The Castle, Notting Hill, W11

Seems to be a little less stark and industrial since my last visit around 2011, but otherwise I agree with BobOs that this place isn't worth the effort, like the rest of the poseurs' and tourists' Mecca that is the awfulness of Portobello Road. More than one ale on offer with my choice of Purity's Pure Ubu which was fine and undoubtedly expensive though I didn't buy the round. I doubt that I'd make a return visit except under sufferance.

Very busy on Saturday with the market in full swing but the two barstaff seemed to be coping, I was served fairly promptly. I even managed to bag a small table as I spotted a couple preparing to leave and hovered accordingly. Central bar with a semi-open kitchen behind, a stained glass castle mural behind the bar, various events listed on a large chalkboard, quiz night, mothers' day roasts, burger night etc. Lots of high tables in the front area, some partial screen dividers between in the window, various old B&W photos, many market themed, varnished boarded floor, dark red ceiling, posies of flowers on the tables. Plenty of people eating, I didn't see a menu, four handpumps, Ilkley Brewery Mary Jane (4.10), Doom Bar, Purity Pure Ubu and one without a clip. Beer menus on the tables, they do a few of the more eclectic bottles such as Negro Modelo, Tripel Karmeliat and Delirium Tremens. I quite liked the pub despite it being heaving and naturally noisy but if I tried to revisit I might pick a non market day.

This is a classic market pub, being right on Portobello Rd. There was a very strong smell of josticks burning when I was in – I’m assuming that’s what it was, although I could be wrong. There are some basic tall tables/tall stools at the front of the pub, along with a few standard tables and chairs here and at the back. A few potted plants are scattered around the place, and there’s also an unusual and interesting bit of artwork behind the bar. A large chalkboard on the back wall also caught my eye because it had a sketch depiction of the brewing process, surmounted by sketches of four pump clips labelled “some of London’s finest”. These four were of Portobello VPA, Meantime London Pale Ale, Camden Hells Lager, and Sharp’s Doom Bar. Doom Bar one of London’s finest!? I don’t think so! So, ignoring for a moment the Doom Bar calumny, they did have four ales on, in Purity UBU, Doom Bar, Woodford Wherry, and Mole Brewery Mole Catcher (£2 a half). There were single sheet menus on all the tables, with sarnies at £6.75 to £7.50. The cheapest main meal was my old favourite “Gloucester Old Spot sausages, beer mustard mash and gravy” at £9.75. This is not cheap for a very ordinary pub, but maybe there’s a Portobello Market premium. I quite like this pub although it’s nothing very special. But with four ales on, including the less commonly seen Mole Brewery offering, it’s most certainly worth a punt if you’re around the market area. But it might be a very different place with the market in full swing.

Defo a bit scruffy but 3 interesting cask beers and good keg selection.Typical touristy pub but always plenty of local characters.Owned by Mitchell and Butler so the food will be predictable.Situated on a steet corner of Portobello market so ideal to watch the world going by.

Another of the grubby Portobello Road tourist traps with disinterested staff, mediocre beer and poor food - avoid. Well below average.

Official site of the Castle - www.castleportobello.co.uk

Official site of the Castle - www.castleportobello.co.uk