Itâs a pretty sad state of affairs when management are apparently so scared of their bosses, that they are unable to replace a pint that slipped off a slanted table.
Iâve been going to the Castle on and off for many, many years.Tonight I went with my brother for a couple of pints and, during our conversation, his pint ended up on the floor. I would have thought nothing of this, but a couple of weeks prior to that, exactly the same thing happened with somebody different at the same table. I had put it down to them perhaps having knocked it over accidentally. Itâs probably indicative of how little paying for another pint means to me, that I canât remember the outcome.
When the same thing happened tonight,. I realise itâs because the table is on a slant, so if it gets any moisture underneath it, drinks slip off.
My brother went to the bar and paid for another pint. I was pretty surprised that he would have to, so I mentioned it to the manager. As I said, paying for a pint is not something that is an issue for me, happily, but her response was really surprising. She said stocks are low, and we donât even have permission to have any drinks ourselves. I explained that I thought this was very bad management. Her repeatedresponse was that stocks are low and they donât get drinks themselves..
I have, over the course of my life , had many disappointing hospitality experiences. But, having worked in the industry myself, I know that how you deal with these can often make a lifetime loyal customer : itâs not the experience, itâs the management of it. Being told that âother people sat on that table beforeâ infers to me that Iâm lying.
If itâs true that the staff are so worried about replacing a pint because theyâre being squeezed from the top, thatâs a very sad situation. Taken to its logical conclusion, that would mean that if you were served a flat pint of beer, they wouldnât be able to replace it, because it wouldnât be authorised.
Iâm not sure that losing two customers for the sake of a pint is really worth it. Whoever the brewery is â you...
   Read moreNestled in the heart of London, The Castle Pub is everything youâd hope for in a traditional British pub cozy, welcoming, and full of character. Whether you're a local or just passing through the city, this place offers an authentic pub experience with a modern twist that keeps you coming back. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm lighting, rustic wooden interiors, and a buzzing yet relaxed atmosphere. The decor effortlessly blends historic charm with a contemporary touch, making it the perfect setting for everything from casual drinks to weekend catch-ups. The drink selection is exceptional. A wide range of beers on tap, including local ales and craft brews, as well as an impressive wine list and carefully curated spirits menu. Their gin and tonic options are especially worth noting perfectly served with fresh garnishes and lots of care. The food menu doesnât disappoint either. Itâs classic British fare done right hearty, flavorful, and made with fresh ingredients. The Sunday roast is a local favorite, and rightly so: generous portions, perfectly cooked meats, crispy roast potatoes, and rich, delicious gravy. Vegetarian options are also available and equally satisfying. What truly sets The Castle apart is the staff. Friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and appreciated, whether you're a regular or visiting for the first time. In the warmer months, the outdoor seating area is a real bonus perfect for enjoying a pint under the sun with great views of the bustling London streets. Overall, The Castle Pub is a true London gem. It offers everything you could want in a pub: atmosphere, great drinks, quality food, and fantastic service. A must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable pub experience in the city.
Rating: âââââ (5/5) Highlights: Sunday Roast, craft beer selection, friendly staff Perfect For: Groups, solo visits, casual dates, or...
   Read moreWe booked a New Yearâs Eve dinner at this pub through their website, excited by their high ratings and the promise of a New Years Eve dinner. Unfortunately, the experience was an utter disappointment.
We arrived at 8 PM for our reservation and waited 40 minutes just for drinks and for anyone to come to our table. At 8:50 PM, we were abruptly told the kitchen would close in 5 minutes. Shocked, as we had booked their advertised New Yearâs Eve dinner (which apparently didnât exist), we rushed to order.
While the food was fine and tasteful, the entire evening was ruined by poor organization and lack of communication. At 10 PM, they rang the bell for last ordersâmeaning we didnât even get to dessertsâand we were essentially thrown out by 10:30 PM with the lights turned on. To make matters worse, there was no music or any indication that the pub was celebrating New Yearâs Eve.
The service was painfully slow, with drinks taking forever to arrive, and one frustrated waitress completely ignored us when we asked for one last drink. The waitress serving our table was polite, but that was the only positive aspect of the evening.
Whatâs most infuriating is that they confirmed our booking via message but never bothered to inform us that there would be no New Yearâs Eve dinner or festivities, nor that theyâd close at 11 PM. This lack of basic communication ruined what could have been a wonderful night.
A real shame for a pub with such potential. I wonât...
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