.50 to £29 for 1kg of beans. Change Please Elephant & Castle opens from Monday to Friday 07.30 am to 4.30 pm, ensuring you get your java fix at the most critical times of the day.

4. Little Louie (14 Ash Avenue, SE17 1GQ)

Little Louie is a bright, cosy cafe by day, and a wine-and-cocktail bar by night. Opening from Monday to Thursday, 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Friday 8.00 am to 10.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am to 10.00 pm, and Sunday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

The cafe offers quality coffee, tea and mouth-watering hot chocolate made with melted Callebaut Belgian chocolate pellets. Set against a vintage backdrop, complete with quirky furniture and hifi sounds, it’s the ideal place for meeting dates, remote work, or unwinding with friends.

5. Sidecar Coffee Bar (5 Spare Street, SE17 3EP)

Sidecar Coffee Bar is tucked away a few minutes walk from Elephant and Castle station. This quirky bar serves speciality beans from The Gentleman Baristas, sweet tarts, all-day brunch, toasted sourdough, and sandwiches. Everything a great cafe needs. 

Enjoy options such as granola bowls, homemade quiche lorraine, toasties and sandwiches like classic "The Reuben" (pastrami, Emmental, Sauerkraut, mayo, sriracha), and "The Off-Roader", (mushrooms, caramelised onions, cheese). Delicious, right?

Opening hours from Monday to Friday, 08.00 am to 4.00 pm, Saturday 9.00 am to 6.00 pm and Sunday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. Prices range from £3.00 for a Latte, £7.00 for brunch, or £7.50 for a full English breakfast.

6. Black Cowboy Coffee (Elephant Arcade, Unit 11A, London Rd, SE1 6FY)

Black Cowboy Coffee is heavily influenced by the American cowboy scene. The cafe radiates warmth, character, and community spirit, paying homage to the owners' love of Texas and cowboy culture. Expect classic bean offerings, alongside more indulgent choices like frappuccinos and iced lattes. 

Savoury bites & breakfast include smoked salmon & cream cheese bagels and tuna melts. However, a cowboy coffee morning wouldn't be complete without waffles, pancakes, and the signature Black Cowboy Breakfast, with hash browns, bacon, scrambled eggs, and a vegan Black Cowgirl version.

Opening Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Prices range from a very affordable £3 to £6 for a cup of joe.

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