05/01/2026
Hi all.
So – with sadness we must let you know that we will be leaving the Elephant & Castle.
This may come as a surprise to many – most come in the summer and see how vibrant the place is. But Autumn, Winter and Spring we lose money – and quite a lot. We simply can’t field the losses any further.
The staff have been informed and we are so grateful for their efforts. We have no intention of doing a moonlight flit – everyone will be paid.
Including all of our fantastic local suppliers too.
We have loved our time here but trading conditions just aren’t how they were when we agreed on the rent (rent, electric and rates alone are north of £130K per year). So that’s £2500 to come from margin per week – just vastly beyond what we can achieve in this pub in the colder months.
And that’s before we pay staff, ingredients, insurances etc etc etc.
We tried to negotiate with the freeholder – Greene King but had no success. We argued that trading conditions have changed. But no movement from them.
It’s a beautiful place and we wish all the best to whoever takes it next.
There are rumours about the parent company – Farr Brew. And yes, things are difficult – its hospitality in 2026. We only need to look at Oakman, Brewdog, Stonegate etc etc to see the way things are at present. We are looking at finance options to support the parent company.
We will also be talking to all Ele employees to see if we can move them to alternative locations. We hope to retain all that wish to.
Our employees and customers have been at the heart of everything we have tried to achieve. And we have tried to do our best. But without the unlimited funds of hedge fund backers, we haven’t always achieved our goals.
But we hope you will remember what we have tried to do at the Ele with fondness. We have certainly done our best. And we are so sorry that we just couldn’t afford to continue in this beautiful place.
Our last day of opening will be the 18th. So please come and drink the bar dry!
So thank you all for your time and love.
