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Elephant & Castle, Wakefield
Wakefield
WF1 1EW
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
Will Larter left this review about Elephant & Castle
This pub has been gutted since I was last here, with the look and feel of a sports bar. There are four hand pumps on the bar, which is now against the right hand wall and towards the rear. Two beers on, the strangely named Norwegian Blue from Parkway Brewery in Somerset, and the more regular Ossett White Rat (which is a bit of an odd name too, now I come to think about it). I'm starting to get used to the Rat, and this was ok but a little dull, both in clarity and flavour (NBSS 2.5) but quite drinkable. The background music was a little less tolerable, so I didn't stay long. Good that the pub is open again and looking to attract younger people, though.
On 1st April 2024
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3734 recommendations about 3471 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
custodian 42 left this review about Elephant & Castle
This place has changed ownership and has been totally refurbished with the bar being moved as well. No pool and darts room anymore which have been replaced by seating and a TV on a different wall. Has had Old Peculiar on when I've been in it which I can take for a couple of pints but no more.
On 8th December 2016
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1693 recommendations about 1691 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about Elephant & Castle
I spotted this pub on our way back to the station and it was the splendid exterior that beckoned us in. So glad I did venture inside as this was a decent pub, with an equally impressive interior. The pub was comfortable and had a relaxed atmosphere, the bar staff were also welcoming. There were two handpumps serving a John Smiths cask and a Golden Pippin. We went for the Golden Pippin, which was in good shape and prices were reasonable.
On 18th May 2015
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Will Larter left this review about Elephant & Castle
The exterior of this pub is a fantastic example of its type, and the interior, although not original, is in character. The carpet was that old fashioned type of pub carpet with a memory of every fag that's been stubbed out in it and every pint that's been spilled on it. Shelves dotted randomly around the walls held equally random junk such as an old typewriter, as well as artefacts that are more usually associated with pubs.
We were pleased to see two hand pumps on the corner of the bar, especially as this meant we didn't have to drink John Smiths Cask. The other beer was Black Sheep Bitter, which was in very good condition. This pub is definitely worth a visit on your way into or out of town if you're travelling by train, or even for just a swift half if changing trains here.
On 18th April 2013
- rating: 7
[User has posted 3734 recommendations about 3471 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
aleand hearty left this review about Elephant & Castle
For those visiting Wakefield by train and alighting at Westgate station, this is the first pub they’ll see when walking down the driveway. Any fans of historic, ornate facades, will have hit the jackpot straight away, as the Elephant has a superb frontage composed of red brick, stone and tiling, still extolling the virtues of Warwick’s Ales & Stout, Boroughbridge. (Warwick’s were sold to John Smith’s in 1925, the brewery itself closing in the 1950’s)
The interior is just as striking, but very little, if any of it, original, as the place was severely damaged by fire a few years ago. However, the sumptuous décor and the slightly chaotic collection of memorabilia and breweriana still give the place some real character. It would appear that there were four rooms originally, but now there’s just the drinking area either side of the entrance, plus the games room to the rear. Near the bar, it’s all cosily low ceiling-ed, with ornate tiling, old-fashioned heavy wallpapers, intricate cast-iron tables and heavy dark furniture. Also, there are many prints of old Wakefield.
The games room is a much plainer affair, by comparison. It has a pool table and dartboard, plus a drop down screen for sporting events.
Two real ales are usually on offer: John Smith’s and Landlord. I tried the Landlord and although served at a decent temperature, it was rather tired tasting and lacked freshness. (Still, at least there’s a choice these days. The last time I reviewed the Elephant it was just JS.) The young barman that served me was pleasant enough. Atmosphere wise, it was fairly quiet on a midweek afternoon. However, the pub is on the Westgate Run and no doubt gets very busy towards the weekend.
My review summary last time was along the lines of nice pub, shame about the beer and I think that still applies. However, it’s definitely worth popping in for one, just to have a nosey round and luxuriate in the feel of the place.
On 14th July 2010
- rating: 6
[User has posted 579 recommendations about 561 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Roger Button left this review about Elephant & Castle
The Elephant & Castle has one of those exteriors that just beckons you inside whether you want a pint or not. I’m pleased to say the interior is equally enticing although it has been opened up slightly from what would have been a series of smaller rooms. The features include some ornate ceilings, old personalised mirrors (sadly partly obscured with cheap posters and adverts), marble fireplaces and note also the bar rail held up by elephant trunks. The furnishings are comfortable with carpets throughout (apart from the tiled area where the corridor would once have been) and leather backed built in seating. The wall space is crowded with random pictures and high shelves full of assorted collectables. The choice of ales is disappointingly weak with just 2 pumps containing Landlord and John Smiths plus the usual kegs and lagers. The rear “smoke room” is now a pool room with big screen which also takes off a bit of the shine. Handily situated for Westgate station, it is certainly a pub that is worthy a quick visit, especially if you like old fashioned, traditional style pubs, but there are a few areas that would need to be improved to make it an essential stop.
On 15th February 2010
- rating: 6
[User has posted 1239 recommendations about 1233 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
James Joines left this review about Elephant & Castle
Real Ales and a food offering, outside Westgate Station.
On 15th April 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 841 recommendations about 835 pubs]