The Latin American Community in Southwark

The Latin American contribution to London and particularly Southwark is important. It adds to the diversity which is such a strong tradition in Southwark, and which make this Borough such an interesting place to live and work.

There are many new Latin American businesses in the Borough and Southwark is one of the largest Latin American communities in London.

The Elephant & Castle is home to the largest Latin American business cluster in London with a core of more than 100 businesses and growing. It is also one of the oldest in London, having been in existence for over 20 years.

The Elephant and Castle is undergoing a considerable programme of urban redevelopment. The regeneration of E&C presents challenges and opportunities for London’s Latin population but the improvements and changes are welcomed within the LA community if their continued presence in the area can be assured. The LA community has demonstrated adaptability, flexibility and resilience over the past 25 years to make the E&C the vibrant place that it is today. Southwark has one of the largest Latin American communities in the country, predominantly made up of Colombians and Ecuadorians, living around Elephant and Castle where many businesses in the area are run by and for Latin Americans. The most recent are the Dominicans and Venezuelans, Argentinians, Brazilians and Bolivians. It is also worth mentioning many migrants who are arriving after residing for long years in Spain and Italy, due to the changes in the economies after the pandemic.

During the last 2 years, after Covid, there has been an increase in Latin American businesses and shopping malls on Walworth

Road, Elephant Park, Elephant Road

Maldonado Walk the Old Kent Road some were forced to look for other alternatives of premises, due to the demolition of the shopping centre. The shopping centre, built 55 years ago, was home to multiple Latin American small businesses and restaurants. There are and have been many wonderful Latin American Restaurants in Southwark. La Bodeguita was one of the best Colombian restaurants, a very popular restaurant but unfortunately closed after the demolition of the Elephant Shopping Centre.

Paladar is a creative Latin American restaurant and wine shop near historic St George’s Circus – just a few minutes’ walk from Elephant & Castle along London Road.

Launched in October 2017, Paladar’s mission is to showcase the best of Latin America to London. The food (which is 100% gluten-free) is Chef Jose Rubio-Guevara’s modern take on cuisine from around the region. The flavours are authentic, but the dishes and their presentation are not traditional – rather, they are “a taste of Latin America”.

The wine and spirits lists are both exclusively Latin American – and the bar staff shake up some delicious cocktails from the region. There are not only LA restaurants but also a great variety of other business and service providers. The Latin community and traders have retained their presence in the area. We now have up to four generations of LAs who are fluent in English, although this is not the case with the parents and grandparents who have everyday battles at work or on their daily lives as they hardly speak English. So, the language is their biggest barrier.

The biggest problems and barriers affecting the Latin American community, especially in Southwark are as follows:

• Language

• Immigration status

• Difficulties in obtaining adequate Social or affordable housing

• Problems with landlords and/or letting Agencies

• Cost of private sector accommodation

• The reluctance of private sector landlords to accept tenants receiving housing benefits

• Almost one-third of LAs live in overcrowded accommodation shared with other households, primarily in the private sector.

• Issues with the non-return of deposits

• Domestic violence and other kinds of violence

• Abuse and exploitation in the workplace

• Discrimination, creating a major barrier to improved quality of life

Councillor Maria Rosa Linforth-Hall, the first LA to be elected Councillor in Southwark. Since May 2014 I have been working together with the LA’s as a Councillor and as founder of Su Mano Amiga. I have lived in Southwark since 1984.

Born and educated in Ecuador. I was just another immigrant in this country. When I arrived, I didn't speak English. I share from my own and personal experience all the difficulties that most LA people may have and still have in this country; but I also value the opportunity that this country gives us to learn another language, another culture and a different quality of life.

I speak fluent English, Spanish and French and have run small companies in the borough, There is much work to be done to help this vibrant community to integrate and to help them to tackle all the problems.

By helping them to take steps to be more efficient with their energy use, smart meters can have a positive effect on a business’ carbon footprint, as well as helping them save money.