An emporium of local and independent merchants and makers offering fashion accessories, homeware, food, drinks, wellness and cycling services have joined forces at Elephant Park in south London. As a new creative retail concept envisioned by Lendlease to support start-ups and local enterprise, Elephant Stores opens this month and brings several tremendous local businesses together under one roof.
In keeping with Elephant Park’s ‘community first’ ethos, Elephant Stores aims to connect local people with independent brands and offer a medley of new experiences, all under one roof, within the upcoming zone one destination.
Little Louie
Elephant Stores will welcome Little Louie, the younger brother of Louie Louie, the famed South-London dining destination that has a string of Time Out London awards including best restaurant, best coffee place, best brunch spot and best bar in Walworth. Serving great coffee, tasty sandwiches and homemade cakes by day, and aperitivo, coldcuts, natural wines, local beers & hi fi sounds by night, this new destination will soon become one of Elephant Park’s go-to spots for on-the-go or dining-in bites for residents and visitors.
SoLo Craft Fair
Eco-friendly, quality-orientated products and design are a focus for the new makers and sellers. SoLo Craft Fair run craft markets that promote small businesses, both individual stall holders and workshop leaders. The pop-up at Elephant Stores will support all things natural, handmade, and ethically sourced, as well as championing diversity and inclusion.
Catherine Dunne, Co-Founder of SoLo Craft Fair, says: “Elephant Stores is exactly what South London needs – a place that gives entrepreneurs, start-ups and designers the opportunity to showcase and sell their quality products in a really fun environment. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to make it more convenient for South-Londoners to make sustainable and ethical choices, and we are in fantastic company with other like-minded brands.”
Fix Your Cycle
Fix Your Cycle, the local bike specialists, will offer high-quality servicing and repairs, and with sustainability in mind, the sale of well-conditioned used cycles. With frequent pop-ups in key London locations, the experts will welcome all types of cyclists, from commuters and families to serious bike lovers, providing a valuable service for the rapidly growing cycling community in Elephant Park.
Mark Abrahams, founder of Fix Your Cycle, says: “Elephant Park has a fantastic set-up for cyclists, and we’re really looking forward to joining this vibrant and bike-friendly neighbourhood. We love the idea of working alongside other craftspeople – sharing our knowledge and learning from others, whilst providing an essential service to the local community.”
Vintage Matters
Vintage Matters, the beloved Camberwell-based online vintage furniture shop, will set up its first physical outpost at Elephant Stores. It will also provide the furniture for the space, giving a new meaning to ‘try before you buy’ and making Elephant Stores the perfect place to pick up lust-worthy, mid-century homewares that will be the envy of all visitors.
Elephant Stores is now open and guests can shop, dine, and relax at the new destination from 9am – 7pm, Monday to Sunday, located at 14 Ash Avenue, SE17 1GQ.
Kristy Lansdown, Lendlease Project Director for Elephant Park, commented on the launch: “Supporting independent businesses and makers is a key part of bringing a community together and we’re incredibly excited that Elephant Stores is going to house four fantastic local businesses all under one roof. Sharing a space in this way not only provides a more creative and affordable trading environment for the businesses, but it also creates a unique retail experience for people living, working or visiting Elephant Park.”
