A relaxing retreat in trendy, bustling Islington, The Castle on Pentonville Road, a cracking little pub, is always welcoming. Whether soaking in the sun on the amazing roof terrace, or avoiding the rain on a comfy sofa by the fireplace - the real ales, great beers or glass from the wine list, sets you up just nicely.
The Castle
Pub in Islington
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8 / 10 from 2 reviews
Address
54 Pentonville Road
Islington
London
N1 9LA
54 Pentonville Road
Islington
London
N1 9LA
Telephone
020 7713 1858
020 7713 1858
Category
Pubs
Pubs
Other Branches
Geronimo Inns
Geronimo Inns
Opening Summary
Mon - Thurs: 11:00 -23:00
Fri - Sat: 11:00 - 00:00
Sun: 12:00 - 22:30
Mon - Thurs: 11:00 -23:00
Fri - Sat: 11:00 - 00:00
Sun: 12:00 - 22:30
The Castle Picture Gallery
All In London Review
Islington gastro-pub with plenty of character
It’s the first properly hot evening of the year, and thank god those fans are spinning because after walking here from Hoxton we are in need of aggressive air-con and a chilled bottle of Rose.
After cooling down a little we order the grilled asparagus and poached egg with a creamy, slightly runny yolk and chive hollandaise (£6.50), which is highly appetising. The filo pastry basket, containing Woodland pigeon and shallot and red wine confit (£6.50) is good, with crispy pastry and a discreet amount of sauce so that the meat is not swimming in it.
Where pigeon was once eaten as a result of food shortages after the war, it is now de rigeur at many a gastropub. Ironic how an animal considered a pest by so many is now a fancy food (you won’t find pigeon meat at Wetherspoons, that’s for sure).
Pigeon is one of those meats that needs to be cooked for precisely the right amount of time, as overcooking will make it chewy and unappetising. The Castle’s pigeon seems to have been overdone by a few minutes as it’s a little tough, but not inedible.
The pan-fried whole plaice with prawns, capers and lemon butter (£11.50) is very tasty indeed. The prawns and fish have absorbed the tangy flavour of the capers; new potatoes complete the dish.
A broccoli and Yorkshire blue tart with a broad bean salad (£9) is filling yet has just enough blue cheese to be moreish. Skinny chips with gentleman’s relish (£2.75) are devoured, the relish reminding me of a cod-based allioli I once tried in La Mancha.
For dessert, we continue the savoury mood and opt for the British cheese selection (£6), which includes the standard Cheddar, Brie and Stilton, and we manage to finish just as last orders are being called. With the sound of the bell we set out into the balmy night, feeling well fed and content.
Reviewed by Leila
Published on May 30, 2010
User Reviews
Alstra
Feb 15, 2006
Bit out of the way but I'll definately be coming back. First went to The Castle over the summer because I heard they had a roof terrace which is lovely, perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon in the sun and from March will have its own bar and new furniture. It's just around the corner from where I work so I am now constant and the manager (rather cute Irish fella) has actually made an effort to ask me my name and now even knows what I drink when I go in. The food is very resonably priced for central London and I have never had any complaints. All in all well worth making it a regular.
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