Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle attracted thousands of players with its welcoming atmosphere and friendly community spirit. The bingo hall, situated in the Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre, featured multiple bingo rooms, arcade machines, and an inviting café.
With capacity for over 2000 players, this impressive establishment offered substantial jackpots reaching £10,000. The London Palace Bingo Club combined traditional bingo with modern amenities, creating an ideal spot for social gatherings and entertainment.
Sadly, the demolition of the shopping centre led to the closure of this beloved bingo hall, marking the end of an era for local players. Though Palace Bingo has closed its doors, its impact on the London bingo community remains memorable.
Continue reading to discover more about this iconic bingo hall’s history and its significance in London’s bingo scene.
Club Details
Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle was located on the first floor of the Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre in London, SE1 6TE. Although now permanently closed, the club was a popular destination offering exceptional facilities and entertainment for bingo enthusiasts. The location was well-served by transportation links, making it accessible to many patrons.
The venue provided ample parking spaces in the nearby underground car park, seating for over 2000 patrons, and enjoyable food and beverage options like snacks, lunch, and a bar. The club prioritized inclusivity with facilities catering to disabled access. Beyond bingo, guests could enjoy games in a large arcade area, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Details of the club’s facilities are summarized below.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | First Floor, Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre, London, SE1 6TE (View on map) |
| Official Website | palacebingo.co.uk |
| Phone Number | 020 7277 0001 |
| [email protected] | |
| Social Profiles | |
| Car Parking Spaces | Yes – Underground car park |
| Seating Capacity | 2000 |
| Food & Beverages | Snacks, meals, and a bar |
| Disabled Access | Yes |
Although the club is now closed, its historical significance remains noteworthy, reflecting its role as one of the largest and most vibrant bingo destinations in London.
Opening Times
London Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle operated on specific schedules daily. The club generally opened at 10 am on Monday, 10:30 am from Tuesday to Saturday, and 12 pm on Sunday. Closing time remained consistent at 11:45 pm every evening.
The table below summarises the opening hours:
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10 am – 11:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 10:30 am – 11:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 10:30 am – 11:45 pm |
| Thursday | 10:30 am – 11:45 pm |
| Friday | 10:30 am – 11:45 pm |
| Saturday | 10:30 am – 11:45 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm – 11:45 pm |
Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle’s consistent closing time ensured predictability for all attendees. While the site is now permanently closed, this information reflects its historical operations.
Session Times
Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle offered bingo sessions twice daily before its closure. Afternoon sessions started at 1:45 pm Monday to Friday and 2 pm on weekends. Evening sessions were consistently at 7:30 pm every day.
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | N/A | 1:45pm | 7:30pm |
| Tuesday | N/A | 1:45pm | 7:30pm |
| Wednesday | N/A | 1:45pm | 7:30pm |
| Thursday | N/A | 1:45pm | 7:30pm |
| Friday | N/A | 1:45pm | 7:30pm |
| Saturday | N/A | 2:00pm | 7:30pm |
| Sunday | N/A | 2:00pm | 7:30pm |
These structured session times ensured players could engage consistently in the afternoon or evening, accommodating a broad audience.
Pricing Information
Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle set their standard bingo prices from £3 to £10 per session. You needed to check directly with the bingo hall through Facebook, phone or email to confirm current rates for specific days and times.
Palace Bingo presented various special offers including no cost games and free food promotions. You could discover the latest promotions by getting in touch with the bingo hall staff.
The bingo hall has now permanently ceased operations, with these prices representing past data from when it was active. The closure of Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle marked the end of a notable London bingo destination that offered affordable playing options to its visitors.
History Of Palace Bingo Elephant And Castle
Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle operated within the Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre in London and was known for its large space and accessibility. The venue permanently closed due to the demolition of the shopping centre, which was part of a regeneration programme in the area.
The site catered to over 2000 guests, making it one of the largest bingo locations in the UK. It drew players with its friendly staff, affordable games, and potential winnings of up to £10,000. The closure marked the end of its significant presence in the community.
Available Games
Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle offered afternoon and evening bingo sessions with substantial prizes of up to £10,000. Amusement options in the large arcade area featured slot machines and other recreational games.
A bowling alley was located alongside the bingo hall, providing an alternative recreational activity. These diverse offerings contributed to the venue’s appeal when it was operational.
Food & Beverages
Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle served hot meals for £1 and provided free tea and coffee to its patrons. The shopping centre housed two restaurants offering international buffet cuisine and homemade Caribbean dishes.
These affordable and accessible food options ensured a welcoming environment for players. The food service added another dimension to the venue’s appeal during its operation.
How Do You Get to Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle?
Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle permanently closed following the demolition of the shopping centre as part of local redevelopment. Directions remain accessible for historical reference or navigating to the former site.
By Public Transport
- Public Transport: Use the Northern or Bakerloo line to reach Elephant & Castle Tube Station, centred near the old shopping centre location.
- Trains: Mainline Elephant & Castle Station sits within a short walking distance.
By Car
- Car Travel: Access the underground car park once via Elephant Road, which provided parking perks for members.
By Bus
- Bus Routes: Several bus services connected to Elephant & Castle facilitated wide access to the shopping area.
Despite closure, these methods identify key access routes for visiting surrounding areas or the former address.
What Is the Best Time To Visit Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle To Avoid Crowds?
Palace Bingo at Elephant and Castle has permanently closed and is no longer accessible to visitors. The closure occurred as part of the Elephant & Castle area regeneration programme.
The former bingo hall was situated within the Elephant & Castle shopping centre, which underwent demolition as part of the area’s redevelopment plans. Players seeking bingo sites in the area will need to find alternative locations since this historic spot is no longer operating.
What Other Bingo Halls Are Near Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle?
Several bingo halls operate near the former Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle location. These sites offer various playing options and social environments for players across London.
Here are the closest bingo halls to the former Palace Bingo site:
- Mecca Bingo Camden: Located at 180 Arlington Road, this hall sits approximately 30 minutes from Elephant and Castle via public transport
- Buzz Bingo Stratford: Found at 341-351 High Street, offering a traditional bingo atmosphere within a 30 minute journey
- Dabbers Social Bingo: Situated in Houndsditch, providing modern playing styles and social elements
- Mecca Bingo Fulham: Operating in west London with regular sessions
- Mecca Bingo Hampstead: Serving north London players
- Mecca Bingo Streatham Hill: Providing bingo sessions in south London
The London area maintains a strong bingo presence despite the closure of Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle. Each site brings its own unique features and playing styles to suit different preferences. These halls welcome both new and experienced players throughout the week.
What Other Activities Are Available Nearby?
The Elephant and Castle area offers several engaging activities near the former Palace Bingo location. The neighborhood features cultural attractions, dining spots, and entertainment venues that provide diverse options for visitors.
Here are the standout activities in the vicinity:
Imperial War Museum: Showcases comprehensive exhibits about human conflicts, with special focus on World War I and World War II collections that offer free entry to visitors.
Mercato Metropolitano: Features a diverse food market with international cuisine options, an onsite cinema, German Brewery, and innovative attractions like a hydroponics greenhouse housed in a converted double decker bus.
Southwark Playhouse: Presents independent theatrical productions in a unique setting, focusing on storytelling and nurturing emerging theatre talent.
The proximity of these attractions to each other makes it convenient to explore multiple venues in a single visit. The Imperial War Museum provides educational value, while Mercato Metropolitano satisfies culinary interests, and the Southwark Playhouse delivers cultural entertainment.
Conclusion
Palace Bingo Elephant and Castle served as a cornerstone of London’s bingo community, offering space for 2000 players and jackpots reaching £10,000. The site combined welcoming staff, affordable games, and excellent facilities to create a social hub within the Elephant & Castle Shopping Centre.
Though the venue has closed due to redevelopment, its legacy lives on through the memories of countless players who enjoyed its offerings. The surrounding area continues to evolve, with alternative bingo sites and entertainment venues ensuring the spirit of community remains strong in South London.
