About This Pub
Ah, The Castle Inn – it's one of those pubs that really captures the essence of Cambridge, with its storied past dating back to the 1700s, and it's independently run, which gives it a personal touch. I have to say, the food stands out as a winner; their Black Rock steaks and other home-cooked dishes are spot on for a hearty meal, and the beer garden is just lovely for whiling away an afternoon with a pint. They've got some cracking events like quizzes that add a bit of excitement, and overall, it's got that cosy, spacious feel that makes you want to linger. On the flip side, though, service isn't always top-notch – some folks have had a less than friendly encounter, and the drinks can sting the pocket a bit. Plus, if you're popping in on a quieter day, it might not have the lively buzz you're after, and the indoor air can feel a tad close. All in all, it's worth a visit for the good bits, but go in with realistic expectations and you'll likely have a decent time swapping stories over a drink.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The historical charm of The Castle Inn is absolutely delightful; it's got that warm, old-school vibe that's been around since the 1740s, making you feel right at home in the heart of Cambridge.
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Their food is a real highlight – think delicious home-cooked favourites like Black Rock grilled steaks and halloumi with chips; it's fresh, tasty, and adds a nice twist to the classic pub grub.
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The beer garden is a gem, especially for a sunny afternoon, with cosy cabins that make it perfect for a relaxed catch-up with mates.
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They've got some fun events like monthly pub quizzes with prizes and cash-builders, which really liven things up and give it a community feel.
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The staff can be quite friendly and welcoming, as mentioned in a few visits, making the whole experience more enjoyable.
Cons
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Service can be hit or miss; one account described it as condescending, which might put a dampener on your evening if you're not lucky with who you're served by.
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Drinks are on the pricey side, so it might not be the best spot if you're watching your wallet on a night out.
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The indoor area can feel a bit stuffy at times, which isn't ideal if you're after a fresh, airy atmosphere for your meal or drinks.
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It can be surprisingly quiet, even on weekends, so if you're hoping for a buzzing, lively pub scene, you might find it a tad subdued.
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Ordering at the counter and sorting your own cutlery feels a little self-service heavy, which isn't everyone's cup of tea for a more relaxed pub experience.
Contact Information
The Castle Inn, 38 Castle St, Cambridge CB3 0AJ
+441223353194
Pub
Open Now
Opening Hours
| Monday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday (Today) | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 18:00 |
Recent Reviews
We visited this place on a Saturday afternoon, and it was rather quiet. We were looking forward to a more bustling environment, but maybe it was because they had just opened. The staff member was quite friendly. You had to place your order at the counter and help yourself to the cutlery. There were no additional service charges, so it was acceptable.
We had a Castle Burger, which was quite filling and tasted alright. We also had fish and chips, but the chips were way too salty. We couldn’t finish them because of that.
Overall, it was quite affordable. In terms of atmosphere, it wasn’t really what we expected from a pub. The food could also use some improvement.
Black Rock Pub
Trying to review all of the Cambridge pubs therefore entered this pub.
It looks like a place with old history. So I always thought that it's just a boring one and two veg British pub. My bad.
I took it back. It's a pub that is doing something different. Black Rock Grill.
It's very important in my opinion. There are so many pubs, you need to have something unique that makes customers remember and return for you.
Got a steak that was much cheaper than Kobe on the same street. Couldn't compare as Kobe is a fine dining restaurant while the Castle Inn is a pub.
But still, the steak tasted good. No strange taste or smell. A rump steak but tasted like a fillet to me.
One of the good things is that customers can choose their side. The side is not default. Healthy(salad) or crispy(fries). Either is not expensive.
The environment is clean. The staff was nice. Toilets are roomy and clean.
I will come back to try other items on the menu.
See you around!
Not surprising this place was quiet on an otherwise busy Saturday in Cambridge, considering the condescending manner in which we were met and treated by the chap behind the bar, who loved the sound of his own voice more than providing decent hospitality.
Food ok, drinks expensive, nice tunes.
Wouldn’t return, plenty of excellent venues nearby with staff who know their manners ;)
The Castle Inn is a well-located pub with nice ambient and median food. The pub is surprisingly spacious, with large tables on the second floor. It is also cozy and comfortable, and I especially enjoyed the old-fashioned ambient music selection.
Ordering is done through a website, which is intuitive but has no Google Pay (typing card is required). Service was fast but I think a little bit overpriced (not above the standard though). The classic burger is median and fries could be better, but I would say they are good. The place has a large selection of beers but I did not recognise any known one (I am still getting used to UK beer).
Overall, my experience at the Castle Inn was good and I would be happy returning to it.
We enjoyed it here. We had dinner in one of the cabins in the nice beer garden behind the pub.
The halloumi and chips was good. Service was fast. The Aperol Spritz might have been a bit stronger but is was fine for me.
I passed through the indoor part and the air seemed stuffy. I wouldn't dare eat here indoors for fear of lack of ventilation.
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