The Castle, Leicester

Interesting spot in the centre of the city, with this micro-pub created from a pair of old brick cottages on a block-paved street leading into the historic former castle grounds. Not a lot seating in the compact bar area or side room, so even a smallish group can fill the place. Landlord, Charnwood's Salvation (£6.00 with a packet of peanuts) and Titanic Plum Porter available on handpump, with a few craft keg beers too.

I have to admit to not knowing that Leicester had a castle, either a defensive structure or a public house by that name. I could probably be excused for the latter, as the pub doesn't seem to have long opened. Situated close to De Montfort University, its location feels like a village, rather than a city. It is very leafy. This micropub has a couple of small rooms on the ground floor, with further seating upstairs and a small outdoor courtyard to the side and rear. The bar itself is in the left-hand room as you enter. The cask ale selection is Charnwood Salvation, Timothy Taylor Landlord & Titanic Plum Porter. Craft beers may well change. They had Left-Handed Giant Sky Above, Tartarus Thalia, The Kernel Dry Stout & Shiny Subspace Highway. The landlord did seem a little grumpy. Prior to a football match, it was fairly busy and he probably wasn't used to serving so many people. The single unisex toilet is also inadequate in such situations. Although, we soon found out that we could use the upstairs toilet in the cafe nextdoor. This was a nice little place tucked away in a quiet and picturesque area. Whilst the cask ales don't appear to change, I would gladly return to try the craft beers. A cider wouldn't go amiss, unless I did miss it.

Micropub housed in a pair of 18th century cottages. Adjacent to the Old Castle Inn, which closed many years ago.