Castle Tavern, Sheerness

A basic Victorian high street boozer comprising a single, floorboarded, J-shaped bar. There is a pool table at one end, a dartboard at the other. A variety of seating and areas for vertical drinking separate the two. Also present were gaming machines, tv screens, a woodburner and a jukebox. Staff were cheerful and welcoming, but they did look a bit silly in their corporate hoodies with 'staff' printed on the back. The locals were rough and ready, but the welcome was genuine enough. The two pumps on the bar were idle and had no beer coming out of them, but the barman did manage to find a bottle of Spitfire for me. I'd like to try this pub again when they've got some ale on tap, but it wouldn't be my first choice of venue for an evening out.

The public and saloon bars in the Castle Tavern have been knocked through sometime in the past to create a U shaped pub. To the left of the bar are a couple of dartboards and some DJ equipment was set up at the rear. Live music is advertised at the weekends, but some rather loud background music was playing during my visit early on Monday evening last week. To the right of the bar is a pool table and a sign out the front advertises free pool every Sunday. There are a couple of plasma screens that were switched off and I didn’t spot any signs for Sky Sports. The bar is stocked with standard draught and the two hand pumps are for decoration only as they are both unused. I found this place to be bland, much like the sterile décor, and I would walk past if I found myself in the area again.