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34-35 Cowcross Street
London EC1M 6DB
Neighbourhood: Farringdon
020 7553 7621
London EC1M 6DB
Neighbourhood: Farringdon
020 7553 7621
- Nearest Transit:
-
Farringdon (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan)
Chancery Lane (Central)
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Thu, Sun 12:00 - 23:00
Wed 12:00 - 0:00
Fri-Sat 12:00 - 1:00
- Price Range:
-
££
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Fri
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
5 reviews for The Castle
All Reviews
I am absolutely in love with the Castle. While studying abroad, this served as our favorite pub to drink at prior to going out more, though we often just ended up staying here as the crowd, drinks, and atmosphere was often perfect.
At five, the crowd is mostly business types enjoying a pint and a cigarette prior to hopping on the tube (which is about 50 steps away), but as the night goes on, the diverse crowd transforms into something to behold :) On friday night, DJ's spin and the crowd is mostly those who will be heading over to nearby Fabric.
There are plush cushiony couches and chairs as well as expansive tables which make it easy for big groups to converse and enjoy each other's company. The deep, jewel tones as well as dimly light chandeliers create the coolest vibe.
Not to be ignored, the food and drinks are awesome too. The bartenders are fun and friendly and eager to make friends. As a regular, my favorite bartender would often buy me shots/drinks and take time to chat.
It gets very busy/crowded, but the people truly make it a great place to be. I want to go back NOW.
Owned by the same folks who own the Bull on Upper Street, I found the Castle to be an idyllic place to pop in to watch the England v. Algeria match on Friday.
Why you ask?
Becuase the cheap glass of white wine in my hand made watching England fans writhe in misery even that much more enjoyable. (You can believe there were some true devotees here, as the grit of post-work Farringdon seems to flock here in droves!) Can't blame 'em, it is only about 20 steps away from the tube. And have I mentioned the cheap wine?
I'm not sure why so many people flock to the Castle other than its proximity to the tube. The smell of old man pee hits you in the face as soon as you walk in the door...with quite a bit of force. I've been ground floor, upstairs, the bathrooms in the basement (eep), and this just isn't a bar that I can get into. I like a bar with character, yes; the couches.. .yes; cheapish drinks, yes; but it's a bizarre circus of unpleasantry for the senses. If I'm correct, they also own another bar I've reviewed where we had a similarly unpleasant cringe-worthy experience. If you flip through my Clerkenwell list I'm sure you can figure out which one it is. I'm not sure why I'm giving it two stars, I think I'm in a good mood.
The Castle is one of the more lively and charismatic bars close to farringdon tube station.
From the posters on the walls, it seems they are desperate to attract local punters- one poster advertised an appearance from the comedian Stewart Lee, whilst another tried to entice people in with special offers of cheap wine on certain days.
Tonight, Monday, was 'open-mic night' and it was probably one of the strangest nights of my life in London so far. Upstairs in the pub, local entertainers had gathered to perform a showcase to the four customers that were seated upstairs. We had gone upstairs searching for solace from the frantic bar downstairs, and hadn't bargained for the night of entertainment that lay ahead. The door was closed behind us and the karaoke machine started to play. We were trapped for over an hour, unable to escape because the comedian's husband was sat next to the door and we didn't want to upset him by leaving during her set. It was a very funny night, but more due to nervous laughter than the comedy/talent contest we witnessed.
The Castle's walls are painted black, but it doesn't feel like a dungeon. It's one of the most luxurious and well decorated pubs I have ever visited in London. The chandeliers, the paintings, the couches - everything in this place is so well designed. If I had the cash I would rent this place out and live in it. Since in reality I'm teetering on the poverty line a quick drink and a bite to eat totally quells my urges to reside behind the bar. They have a wide array of specialty and commonplace brews and liquors available for typical prices (£3.50 - £4 a pint). They also serve pretty delectable food for about £7 a plate. If you work in the Farringdon area and you'd like to have dinner and a pint nearby after work the Castle is a wonderful place to visit.
