Castle Inn — Restaurant in England

The Castle used to be excellent some years ago then slowly went downhill, thus we hadn't visited for a few years until yesterday. The new landlords have bought this place back to being one of the best pubs in Newport. The pub was really busy but the food we ordered turned up fairly quickly and at a very reasonable price for what we had. I had ordered a Caesar salad with some crusty bread and was starting to regret it when the saw the giant fish and chips that arrived for our friends. Good size piece of fish and the chunky chips looked absolutely fantastic. The Caesar salad arrived and I was perfectly happy with my choice. A great size salad with plenty of freshly cooked chicken and the side order of crusty bread wasn't a pathetic offering of thin, sliced bread or a couple of shop bought baguette other places serve. Two, thick cut slices and with a good amount of butter, another thing other places fail in. It was very, very good. I declined a dessert but others in our party decided to have a crumble and the salted caramel cheesecake. Both were outstanding (see pics). The crumble looked and, apparently, tasted great. The cheesecake wasn't a slice of something in the fridge that other eateries would cut and plonk on a plate. It was made fresh and served in a glass which is different but, having tried a scoop, is a genius idea. I tried a spoonful and regretted my decision not to indulge. A friend of ours also tried a taste and within seconds had ordered one. The food here is top notch and, if they keep it up, The Castle will regain its reputation as one of the best pub eateries in Newport, if not the island. The only criticism I have was the lack of lager. They only had two on tap and one was off meaning that Fosters was the only choice. This didn't really bother me as I was driving and stuck to the lemonade (designated drivers get a free 2nd soft drink). My friends weren't really that fussed either but others may be a bit picky. All in all we had a great lunch in a great pub with a great atmosphere and if i had any suggestions it would be to not change a thing. See you soon, we...

Went for a Sunday roast which we’d pre-booked weeks in advance. Pub not overly busy (lots of empty tables). 11 of our party ordered within 10 minutes of each other from 11.55 to 12.05. Those that ordered at 12.05 meals arrived around 25 minutes later. Our friends didn’t receive their meals until 13.20. It transpired the kitchen had forgotten them and were serving people all out of order. Wrong orders were taken out. The food itself, was tasty enough but we ordered large roasts and most plates had 4 carrot batons and a dessert spoon of peas. This was coupled with 3 potatoes and some cauliflower cheese. The cheese was tasty but there was a distinct lack of cauliflower. The Yorkshire puddings were burnt. The service was not great either. Waiting staff didn’t have a clue. This all resulted in what should have been a quick bite to eat before the festival taking over two hours meaning we missed one of the acts we wanted to see. Another table left without ordering. We’ve been here for the last 4 years for dinner on the Sunday before heading up. Last year wasn’t great but we decided to give it one last go. Unfortunately we won’t be visiting here again for food. A great pub for a drink and live music but they need to up their game in the kitchen...

A wonderful start for the new owners but needs work on staff hospitality, lite bite meals and hey being a gardener the garden; whilst obviously having love, money and hard work thrown into it, it needs to be planted with plants that will thrive in the environment. When I approached the owner Simon with suggestions and offers of assistance I was meet with defensiveness and dismissed rather rudely. I am a local, a community-based worker and skilled in planting. I feel that many local businesses give preference to tourists and the better off (*see Twitter @lkaleid for a view on that) Simon is a good guy, a local done good share that more with your community please. The food was wonderful 😊🦋🌹 the atmosphere genteel and friendly, the pub itself...