The Virgins & Castle, Kenilworth

Facebook page of The Virgins & Castle - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of The Virgins & Castle - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Virgins & Castle - thevirginsandcastle.co.uk

Official site of The Virgins & Castle - thevirginsandcastle.co.uk

Exterior signage proclaims this as Kenilworths oldest pub. It's certainly my favourite based on what I found Good Beer Guide Ticking (this everards tied house doesnt make the cut). Multi roomed, multi bared, lots of nooks and crannies, low ceilings and wood. Decent pint of Tiger and fishfinger sandwich.

As the previous review states, the Virgins & Castle lays claim to being the oldest pub in Kenilworth. It is certainly in a pleasant part of town on the old High Street, which remains separate from the town's current commercial centre. It's an Everard's pub with seemingly limited outdoor seating. With only 3 or 4 tables on the pavement, I managed to grab the last table, which the waitress was initially hesitant in offering me. Although, there may well have been further seating at the rear of the pub. The other tables were occupied by some groups of 6, who were being served what looked to be large platters of Ploughman's lunches. They looked very appetising indeed. The ale range was not quite so tempting - Old Original, Tiger & Sunchaser. I opted for the Tiger. Toilets are upstairs inside, which gave me the opportunity of witnessing the impressive interior, with plenty of dark wood and a few different rooms/sections.

Kenilworth's oldest pub (dating from 1563, according to the inscription outside), and although partly remodelled and refurbished, some parts of the overall 'L'-shaped and slightly split-level arrangement of various seating / dining areas and snugs retain a lot of character (although others look more modern). Five Everards beers - Tiger, Sunchaser, Beacon Hill (£3.50), Golden Hop and Old Original - plus Old Rosie cider available from the six handpumps on each counter.

Attractive old pub serving Everards beers. Well worth a visit.