The word "Dickensian" counts amongst the most overused words in London guidebooks. Dickensian this, Dickensian that. Anyone for Dickensian Fish 'n' Chips? But one suspects that even the great Mr. D would grant that the Castle fits the bill. Originally opened in 1835, the pub seems to have barely changed a whisker since then. Even the oak partitions - designed to separate the nobs from the riffraff - have survived, although these days you won't be shunted sideways if you don't know how to throttle a pheasant. Given that the pub is bang between Notting Hill and Kensington, it's not exactly a "quiet local" these days. But if you ever walk in on an empty evening, you'll feel you've stepped straight into a time capsule. Either way, even when packed to the rafters, the Castle has bags more appeal than most.

4.5 / 5

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