Reviews of The Castle. (Pub) in Oxford (Oxfordshire).

The Castle

369 Reviews

181 Comments

Pub

Pub

2 Castle St, Oxford OX1 1AY, United Kingdom

Description

Information of The Castle, Pub in Oxford (Oxfordshire)

On this page you’ll find the address, open hours, more popular times, the contact, photos and real reviews of this business.

This business has received very good reviews from their customers, so probably it’s a place you should try if you are looking for this kind of services.

Map

Open hours of The Castle

Popular times

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Reviews of The Castle

B. E.

One of my favourite pubs in Oxford, and the only Hook Norton Brewery pub in Oxford. Always super friendly helpful staff. Good old fashioned atmosphere. Only just gets 5 stars though as it's always cold in there in the winter.

H. d.

Awesome little pub. Stayed at the premier inn next door so this was our first stop before night out. Bar staff extremely welcoming and had a food variety of drinks. Being from Somerset and favour cider I was introduced to Hooks Cider which I must say was very nice! Great pub.

A. A.

Went for lunch on Saturday. Enjoyed the outdoor space Our server was very nice. Drinks were great and food was delicious. My husband wasn't sure about a new beer on the menu so they let him have a sample first!

A. D.

Nice little pub conveniently next to the Westgate, castle and hotel. Good range of gins and reasonably priced. Fairly narrow entrance ramp as tables outside.

J. C.

Sunday beef roast was melt in your mouth amazing. All the fixins and gravy were perfect! Can not recommend this place enough for a Sunday roast. Thank you

W. H.

Brilliant food and atmosphere. Staff friendly and helpful and work hard to be Covid safe. Only downside was limited menu and a bit greasy food but very much enjoyed and would still go again if in town.

G. C.

Refurbished and a great beer place in Oxford. Conveniently located near the Westgate this pub has a wide, varying, range of craft beer on tap. Helpful staff will give advice and let you sample and they usually have some very interesting, even challenging, beers available. They also do more standard draught and bottled beer and the usual range of other drinks. When we last popped in they had an open mic and poetry night on downstairs and it was well attended and an unpretentious diversion.

A. N.

Lovely place with a great choice of beers and friendly staff.

S. W.

Delicious pizza and sweet potato fries. Chill and cozy atmosphere. The staff was friendly and accommodating.

R. J.

Beautifully kept Hook Norton and genuinely friendly barman. An excellent alehouse.

J.

I would say this is definitely a straight pub rather than a gay pub, which isn’t a bad thing. You just would never be able to tell it was a gay establishment. They had an amazing cherry cider. Based on reviews on the other gay establishments in town, this one had the best.

M. E.

I love Old Hookey so when I realised this was a Hook Norton Brewery pub I had do pay a visit. The menu was slightly sparse but the quality was really good and the beer was great too. A really nicely designed pub.

S. H.

Nice little pub just opposite Westgate shopping centre, good selection of drinks

N. R. (. T.

One of my favourite oxford pubs. Nice beer's, nice staff. Cool decor.

B. B.

Really like this pub, love the basement on a warm day as is nice and cool. Only reason not 5 stars both guest ales were off at about 1900 on Saturday. Having said that the hooky is a really nice ale

J. S.

A gem in Oxford. Hook Norton ales served by knowledgeable staff. The pub has a great rustic feel.

J. M.

Have not been in the pub recently but loved going there at lunch for a quick drink while studying at Oxpens. I remember back in the day Christmas time early 90s being in there and a big fight breaking out. I think it was called either the Brewhouse/Alehouse back then!

P. N.

Nice pub good beer on tap.

A. C.

Bar staff were great. They created a fun loving vibe. Beer choice was decent overall not a bad place to start the evening.

C. H.

Superb selection of well-kept Hook Norton beers served by a friendly and attentive crew. This is an excellent proper pub which is operating safely and superbly well in the current difficult conditions. Visit both here and the nearby Jolly Farmers for an authentic and welcoming pub experience. Don’t bother with the Spoons next door.

N. M.

OK. Nothing unique. No food available. Disco going on downstairs but quite a tiny pub

A. F.

Visited this pub for the first time with my son will definitely return friendly welcome from the barman ,nice atmosphere good layout

R. C.

Good beer selection, eight cask pumps, and eight keg taps. Simple menu; more bistro food than pub food. New, comfortable decor. Seating on the main floor and in the basement. Pretty good shelf of spirits too. Great place to go in the city centre.

A.

Great food nice staff

S. H.

The bar tender was really friendly, nice place all round.

M. C.

This is a weird thing to recommend but if you go to this pub, which I recommend, take some time to talk to Brook the Bar Manager. He has to be the nicest man in all of Oxford. he is super sweet and positive and I always like talking to him. He's great. The rest of the staff is also very nice but Brook is, like, the nicest guy ever. The is really coll. Nice smile too. They have good food and beer. I say go and say hi to Brook. You won't regret it.

G. '.

I come here to meet up with mates. I don't drink, but they have plenty of options for those that are more than just a pint & shot pub. I'm also disabled, which one would think would make this a place that I would have to make a pass on enjoying it. More fool me. The staff asked me if I required help, and they helped me up the stairs (I'm incapable of walking or climbing anything), made sure that I was comfortable, and asked me what would I like. I'm not looking for anyone to treat me differently than other people. I'm just looking to meet up with mates without being stared at or judged. I don't feel that way at the Castle, and because of this I'm giving them an excellent review. I've seen this pub trade hands over the years, and there was a time when it was fantastic, and others when it was in a sorry state. I'm really glad to see that it is back to being a place that welcomes all. There's no attitude. Support those that support us all.

S. P.

Great beer great food apple crumble to die for I would recommend this traditional and friendly pub in the heart of Oxford. Good selection of real ales, wines and cider and great selection of vegetarian food. Hide away in the lower level or just enjoy the traditional wooden decor. Staff are friendly and helpful.

C. G.

As soon as i was walking in with my friends there was two ladies that were being very incomprehensible and unreasonable with the general manager. I saw a pose of grace from him trying to explain the lady he was trying to help. Unfortunetly for them they had to leave and lucky for us we got a table due to that. As soon as they left, he took a breath in and asked “are you ok? Can i help?” As i replied “are YOU ok? “ as he very professionally said “yes, just another saturday. Table for 3?” With the biggest smile. It showed aswell that as to anyone this situation would aflict any of us as it did to him for sure to a certain degree, but i saw a composur that i rarely see these days. Then he even served us in the bar and showed good showmanship the whole time. All and all its a friendly place, good spacious and confortable . Looking forward to taste that cajun burguer 🤤:) cheers

A. F.

Lovely little pub, lunch was really nice, not cheap but of reasonable value given the quality of the food. Dog friendly, and the staff are WONDERFUL! So so so friendly, really polite, overall a really nice experience. Board games available and a downstairs area. RECOMMEND!!

R. C.

Hi 'The Castle', Thanks for your email into asking about ways to improve. Atmosphere really good, knowledge of some simple whiskey cocktails would be good - not the over the top ones, just some of the basics. Fully appreciating you are not a cocktail bar. Otherwise decent place for a meal out in a relaxed atmosphere.

O. B.

Top quality pub. Discovered this gem while trying to visit every pub in Oxford and overheard mention of a 75% rum while waiting at the bar. We had a round of doubles, and then another, and the last thing I remember (it had been a heavy night already) was telling the gent at the bar it's my new favourite pub. And it really is. We never go without having a double. Lovely staff too.

A. S.

Fab pub, great selection of drinks, fantastic service and even a loyalty scheme!

J. R.

Great little pub in Oxford my wife and I stumbled upon. We had a couple drinks along with a delicious bbq pulled pork Burger. The staff was great and super friendly, with a good knowledge of the local beers on tap.

F. H.

Awesome place!! The general manager is always smiling! Will defiantly be here often! Good vibes all round! 🖒🖒

M. M.

Very nice atmosphere and nice selection of beers! The pub is cozy and pleasant, extremely well kept and clean, clearly cared for. Will definitely come back next time I'm in Oxford.

L. D.

Friendly, happy chap guy behind the bar, great selection of ales and cider which is great for me! Comedy nights and other entertainment throughout the year, great for people watching and right next to the bus stop. Need to try the food as yet. Will be back

B. C.

A great 'normal' pub with a good range of beers and friendly staff.

A. S.

Now reopened as a Hook Norton pub, they've refurbished it respectfully and done a good job. Friendly and helpful staff and a good range of beers available. I can't comment on the food as I haven't had an opportunity to try it yet but will no doubt do so in due course.

J. K.

Lovely pub nice atmosphere and local comedy night first Friday every month well worth a visit!

s. f.

What a gem this place is! Road works were outside so it was easily overlooked. Went in for food and a pint. The choice wasn't great so I ordered..it didn't matter. The food was fantastic, the pint was lovely,customer check back on point. Lovely atmosphere by genuine people. Try it. I did,and wasn't disappointed. Lovely food

B. M.

Nice little pub and some good beers. Really friendly staff.

C. I.

The newly revamped Castle is a definite upgrade on what was here before. The range of beers is now really good and the staff are v.friendly. It is tricky to find a city centre pub that is still a pub rather than a gastropub but this place manages it... :)

T. M.

As always a comfortable visit to the castle, cosy pub environment in central town and close to the new Westgate. Good selection of drinks and tasty food. Good for just popping in for a drink in the afternoon or in the evening meeting up with friends. Much nicer than weatherspoons up the road!

C. S.

Not bad but really slow service. In a great location though and food was good once it came out. If you just come for drinks you'll have a great time!

D. S.

Great selection of drinks including real ales and draught cider. Friendly, helpful staff and a lovely cosy atmosphere if you prefer a traditional style pub like me. ☺️

G. W.

Good selection of beers, small bar sitting area but bar staff very helpful and quick with serving, working hard during pandemic

D. C.

Nice pub and staff

S. R.

Very friendly staff. Great guest beers. I haven't tried the food yet but it looks good.

J. C.

Great friendly city pub, Staff are welcoming, The food looks great (although I didn't eat) Went in for the free comedy night which was really fun!

I. H.

One of my favourite Oxford pubs. Much better than the Wetherspoons round the corner.

J. M. (.

Good Hook Norton pub. Nice drinking place, fresh decor and friendly staff. There is good but I've not eaten yet.

R. A.

Lovely cosy pub, serving delicious cask beer from the hook norton brewery

B. M.

Food court in the shopping centre was very busy with most places having half hour minimum wait, found this pub and I’m glad I came here as the food was really good. Nice traditional pub too.

R. L.

Great pint of old Hookey

M. M.

Comedy night was great

H. M.

Decent little pub with a good variety of ales, although I didn't get food the menu looks quite decent for pub food.

D. C.

Great local beer. Fabulous pub. Perfect location. Lovely staff. Enjoy!

S. P.

Love this pub, whilst traditionally it was a gay pub it's more just a lovely pub now that welcomes all. Great beer, great atmosphere

C. C.

Much better than average pub food! Bit of a wait but excellent pizza. Friendly and much better than nearby venues

R. K.

Beer excellent but the indifference of the staff reminded me of a zombie film. On the positive side, at least they made no attempt to eat my brains.

J. E.

Good selection of Packaged and Cask beers, although my Almasty IPA cask was past its prime. Still a nice place to go for a drink though

W. K.

Great food and beer, the Apple Plum Crumble was so good. Staff were friendly, efficient and fun to talk to.

P. A.

Very good

S. D.

First time in the pub, beer selection was pretty good, pizza not so good, chips with truffle oil were amazing.

B. G.

Lovely cosy pub, great beers (Hook Norton & guests) and a nice place to meet up before or after shopping/eating at the Westgate.

L. D.

Really nice little pub in the heart of the oxford. Good prices and really, really good staff. Downstairs area was nice and cool in the heat recently.

S. S.

Great welcome and the cheesy chips are fab... For a wee drink and snack. Did not eat fully but the food looked fab

A. C.

Quaint pub in the heart of the city. Bar staff were friendly and knew what they talking about. Also has a good selection of board games

N. M.

Great pub very friendly staff great selection of ales food very good. Really worth a visit when in Oxford

T.

Strange boozer, strange clientele, bar staff really good and engaging however. Would come back but patrons really odd.

R. S.

Cosy, could get crowded. Good beer brewed locally but noisy so not great for a small group to catch up.

S. S.

Nice bar great staff Malachi and Alex thanks.

D. C.

Great food, great selection of Ales, ciders, spirits etc. Definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the area.

A. E.

Just next to Westgate, great selection of beer in the pub ! Lovely was Phoebe who serve me ! I'll be back soon

M. S.

A little tucked away, you could easily miss this Hook Norton pub. Friendly staff and a good range of beers.

C. W.

Incredible night, corporate function a total success! Staff were superb and the night went without issue. We will be back!

J. M.

A very good genuine pub in Oxford selling the outstand Hook Norton beers. More town than gown.

F. W.

The best place in Oxford, hands down. it's chilled when it needs to be but plenty of vibes when necessary. Amazing pub.

a. c.

Good beers and very good food. Spent a very nice evening here.

A. H.

Decent place but I wouldn’t consider it one of the best pubs in Oxford.

J. C.

Food and price is good. They have fish and chips even if it's not on the menu.

g. k.

Very nice pub, great staff . Will be our new regular stop when in oxford

D. R.

Nice enough, beer was brown and boring.

V.

loved it!

l. b.

Good beer, good location, nice decor but the food is a little indifferent.

M. G.

Pleasant place to wait for shoppers

B.

Nice pub, good atmosphere and the venison burger was delicious!

A. S.

Good beer and friendly locals. Disappointed due to advertised quiz non existent.

N. C.

Great location, great selection of alcohol and great staff. Also do a loyalty card which is great

N. W.

Good service and beer

G. O.

Oxford in general seems expensive. Our meal at The Castle was certainly the best value for money we've had.

Z. G.

Excellent service,and the local stout from Hook Norton Brewery is the best

J. D.

Excellent staff :)

A. M.

Nice venue. Warm and cozy. Decent selection of drinks.

A. L. S.

Great atmosphere, cool performance mini-venue, great selection of drinks.

M. E.

Very friendly and welcoming staff, lovely food and a great selection of Alex and cinder.

S. N.

Friendly staff. The owner welcomes LGBT community although it is not specifically a gay venue.

R. I.

Good beers. Limited choice and could have been slightly more chilled

C. D.

They had two stouts on tap; both really good.

T. L.

Best service, you cannot come here without living it.

S. G.

Nice pub selling real ales. Good selection reasonable prices

S. I. A.

Really nice people, flavoursome beer and amazing sweet potato chips!

K. B.

Excellent service, fabulous gin.

T. B.

Finally a Hook Norton pub in oxford, and the pizza is very good. What's not to like!

I. F.

Nice to have a live band playing fri nite . Better than the usual rubbish coming out of the speakers .

R. C.

An excellent Hook Norton pub across the road from the Westfield shopping centre

C. H.

A nice friendly pub with good real ale.

R. P.

A good selection of we'll kept but somewhat pricy ales. Fast and polite service

K. E.

Decent pub with good service, lots of stairs.

P.

Very friendly bar staff, great pizza's

S. P.

Amazing

T. C.

Well priced quality food and alcohol at a sensible price for Oxford!

M. H.

Good selection of Real Ales, adjacent to the Westgate shopping centre, a welcome escape!

D. M.

Nice staff good food and rum 🥃 Old J overproof 151 👍🏻👍🏻

l. f. s.

There isn't that much space indoors but otherwise a respectable place

J. M.

Great ales, wonderful service and kind staff. Clean facilities

L. G.

Friendly and lovely staff. Great central venue

E. N.

Quick drink, but very good service.

L. H.

Dog friendly and great food, staff lovely

T. W.

Great pub amazing customer reward scheme

D. B.

Great pizzas and beer. Waiting was a bit too much.

H. G.

£0.50 for a lime and soda. I almost fell off my chair the price was so cheap.

H. F.

Amazing place, great food and good service.

A. k.

Nice place for dinner nothing fancy nice food

E. G.

Fast service, friendly staff. Tasty food

E. P.

Just a normal pub. Above average prices.

C. K.

Traditional English pub. Good range of ales

L. J.

Lovely food and great service.

B. G.

A great pub now that it’s Hook Norton.

D. S.

Very nice atmosphere, friendly staff.

J. P.

Good pub and friendly staff.

B. B.

Friendly staff make this place great to visit.

s. T.

Good food. Good choice of ales

P. Y.

Friendly and helpful staff and a good atmosphere

X. M.

Great pub superb views

J. R.

Decent pub with good beers

W. R.

Great pints, great conversation, great atmosphere

A. H.

Nice pub great brewer

C. W.

Great selection of craft beer

P. D.

Nice team great beer

G. W.

Great beer and surroundings

D. Y.

Very vibrant public house

P. C.

A lovely little boozer..

I. B.

Fine hook Norton beers

R. B.

Not a bad pub

J. B.

Very nice pub

N. M.

Nice place good atmosphere

a. n.

funky place with a lovely staff

T. W.

Nice relaxing atmosphere...

C. F.

Excellent Freindly team

A. G.

Nice pub

S. J.

Lovely place and staff

L.

Best little pub in oxford

I. K.

Great pub.

K. S.

Nice venue

L.

The best place in Oxford!

S. D.

Staff were friendly

S. W.

Great beer

Y. J.

Very straight indeed

L. B. (.

Decent Pub 👍🏻

A. K.

Excellent Service

R. H.

Fab fab fab

N. W.

Pub OK but our beer choice wasn't. Nothing off with it, I don't think but just a weird flavour

E. d. G.

(Translated) If you think you can eat real Pub food there, you will be disappointed. The kitchen didn't open until 6pm, actually quite late. They only serve a number of chicken burgers, and some small chicken dishes. The service after ordering took a very long time, even though no customer was present. I got the feeling that the staff didn't feel like it. (Original) Als je denkt dat je echt Pub-food daar kan eten, kom je bedrogen uit. De keuken ging pas om 18.00 open, eigenlijk redelijk laat. Men serveerd alleen een aantal burger van kip, en wat kleine gerechten van kip. De service na bestelling duurde zeer lang, al was er geen klant aanwezig. Ik kreeg het gevoel dat het personeel er weinig zin in had.

L. A.

(Translated) Good food at a good price. Not much quantity. To eat relaxed (Original) Buena comida a buen precio. No mucha cantidad. Para comer relajado

S. D.

(Translated) Excellent place. We ate some sandwiches and beer, delicious. The guy who attends is super friendly, 100% recommended. (Original) Excelente lugar. Comimos unos sandwiches y cerveza, riquísimo. El chico que atiende es super amable, 100% recomendable.

M. A. G. I.

(Translated) Typical English pub. Beautiful on the outside and inside. We ate well. (Original) Típico pub inglés. Bonito por fuera y por dentro. Comimos bien.

L. a.

(Translated) Good food not great quantity but good quality (Original) Buena comida no gran cantidad pero huena calidad

A. A.

(Translated) Very nice shop, delicious food and nice service. (Original) Sehr netter Laden, leckeres Essen und netter Service.

S. “. E.

(Translated) Good burgers, good beer, nice staff. (Original) Gute Burger, gutes Bier, nettes Personal.

V. L. P.

G. M.

E. Y.

D. N.

A. C.

T. P.

J. C.

J. C.

P. J.

W. G.

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