Castle Gardens

Fairly standard chain style pub, an Ember pub if I'm not mistaken. I visited on the occasion of a relative's funeral. The staff were courteous and the the buffet was very pleasant, they had cordoned an area of the pub off for us and we were well treated throughout. The pub is pleasantly decorated and spacious and I noticed various meal deals advertised such as steak nights, two pizzas for £8 on a Monday, two burgers for £10 on a Tuesday etc. They also have quiz nights on twice a week. There were some cask beers on but it was a little early in the day to partake so I can't comment on their quality, I also noticed that there seemed to be a good selection of wine available. I'd certainly pop in if I was passing by in the future, it seems like a pleasant enough pub.   

We visited the Castle Gardens last night and chose from the fixed menu, priced at £9.50 per person, unusually we both chose the same stater and main course. For starters we had breaded mushrooms, accompanied by a dip,the mushrooms were cooked well and the dip was flavoursome. Unfortunately the main was far from the same standard, we chose the steak, mini mushroom and ale pie served with mash potato and green beans. The "pie" was disappointing from the word go, basically a ceramic dish with a flaky pastry lid, the steak being of average quality with a few lumps of gristle ! The table spoon sized lump of mash was passable if not a little small, as was the 5 or 6 green beans. All in all the meal was underwhelming.
      On the other hand the pint of Mad Goose was top notch, hence the 2 stars.

Have just had Sunday lunch at the Castle Gardens and I felt I needed to write this review the food was first class and reasonably priced and my wife and I were served by a very courtious good looking young man I think he was called Simon. Will definatly be back and I highly reccomend this establishment. Steve and Bridget

Busy and popular pub that specialises in good food and a relaxed atmosphere (it's like sitting on your sofa at home). Does real ale, including the odd festival, although I have noticed a decline in the beer standard & selection there recently. Service is good when it's not packed, but when it is expect delays! Definitely a place for middle-class, middle-aged folk like me who enjoy a decent drink and chat without having their eardrums assaulted by loud music or children.

Visited again 5/6/10 for a pint of Greene King Thirsty Dragon (admirably dispensed as part of a breast cancer charity campiagn), the beer being slowly served and chemically-tasted. Not a great advert for real ale - the place isn't what it used to be as far as decent beer is concerned.

This pub has such a striking location, it is such a shame that it continues to deteriorate and exude an increasing lack of class. The more I visit, the less likely I am to return.

A good pub for both food and drink.The pub is very well run and the service is top class.There is a good choice of cask beers,and the menu is quite extensive.

A great place to meet, socialise, dine or join the quiz nights on Tuesday evenings. This pub has a lovely homely feel, with contemporary decor and modern accessories to compliment your evening. The atmosphere is always warm and friendly, with many socialites using it as a meeting place, starting the night off with friends . I have always loved this place for a friendly drink of a summers evening and probably always will. Everyone seems to know everyone and makes you feel like you are in the 'Woolpack’ at Emmerdale, or similar.

This is a great place to go for food in the evening, lovely atmosphere and the quiz nights are always good for a laugh with friends too. Sometimes it can be hard to get a decent table, but worth waiting for the ones in the windows as it feels so cosy in the winter!
Food is very nice, at reasonable prices, although I wouldn’t expect gourmet food!
It is good for just a drinks night too - it’s not all just food.

This is an exeptional public house and the food is of an exeptional standard,its a little remote buts worth the trip, staff are friendly, beer ,good wines, what more does one want?