The Castle - Pub and Kitchen is a historic pub located at 1 Castle Road, Nottingham NG1 6AA, United Kingdom. Designed by architect Watson Fothergill in 1883, it showcases a distinctive Gothic Revival style with a varied roofline, tower, and prominent chimneys. The pub offers a range of traditional ales, ciders, world lagers, and craft beers. The menu features British cuisine, including slow-roasted pork belly, fish and chips, beef ale pie, and duck confit. The establishment hosts weekly quizzes, community events, and has a function room available for hire. Its proximity to Nottingham Castle makes it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
What each source says
- Google 4.3 797
- Tripadvisor 4.5 448
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Delicious Food From Sunday roasts and gourmet burgers to pizzas and sandwiches, the food receives high marks for taste, presentation, and generous portion sizes.
- Excellent Location Situated directly across from Nottingham Castle, this pub offers stunning views and a prime spot for tourists and locals alike.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff Many reviewers consistently praise the staff for their exceptional service, friendliness, and helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
- Great Selection of Drinks The pub boasts a wide variety of beverages, including local craft beers, continental lagers, and well-made cocktails, ensuring there's something for every taste.
- Welcoming Atmosphere The pub offers a cozy and inviting ambiance, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating options, live music, and a dog-friendly policy.
Criticised
- Bathroom Issues Some reviewers have noted that the bathrooms can be wet during rainy days, indicating a potential maintenance issue that has not been resolved.
- Can Be Crowded Due to its popularity and location, the pub can get very busy, especially on weekends and during special events, potentially leading to longer wait times and a more crowded atmosphere.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While generally praised, a few reviewers have reported occasional issues with the food, such as undercooked roast potatoes or unpleasant plant-based burger options.
- Menu Predictability Some reviewers find the menu to be a bit predictable, lacking unique or adventurous options.
- Potentially Unpleasant Staff While many reviewers note that the staff are generally excellent, a small number have noted a particular staff member being unpleasant or seeming uninterested in serving customers.
The longer read
The Castle Pub and Kitchen, situated near Nottingham Castle, garners praise for its location, atmosphere, and friendly service. Many reviewers appreciate its proximity to the castle, with outdoor seating providing pleasant views. The pub is described as having a cozy and welcoming ambiance, suitable for both casual drinks and meals. Several reviewers highlight the friendly and attentive staff, specifically mentioning staff members by name such as Keeley, Lewis, Georgina, Rhi, Millie, Jess, Jas, Heather, Max, Abbie, Naomi, Hope, Claire and Imogen who provided excellent service and were knowledgeable about the offerings. The staff are often commended for being helpful, accommodating, and creating a welcoming environment. The pub is noted as dog-friendly. Many reviewers enjoyed the range of drinks, including a wide selection of local and craft beers, as well as cocktails and gins. The food receives generally positive feedback, with specific menu items like the Sunday roast (especially the potatoes), burgers (particularly the Big Bank Burger), pizzas, and sandwiches being frequently praised. The portions are often described as generous. Some reviewers mention the good value for money, especially the lunchtime deals and Tuesday pizza offer. The pub is a popular venue for various occasions, including Sunday lunch, team meals, and casual gatherings. It's also been noted to be a good spot for watching sports and participating in pub quizzes. Some reviewers mention the updated modern interior within the old building's structure. While the menu is considered somewhat predictable by some, the overall quality of the food is regarded as high. A few reviewers mentioned specific experiences, such as the pub being accommodating to wheelchair users and large groups. A few people mention how lovely it is to sit outside in the sunshine. Overall, The Castle Pub and Kitchen is highly recommended for its combination of location, atmosphere, service, food, and drink selection, making it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 948 4279
- Website
- thecastlenottingham.co.uk
| Mon | 11:00 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 11:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 11:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 - 22:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.4 against a median of 4.4 across the 1 places to eat we hold for The Park, and the most-reviewed of them.
Still deciding?
- What are the notable gothic revival features designed by Watson Fothergill at The Castle?
- What types of ales, ciders, world lagers, and craft beers are available on the pub’s regular menu?
- Which menu items, such as the slow‑roasted pork belly or duck confit, are considered the house specials at The Castle?
- When does The Castle host its weekly quiz and what can participants expect in terms of format and prizes?
- Is there a particular season or day of the week that offers a more authentic or less crowded experience at The Castle in Nottingham?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.