The Castle, Walthamstow, E17

Tris C left this review about The Castle

Dating from the mid-19th century, this is one of three real pubs in Walthamstow ‘Village’ and this is the trendy one.
The place seems to have been gastrofied since at least Steve’s visit 11 years ago and the interior is very much trendified: the bar is at the far end with obligatory white tiled back. Then it’s a bit by the numbers with the huge IKEA-style bookshelf at left, home to Feng Shui’d lifestyle statement knickknacks. Otherwise, the floor is black lacquered, bare brick or black walls, white Anaglypta ceiling, some vestigial etched glass to the grey painted entrance vestibule. There’s a large bare brick fireplace, home to an upright piano then flanked by two blackboards displaying an extensive wine list. Lighting is a little odd, with reversed spotlights aimed at point blank range at the walls, then chunky candles to the equally chunky tables. Customers were young professional types, many eating and contributing to rather loud acoustics.
At the time of my Saturday 9.35pm visit there was a reversed clip, then just St. Austell Thunder Struck, £2.50 a half, new to me and rather nice, though served by a taciturn barman.
This place isn’t too bad though would benefit from a wider quality cask choice, but I’d prefer the Nags Head round the corner.

On 14^th October 2024 - rating: 5
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