Castle Inn, Warwick

There were a few vocal punters using the seating out front during a recent Sunday afternoon visit to the Castle Inn. This led me to believe that this would be a lively boozer, so as I entered I was surprised to find a very bohemian bar with purple hue. A wide central column creates front and rear seating areas and splits the bar counter to the right from a strip of seating up the left. A small stage area is found along the front windows opposite the bar and live events are advertised. Premium keg is supported alongside two hand pumps that were drawing Wadworth’s 6X and a very bland 3.8% Windmill Hill Session IPA. An eye watering £2.45 for a half, but I learned throughout the day that Warwick is bloody expensive. The service was polite, but a crying baby tried its best to drown out the funky background music whilst ensuring that I will look back on my visit with disappointment.

Official site of Castle Inn - www.instagram.com

Official site of Castle Inn - www.instagram.com

Outside looks small and cottagey but the inside is a mish-mash of numerous refurbs that are non-too alluring whilst the bar is small and higgledy-piggledy. Also quite grubby, get the vacuum out and wipe the tables. Two handpulls, Wye Valley Butty Bach (ok) and a cider from Orchard Pig. There's a decent pub trying to get out…

Old inn, but thoroughly remodelled inside with the main bar, a side lounge and rear seating area all partly opened out in a rather unsympathetic way. Yes, there are still some exposed timbers, but otherwise very little of the original character remains. The refurbishment with semi-modern furniture and decor also gives a rather sterile feel, which is a shame since all the customers - whether regulars or first-time visitors - got a warm welcome from the friendly staff. Also has a few wooden tables out front for the better weather. Two of three handpumps in operation, with the What the Fox's Hat from Church End (£3.30) and Old Rosie cider available.