Elephant & Castle, Kensington

Although it may not particularly look ‘historic’, as it is similar to some other interiors in London, this pub has a remarkably unchanged (probably late) 1950s refurbishment, which saw changes to both interior and exterior. Mid Victorian end terrace building with three floors, built of London brick and stone with two external doors; one in Gordon Place on the left, down two steps and the main entrance at the front in Holland Street. This ex-Charrington’s pub is now essentially a single room with a small room/snug to the rear on the left-hand side (Gordon Place) and with a small irregular U-shaped bar that creates a narrow passage to this area.

The bar counter looks to have been re-fronted in recent times with a new counter top too. The main feature here is the protruding Charrington three-sided mirrored bar back with illuminated panels to the top of each side with “Wines & Sprits”, “Charrington’s” and “Toby Ale” with a small Toby image on the right-hand side by the back wall. There are some new wood and glass shelves but the lower shelves look to be original (particularly on the left-hand side; look for the packets of crisps in old wooden boxes).

There is three quarter height panelling in a dark stain on most of the walls but full height with cupboards (some modern) at the rear right hand side. There is some padded fixed bench seating to the front. Modern wood flooring throughout.