The Castle is a classic pub that suits the apparently more discerning patrons in the City.

The Venue
Removed from the main bustle of High Holborn, The Castle nestles down amongst the tall offices on Furnival Street. Its polished black granite facade sparkles in the light and compared to the duller buildings around it, it's as captivating as the night sky. It looks like a posh pub from the outside and, on the inside, it retains the theme. Tables are scarce and you're left to make do with high stools next to the window ledges. Old wooden paneling is varnished to perfection and everywhere you look there seems to be chalkboard after chalkboard jumping in front of you. An open fire provides warmth to the well-decorated interior and there are other open flames in the form of sweet candles set in vases on the tabletops. The retro seventies wallpaper is a little daring but overall it's all very nice.

The Atmosphere
With an upstairs bar open for food between 12pm and 3pm on weekdays, the bar below takes a little bit of a hit on its numbers, however the sacrifice of a more bustling lunchtime leaves more space and quicker service. With so much business being done in the surrounding offices it's no surprise that the bar is filled with office types. Informal meetings can be witnessed alongside desperately needed after work drinks. The Castle isn't for huge, loud groups but it does have a sense of fun.

The Food
Well-presented, homemade pub grub makes for a recognisable menu full of the classics. Weekly rotating burgers are interesting though, with the ham and pineapple an intriguing choice (£6.25). There are also daily specials to add some variety and they can include dishes like beef and beer pie (£6.50) and homemade lasagne (£6.50). Roast dinners are also dished up.

The Drink
A small but concise range of wine is available, with old and new world on offer by the glass or the bottle. The worthy collection of lagers on draught includes Staropramen, Erdinger (£4.30 a pint) and Fosters (£3.30 a pint), however, The Castle's real speciality lies with its ales. One of the many chalkboards shows a sort of Top of the Pops of cask ales, with a number one and everything! Every day there are around eight ales to choose from but you will always find the house ale, Red Car Best.

The Last Word
The Castle has an excellent range of ales, a few choice lagers and a genuinely amiable atmosphere, all of which makes it a good place for a drink with friends.

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