The Elephant and Castle

The Elephant and Castle is a pub/bar/nightclub located at Elephant & Castle The Elephant and Castle, Amwell Lane, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, AL4 8EA, in the St Albans City local authority area. Following its most recent inspection on 31 December 2025, it received a food hygiene rating of 0 (Urgent Improvement Necessary). The inspection assessed three categories: hygienic food handling (scored 15 — generally satisfactory), structural compliance (scored 20 — improvement needed), and confidence in management (scored 20 — improvement needed). In the FHRS scoring system, lower numbers indicate better performance, with 0 being the best possible score in each category. St Albans City oversees 1,138 registered food businesses, of which 86% hold a rating of Good (4) or Very Good (5). The average food hygiene rating in St Albans City is 4.7 out of 5. As a pub, bar or nightclub serving food, this business is assessed on both its food preparation areas and bar service areas, including cellar hygiene and the safe storage of perishable items. Food businesses in the UK are inspected by local authority environmental health officers. The frequency of inspections depends on the risk category — higher-risk businesses are inspected more frequently, typically every 6 to 12 months, while lower-risk establishments may be inspected every 2 to 3 years. Businesses that are not satisfied with their rating can request a re-inspection from their local authority or apply for a right to reply, which is published alongside the rating on the FSA website.