Overview

Mercato Metropolitano Elephant and Castle is housed in a former paper factory. It has over 40 different stalls and bars serving a diverse and delicious range of food with communal seating areas. There indoor and outdoor seating. It is one of a small chain of growing food markets in London. Initially I was a apprehensive about going as there is NO access information on their website and a google search did not throw up the info I was seeking (i.e. is it step free and are there accessible toilets? However, as we were off to see a play at the Southwark Playhouse virtually opposite, knowing there was accessible toilets there, I took a chance. We loved MM.

Transport & Parking

Mercato Metropolitano is on Newington Causeway, at one end of the road is Elephant and Castle Tube Station where the only step free access is to and exit the south bound Northern line. At the other end is Borough Tube Station, where the only step free access is to enter and exit the north bound Northern line for step free access. So if you are travelling from Central London on the Northern Line get off at Elephant and Castle and return to central London by Borough. There are also buses that stop virtually outside at the Inner London Crown Court.

Access

Firstly want to say that MM Elephant and Castle is huge, it is located in an old factory, and as we had limited time as we were off to the theatre, I did not have time to explore it fully, so please remember this if there is a particular food stall you wish to visit, as I can't say 100% of the building is step free, just the parts we saw. OUTSIDE There are at least 2 entrances to MM both of which are step free. There are no doors. Outdoors is step free but there is a cobblestone yard. There is outside tables and chairs. INSIDE The space is divided into a least 3 large areas, which are interconnecting and have no doors. There are wide spacious aisles around the outside which made it easy to get about, even when it got busier. The food stalls are around the sides and in the centre and are surrounded by communal seating. The stalls are all at standing height with no lowered counters. You have to go up to the counter to order your food. Both my friend and I ordered from different counters,, and we were eat given a bleeper, which went off when our food was ready. Then you have to go back to your counter to collect the food. As there may only be 1 person on at your chosen counter I am not sure what happens if a customer requires assistance to carry their food to their table. I was lucky, my friend went to collect mine. Most of the seating appeared to be yellow benches and tables, which were not fixed, see photo. The benches have no back support or arms. Getting in was ok, but after sitting and getting stiff, It was easiest to move the table when we were leaving. Given that at both far ends of the table are solid wood, see photo, a wheelchair user would not be able to get their legs in there, so the benches will need to be moved, or other seating sought.

Toilets

While we were there I did not use or enquire about the accessible toilet (as it was a quick bite to eat before going to the theatre). There is no information on their website about it.

Staff

There were security staff on the door and they were welcoming and inside the only member of staff I spoke to was at the food stall were I ordered my food. Both were very helpful and pleasant. There are people walking round collecting dirty plates and glasses, so there was no leftover food at our table when we arrived.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

This place is perfect if you/ your group want to try different types of food in one setting. I would suggest if you have the time, wonder round, check out all the stall/ bars before making your choice, as you will be spoilt for choice with the selection on offer. There is no pre-booking required for groups of less than 8 people. But also remember that seating is communal, on a first come, first served bases, so you might not be sitting close to your preferred food stall. If that's important to you, try going at a less busy time, at least for your first time. We arrived about 5.30 on a Friday evening, and it was relatively quiet and we were able to sit very close to our food stalls. However, by the time we left at 7.15pm, the venue was much busier and seating was filling up fast. It would be helpful if MM put access information on their website and at the venue had clear signage to the toilets, as I did not see any signage for any type of toilet during our visit. Also to rethink some of their seating so there are some seats with back support and arms to help disabled people transfer more safely and easily and spaces by tables where wheelchair users can roll up and sit easily. We both really enjoyed our visit and planning to return. This is a hidden gem for those looking for moderate price and delicious and very varied food. We will be back.

Photos