The writing on one of the beams proclaims the Castle to be 'The Country Pub in Town'. Unfortunately, since opening, the Castle has been more like 'The Wine Bar in Town'. That is all about to change.

New landlord David Watson, originally from Seaton Carew Nr. Hartlepool, and his partner Inara Stukane, from Latvia, only arrived at the Castle at the end of July, but the beer quality has already improved immeasurably. Although there are still only two beers on offer, David has plans to change that. And he certainly has the experience to do it.

Despite retiring five years ago, needs have dictated that he come back into the trade. Having previously worked for Greene King, W&D and Adnams amongst others, David says he would rather work in a managed house than for himself. "When I was working for myself, everybody was asking me for money!" he says. But although working for tied houses, he still managed to sell lots of real ale.

At his last pub, the Marquis of Lorne at Stevenage, every week he was shifting two firkins (9 gallons) of mild, one of Ruddles Best, three kilderkins (18 gallons) of Abbot Ale plus a staggering 36 gallons of IPA per day! All this in a pub that was no bigger than the Castle. He also got through 264 different guest beers during his stay there and was instrumental in getting guest introduced into GK houses. The fact that The Marquis was the only pub selling real ale on the High Street may have contributed to its success, but that doesn't detract from the fact that David knows how to keep beer.

The two beers at the Castle during my visit were Milestone 'Rich Ruby' and Anglo-Dutch 'Spike's on T'way', both in excellent condition. And he plans to expand the range as soon as possible. One of the duplicate banks of keg fonts is being removed, to be replaced with four hand pumps so a total of five beers can be served, with one line spare. David also intends to source his beers from the local micro's. With the introduction of the new licensing hours, he will be open 11 'til midnight, seven days a week.

Although the Castle won't be serving hot food, freshly made sandwiches are  available. Alternatively, you may take your own (providing you buy a pint to go with them!).
Friday night live entertainment will have a jazz theme, and Mondays will be regular quiz night.

So go give him some support and let's make it the Country Pub in Town again!

BoldBelvoir
Aug '05

Update:

Four more hand pumps were installed on 23rd September. On our last visit, six ales were available:
Shepherd Neame Spitfire
Robinson's Lighthouse
Milestone IPA
Leadmill Mash Tun
Hadrian & Border Farne Island
Bateman's XB

Waiting in the cellar were:
Young's Bitter
Shardlow Golden Miles
Milestone IPA

An excellent selection. Please go and give Dave some support.