The Warwick Castle

In any other part of London you might not look twice at The Castle. It is an attractive, compact, modern pub but there isn’t anything happening here that you won’t have seen everywhere else. Except, that is, the people of Portobello. Thanks to its prime spot on a corner of Portobello Road, the Castle is automatically elevated in stature. The attractive look of the modern pub seems suddenly all the more exotic as you’re sat inside watching the world go by outside the windows. This is prime for people watching and you’ll even see the odd Notting Hill film location from one of the windows – although we won’t spoil it by saying which one.

Located on one of London’s most famous streets, you can expect to find no shortage of tourists mixing with the West London locals. There is a lively atmosphere on the afternoon we visit and the cast of characters drinking on market day offers that reminder that The Castle may not look anything out of the ordinary but Portobello gives it some star quality.

Live music events are frequent, the food menu offers the usual pub burgers, fish cakes and weekend roasts and there is a good selection of draught beer. Vedette White, Camden Brewery, Estrella, Sierra Nevada and Meantime all on draught show that someone’s making an effort with the quality. Bravo.

Families, groups, couples and tourists; The Castle is a mix. And with the beers, the atmosphere and the people watching, you can see why the pub appeals to all types.