- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
10 reviews for Elephant & Castle
10 reviews in English
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Review from Philip H.
Halifax, NS
5/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a couple times for brews, but never have been in the basement area. Last night the Rockabilly Riot was suddenly moved to this venue. What a cool little venue downstairs! Very cozy with the exposed wooden beams and low ceilings. Bar staff were super busy but very friendly considering they were called in at last minute.
The band/stage area is quite small and when there is a small crowd (20 people or more) you can't really see the stage. But you can hear perfectly fine. Remember your ear plugs if your sensitive, it can get loud. There was plenty of "WHAT?!?" that night. Good times.
It's tight to get around when crowded as well, but everyone was in great spirits so the occasional rub-by wasn't a huge deal.
No wi-fi and not accessible due to the stairs. The washroom upstairs has an accessible stall, however you wouldn't be able to get a chair in due to the direction of the wc door opening (men's room). -
Review from Anthony C.
Vancouver, BC
2/13/2011
If I had written this review a week ago, Elephant & Castle would have received three stars bordering on two. Located in one of the most attractive buildings in Downtown Halifax - in an area I affectionatly refer to as the Financial District - this English style pub is a franchise found across North America. That, coupled with the basic pub fare, is the reason for my pervious rating. I'm not a franchise hater but in a city with more than enough Euro-pubs, E & C never did it for me.
BUT!!! (here comes the redeeming quality!!!)
Did you know that Elephant & Castle has a private function room downstairs? Oh yes, and this past weekend I celebrated a friend's birthday in said room with 35 other well wishers. Do I even have to tell you it was smashing success? The rental fee was incredibly reasonable and the kitchen remained open until 10 p.m. so we had plenty of time to drink our faces off AND order food. Hot tip: that basic pub fare tastes like pure happiness, baked by angels and deep fried in unicorn smiles after a few pints.
Our bartender was amazing and possibly sent by a divine power as she was able to deal with 28 drunk gay men and 7 ladies who would drink a sailor under the table, armed with credit cards and ready to dance. Wait, "ready to dance" you say? Real talk: they let us connect our iPods into their sound system. I don't think I've ever heard Amii Stewart's "Knock On Wood" more times in one night.
Elephant & Castle is going to be at the top of my list for my next party because of this space and the awesome night I had. There is ample room for a party of 30 or more, tables and chairs, and a well stocked bar. Location is also a bonus if you're a RBC customer like myself; the ABM is next door which is convenient an dangerous. Our little soiree finished up around 12:30 at which point I came home to eat McDonald's and watch "Tootsie" while my friends went dancing. Personally, I think my night ended better. -
Review from Laura P.
5/6/2010
Elephant Castle is situated amongst the business district of downtown. Corporate buildings and historic properties are all within site, and conforming to the area's stern exterior, Elephant Castle appears more as a government building than a spot for music, menu and drinks.
There are two levels to E & C, as well as two different scenes. Walking inside, visitors can expect sky high ceilings and posh surroundings. The space is huge, with a prolific bar extending far beyond standard lengths. This is a popular spot for the business crowd for lunches and daytime meetings. With its professionalism and ambiance, I imagine Elephant Castle as a great place to take a client.
The downstairs is more low key. Its darker, smaller and where the live music happens during late night festivities. Leather couches and tables are available for getting cosy, as well as confined area for dancing and/or watching the band. (it can be a tight squeeze) Any time I've gone, its always been an eclectic crowd of people, and its always been nice.
I've never gone here to eat, but I can attest to E&C being a very cool venue and a good time. I'd like to see some new and different acts at this location. -
Review from Courtney M.
Halifax, NS
4/23/2010 1 photo
Easter Thursday marked my first jaunt down to Elephant & Castle. I will admit, I had staggeringly low expectations for this bar after wandering through the Whistler franchise of this establishment.
As expected, the upstairs portion of this bar is far too large. Made me feel as though I were at a stadium only with nothing to watch.
Headed downstairs and the live music (Three Sheet!) was awesomely amazing! Left with a rather light wallet though so don't head here expecting to save on the drinks.
A nice bar, just a tad too forced for my liking. -
Review from Katie M.
Halifax, NS
3/20/2010
My first time at Elephant and Castle was also my first time trying any variation of traditional British food. I decided to order the Bangers and Mash, because in part due to it's awesome name, and also in part because it seemed like the only thing on the menu that didn't have mushrooms.
The perk of this place for me was definitely the amazing decor. Once you enter, it feels like you are no longer in a typical Halifax eatery, but an elegant parlour somewhere. High ceilings, huge paintings of English celebrities, and very nice table settings all help give the illusion of a place that is more expensive than the $15 bucks I spent on my meal.
While the service and environment were both great, I don't have a lot to say about the food itself. My meal was a bit cold when it was time to dig in, and maybe I'm not cut out for British food, because my Bangers and Mash weren't all that great. I would definitely go here again, but I'd probably order something different.
Hot Hint: A great place to celebrate a fancy occasion, lots of space for big groups, just book ahead. -
Review from Candice W.
St John's, NL
10/7/2010
The difference between the public upstairs area and downstairs private area is pretty crazy. I attended a friend's birthday party in the private area -- a great, secluded spot away from the crowd with its own private bar -- while the upstairs area was apparently in total noisy chaos.
The staff was great, made me a special martini because I was having trouble deciding what to buy. By the time we left around 10 pm, the upstairs area had completely died down. Good for a starter to your night, or to host special functions, if you want to spend some cash! -
Review from Joshua Y.
Vancouver, BC
11/12/2009 1 photo
A really fun place to go for Lunch or Dinner!
I have been to E&C quite a few times and for good reason. I love their food and the pricing is definitely fair for what you get. My favorite thing to order is the Union Jack Beef Burger. It is quite large and tastes oh so good. And for an extra $2.50 you can get Sweet Potato Fries which are also not too bad. Not the best Sweet Potato Fries in the city but still pretty good.
E&C's location used to actually be a night club. So its a unique dining experience since it has a very wide open space concept. And it is located right downtown for your convenience.
I'd love to give this place five stars but it is lacking in a few areas. Most notably, the staff. I have met some very nice staff but also have met staff that looked as if they didn't want to be there. So there is inconsistency with staff which is why I have to rank them overall average.
But at the end of the day this place rightfully deserves four solid stars for great food, pretty good staff and good pricing. -
Review from Adam B.
Halifax, NS
2/5/2010
I really enjoy the Elephant & Castle. Every time I've been here I've had a really solid meal and a good time with good company.
The E&C is named after an intersection in London and has a very British decor. This is a really enjoyable experience except if you happen to be seated under the portrait of Margaret Thatcher. There is something incredibly unappealing about being forced to stare at the Iron Maiden while you chow down on your bangers and mash.
E&C used to be a dance club (and before that a bank, fun fact!) so they have weekly music nights featuring local groups such as Three Sheet. It's a great spot to go, grab some dinner and then grab some drinks with live music in a fun atmosphere!
Those of you interested in taking a trip across the pond, but who are a little lite on funds should come on down to the Elephant & Castle. It's the next best thing! -
Review from Lindsay K.
Halifax, NS
2/6/2010
I couldn't believe my eyes when I randomly wandered upon Elephant & Castle. This was one of my favourite pubs when I lived in Vancouver and I was ecstatic when I saw one in Halifax. And yes, it was the same chain establishment as the enjoyable Vancouver location.
Elephant & Castle has such a nice atmosphere to it with nice seating and good decorations. They are a British pub so they don't have the regular sports gear peppering the walls. Instead they have trophies and monuments from classic Britain.
The food here is superb! I especially love their onion soup. It's got a delicious broth with hunks of beef in it, and a yummy blend of melted cheeses. Their other dishes are usually pretty good as well. All of their food is reasonably priced and definitely hits the spot.
The service is great and the people are all sociable and pleasant. I really love the Elephant & Castle, whether it's in Vancouver or here in Halifax. -
Review from Martine M.
Tantallon, NS
11/6/2010
Since I work almost next door, I have eaten at E & C many times --- always enjoying my selections and the ambience. But I have never been there at night nor did I know there was a downstairs section. Thanks for the tips!
