The Castle — Restaurant in London

The Castle is an East Dulwich institution. I had my 21st birthday there back in the 90s, then I had my engagement party there in the 00s and now I take my kids in there to watch sports and hang out so I've seen it evolve where other pubs have either struggle and failed or lost their identity and become quite lovely but ultimately generic gastro hubs. The Landlord of one of these lovely but repetitive places once told me the secret was food, great earner. However the secret of the Castle's success is partly that they don't do food. It's a pub not a bloody Bijoux Gourmet Pizza Cucina salon and you gotta respect that.

I dont think I've seen another pub straddle the social and economic challenges that relentless gentrification brings in quite the same way. My 18 year old daughter told me the other day about "this really cool pub" where her friends hang out. Not sure how impressed she was that me and her mum had our engagement party in her cool new hang out over 20 years ago!

It's great to see a mix of old timers, hipsters, sports fans, young people, folk singers and poker players all just getting along. Robbie and Hayley who run the place have done an amazing job in nurturing such an inclusive atmosphere. I don't know how it works so well, it just does.

Everything about the Castle is bang on including the drinks prices which are the lowest...

I felt that the pool table should have been returned subject to endemic that also brought regulars that not see on my return and seem to just focus on darts which is great and always been their but the spirit of league pool teams has always been a part of the Castle and when playing away from the Castle and playing their for that reason and was St. Patrick's day of evening I felt it had lost its charactor but good to see new faces which helps landlords as am sure was difficult through lock down and how there buisness effected. But again The pool table was a great fixture and are thew and between now in pubs & having to close down. 1 of the regulars know saying she no longer usees subject to pool table and found else where to play and drink. I also know of another venue so will probably...

A proper working mans boozer. Shows all the sports, pool table and even a darts board. Unfortunately traditional boozers like this one are a dying breed. The decor is old skool but not in need of attention. The seats are plush, no rips or threads hanging off. The paint on the walls is fresh and the place is clean and generally pleasant. If you want a more traditional experience and a break from the all the poncy boozers on Lordship Lane, come...