1 Spitalfields, Norwich NR1 4EY

About This Pub

You know, when you step into The Castle, it's got this real community feel that's hard to beat, especially as an LGBT+ spot that's been around for ages – it's like finding that friendly local where everyone knows how to have a good time. I loved how the staff are so approachable and eager to help, and the rooms themselves are a pleasant surprise with their comfort and those thoughtful breakfast bits that set you up nicely for the day. They've got a lineup of events that keep things lively, whether it's happy hours or a game of pool, making it a top choice for a relaxed evening out. On the flip side, though, a couple of reviews mentioned some overlooked cleaning details in the rooms, which might leave you a bit disappointed if you're after spotless perfection, and the location by a roundabout isn't the most charming, but it's easy enough to overlook if you're there for the vibe. All in all, it's a solid spot for a catch-up with mates, as long as you go in with realistic expectations – the good far outweighs the bad, in my book.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, always going the extra mile to make you feel welcome.
  • The rooms are clean, comfortable, and well-equipped with strong showers, en-suite facilities, and handy extras like tea, coffee, and a self-service continental breakfast.
  • It's surprisingly quiet for a spot next to a pub, making it a peaceful retreat even in a busy area.
  • As Norwich's longest-running LGBT+ venue, it offers a warm and inclusive atmosphere with fun events like happy hours, free pool, and speed bingo.
  • The value for money is spot on, with affordable stays and little touches like local bread that add a nice homely feel.
Cons
  • Some rooms have had minor cleaning issues, like cobwebs, dead spiders, or stains, which can put a dampener on things.
  • The view from the windows might be of a roundabout, which isn't exactly scenic and could feel a bit underwhelming.
  • It's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so you might have to plan your visit around the opening hours if you're keen for a mid-week catch-up.

Contact Information

1 Spitalfields, Norwich NR1 4EY
+441603768886
Pub
Hours not available

Opening Hours

Opening hours not available

Location

Recent Reviews

A really great place to stay! While it is in a roundabout the rooms are extremely well insulated for noise. A very comprehensive continental breakfast was supplied as well and the manager of the facility was super helpful!
VP
vaughan patullock
We stayed the weekend with 6 people over 2 rooms (3 in each). It was so nice, clean, and comfortable. The shower was nice and strong, and plenty of bits for breakfast - including local bread from Kett's Hill bakery next door. It was also very quiet, considering the pub next door and the adjacency to the city. The pub is also lovely, friendly clientele and Tom behind the bar (he also showed us the room) was so sweet and kind. The pub and hotel are perfectly located, with a short walk into town, the train station, and the football stadium. The parking was also conveniently located, and the lodging area was secure. The price was great for the weekend, we would definitely stay again!
MR
Margherita Romano
Super accommodation option. The staff couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. Very clean and comfortable, with lots of little handy extras for breakfast. Thank you!
JD
Joshua Dyball
I enjoyed my stay here, room was clean and bed was comfortable, continental breakfast supplied in the room, bread, jam, orange juice and cereals. I feel the Internet photos don't do this place justice, it's better in real life, parking was a bonus. The pub itself is like a Tardus inside and the garden is a hugh Oasis, it took my breath away, would be great for parties and functions. Also, the drinks in here were cheaper then any other pub we visited in Norwich. A few minutes down the road is a sweet shop and fish and chip shop, further along is another pub on the river and the train station is walking distance. Walking into the town centre took us 15 minutes, but it was an interesting and lovely walk. Thanks for recommending the perfume to me and Beatle juice you looked amazing
CC
Caroline Comerford
View is off a roundabout from the window,room looks better on the inside then how it looks on the outside. man who checked us in was helpful but was still minor cleaning issues in the room that wasn't clean such as cobwebs and dead spiders and stained at base of fridge and bathroom had some limescale, minor update to decor needed in room as walls need a paint and shelving needs new wood and new tile on floor as had a crack in one and bar stalls need updating as rusty on metal. you had a hairdryer and ironing board and iron and a good continental breakfast for the morning plus a coffee machine which was ideal aswell as a kettle for the normal coffee sachets. On last night staying there building work was being done in a room with hammering and drilling, not good for a paying guest and wasn't even notified of any work being done,phoned up to complain and got told they didn't realise the builder was still working on the room, and asked him to stop, he stopped drilling but was still banging, but when said we wasn't satisfied to pay the full price, no discount was offered. Step was high for bathroom not good if have access needs or elderly. Television was okay to watch but something was wrong with the screen as a line was going down the side of it.
PB
Peter Bayfield official channel

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