One of the most popular pubs in the area for students, tourists and locals alike, Dover Castle is anything but regal, but the cheap drinks keep people coming.

The Venue
Part hostel, part pub, Dover Castle is focused on cheap drinks in a chilled atmosphere to make students and travellers feel welcome. Exposed brick walls and wooden floors set the tone as basic and functional, and with a couple of sofas, television and a pool table, the pub feels comfortable and cosy.

The seating design is ideal for groups of friends mooching around, and it’s all too easy to sit around for a good while as you get more relaxed on the sofas. The flashes of red around the room lighten the mood to prevent the dingy old man pub look, and the long bar with quick service aids the long drinking sessions that can take place here.

The Atmosphere
A laid back vibe is favoured at Dover Castle. The look is jeans, hoodies and flip flops if you’re one of the travellers. No one cares how they look or who they’re with, and even though the odd City boy may wander in, its the students and locals that create the atmosphere of this place.

During the day, you can expect to find mostly travellers meeting each other, complaining about how cold London is and watching TV to relax. In the evenings, there’s a mix of people looking for a quiet drink and large groups of raucous students enjoying a boozy pre- or post-drinking gathering. You might get poked in the head if you sit in the wrong place, but if you end up by the sofas, you’re in prime socialising position.

The Drink
The prices at Dover Castle are the cheapest in the area, hence the gaggle of poor students and travellers constantly at the bar. You can get pints for £3 or under for John Smiths, Guinness and the student classic Strongbow. The wine tastes pretty bad but at £3.50, the customers aren’t picky. The staff are up for a laugh and if you have a friendly chat with them you could be in for some drink deals, and they’re always generous to students looking for a good night out.

The Last Word
For a extremely laid back drink if you’re not too fussy about clientele and decor, Dover Castle is ideal.

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