The Elephant & Castle

First licensed as a beer house in 1865, The Elephant & Castle on Holland Street has barely been touched since a 1950s refit that left it looking like a time capsule. The Charrington's three-sided mirrored bar-back is the centrepiece — illuminated panels lettered “Wines & Spirits” and “Toby Ale” with a small Toby jug image on the right. Historic front pages line the walls, a nod to the journalists who've been drinking here for decades. A backstreet Kensington pub that rewards you for finding it.