What, another over-subscribed food destination in south London? From Tooting Market to Pop Brixton and Mercato Metropolitano, we’re in danger of overkill. Although perhaps it’s that we nail the quality streetfood experience more then anywhere else in the capital – and however many concepts open, more seem to be on their way.
Like Elephant Park, for example, the newest arrival right in the heart of – yep, you guessed it – Elephant & Castle. Part of a bigger residential, retail and office development, it recently launched a cluster of outlets including posh coffee at the Hej Café & Roastery, the Koi Ramen Bar, Tasty Jerk chicken and pan-Asian eatery Pot + Rice. There’s even a ‘sports bar and bottle shop’, The Tap In.
These are joined by a whole host of others, including the popular family-run Ecuadorian restaurant Miko’s, who moved there from their established spot at the nearby Elephant & Castle shopping centre, where they’ve long gained a loyal following for their traditional and affordable dishes.
Joining them is also Bayroot who, as with their first site in nearby Camberwell, will bring Lebanese flavours and street food favourites such as mezze, grilled meats and wraps; Italian street food traders Sugo; and Bobo Social, serving seasonal sharing plates, cocktails and some of the best burgers in the capital.
The most anticipated opening at Elephant Park is, however, the MM Factory, the brainchild of nearby (and obviously not-rivals-at-all) Mercato Metropolitano on Newington Causeway. With their pop-up The Kiosk up and running in the Park, you can already sample Italian coffee, sandwiches, arancini and lasagnes.
The forthcoming factory will be the only operation of its kind, offering a – you guessed it – sustainable dining experience, as well as being a supportive social hub. In addition, MM Factory will produce flours from heritage grains, going back to original methods of production and reintroducing their nutritional and health benefits to the food chain. Impressive stuff.
In short? Come to SE17 with the appetite of an…oh you guessed it.