The Pontefract Castle

Everyone knows that pubs in London are more about drinking than eating, however, this was one of the most pleasant surprises on a recent visit regarding their food.

Just 2 simple appetizers, the ribs and breaded mushrooms (about 4 pounds each) were really some of the best food I've had in London, in this price range. The meat on the ribs "fell from the bone" as they say.

I know i'm a little daft for going on about it, but it was a pleasant surprise.

If I had more time, I would have surely tried the ample and clean looking Fish & Chips which I witnessed heading to another table. Decent happy hour deals and easy to find, with upstairs seating and a fun slot machine like gambling machine, which took me for 5 pounds. They guys at the bar were attentive and helpful.

The Pontefract Castle is situated a few minutes' walk from Bond Street underground station, via the attractive lanes of St Christopher's Walk. It gets very busy at lunchtimes and after work, but quietens down later in the evening.


Although the exterior is completely traditional, the interior has had something of a makeover: there's a gallery eating area upstairs, accessed via a spiral staircase, and a large Cellar Bar in the basement. My main complaint here is that the layout on the ground floor can make the bar area hard to access when it's busy: if a few people are drinking at the bar, it can be well nigh impossible to get to it. There's also some outdoor seating in summer.


Once you're there, however, there's a good selection of real ales on tap: last night's selection included Sharp's Doom Bar, Nethergate's Dirty Dick, Fuller's London Pride, Timothy Taylor Landlord and St Austell Tribute. Prices are a little high, but then this is prime retail territory.


They also serve food, with the gallery area effectively being a sort of restaurant. The menu looks interesting, if again a little pricey, but we've not eaten here (plenty of others were, though).


Service was very friendly, although I had to ask for a top-up, and then explain what a top-up meant to the willing but perplexed bar staff. Why don't these places train their staff? Still, she delivered with a beautifully pulled pint, once enlightened.

Definitely a fun place to grab a beer and relax. I went here to have a couple drinks after dinner and had a great time (how can you not have a great time with drinks in London?). It was my birthday and since it was our 2nd night in London we decided to stick close to our hotel (Mandeville) in case we got just a little bit shit faced. Which for my part was both epic and less than super amazing.

Since I was visiting London from the US, my friend and I decided to try all the different beers that were available. The barkeep was super friendly, answering all our questions and kept us entertained for a good while. He did laugh when my friend accidentally ordered a strawberry flavored beer, while i ordered a pint of ale (yeah beer makes me happy). I am proud to say that I was able to try 5 beers that I've never heard of, not that surprising since I'm no beer connoisseur.

The interior is what you would expect of a pub, scattered high-top tables and a bit dark. The music was pretty loud, but not so loud you couldn't hear the person next to you. There's a stairwell that leads up, but I don't know to where. Being in heels I was determined to stay on terra firma thank you very much.

If the pub isn't in your area then have no fear. It's just a block away from Oxford St and incredibly close to the Bond St tube station.

I didn't get to try the food, but it did look tasty, especially after a couple of rounds of beer.

Really nice pub in a great location on Wigmore Street, the quieter road just parallel to Oxford Street. This place attracts a really mixed crowd although in the evenings probably brings in more local office workers than anyone else. The good thing about this though, is that there is a real variety of offices in this area and it's not just suits or people talking about the exchange rate.

Downstairs is the cellar bar and there are low ceilings and big leather sofas to create a much more intimate feel. You might want to reserve something down here on busy days especially if you're in groups which this place is perfect for. They also do a nice variety of shareable bar food - it can take a while to come but is really pretty good once it does. A great option in this bit of London.

I visited this pub last September 2013 prior to watching Wicked the musical.

We arrived around 5:30 on a Thursday evening barely escaping post-work rush hour near Bond Street station. The pub was pretty packed, but we were able to get a table for 5 upstairs. Our server greeted us right away. First we ordered drinks which took 15-20 minutes to reach our table...then food....another 30 minutes.

All I can say is that the drinks were great, but the food and service was mediocre. Stick to the drinks and you'll leave happy!

"You know what sounds lovely right about now?"

"I don't know, what sounds lovely right about now?"

"Why a Magners and some Bangers and Mash of course!"

"Oh my, what a brilliant idea!! Let's go!!"

If I could count the number of times that line of dialogue has been exchanged between the roomie and I since I landed in London, well, I would need higher math skills than the American Educational System graced me with.

We LOVE this pub. In fact, we have deemed it "Our Pub" and while we will let some of you come and visit, just know that if we walk in and you are seated at our back table, well, heads are gonna roll! Kidding :)

One of the things we love about this place is the Magners... of course. True you can buy those at just about any Sainsbury's, but this was the first place I ever tried one, so it holds the fun memory. This is also a fave because of the numerous pubs we've touristed it up at, this one has the best bangers n mash around. I think it's the onion gravy here that really makes it sing. Deelish!

Another bonus to this pub is that downstairs they have the champagne bar and it is awesome. True, I have only peeped through the bars when it was closed, but I have it on good authority that it is a fun time. It's only open Thursday through Sunday though, so plan accordingly.

All in all, it's a fantastic little stop off while tooling around Christopher's Place and getting your shop on. Check it out, you won't be sorry!

Craving some Bangers and Mash? Perhaps Toad in a Hole? And how about a nibble of Spotted Dick afterwards? As the menu ironically suggests, one naturally follows the other just as they do in the real world. However, their culinary versions are much more, um, tasteful than their post-rave equivalents.

I'll tell ya, I will happily shove some bangers in my mouth followed by the obligatory mash if they are of the Pontefract Castle variety.

Tastelessness aside, the downstairs champagne bar is what keeps me coming back for more. Adding bubbles to the spanish inspired archways, low ceilings and dim golden lighting makes for an exceptionally romantic atmosphere, the perfect beginning to a long night out, or an intimate celebration with close friends.

I've been in here a few times over the last 2-3 years, and it is really variable - it used to be one of the best pubs around to get a good pie and a pint for lunch, but has definitely gone downhill.

I phoned up to book a table at the Pontefract Castle at about midday for half past (I know it is short notice, but it's a pub!). I was told by an extremely miserable bloke that I should have given them more warning, but they could squeeze us in. If there is no room, just say so. Otherwise shut up and be grateful for our business.

Food then took more than 45 minutes to arrive and it was a disaster. The steak was extremely poor quality (not so much meat on it) and cold.

The vegetables were entirely missed off one dish and those that did arrive were brown. When we complained about the vegetables we were provided with more (marginally less brown) and told that it was the supplier's fault. No gravy on the pie, other dishes coming out cold and congealed - a disgrace. Needless to say we didn't leave a tip and will not be going back again.

Excellent pub atmosphere. The music is occasionally pop-y, but is never obnoxious and usually very good. Although nearly every male on the first floor wears a blazer, take the spiral staircase to the other two levels and the clientele is a bit more relaxed.

The food is excellent and reasonably priced. But be warned, it can be a very long wait. My personal recommendation is the wild boar and apple sausages. Well worth the calories.

Beer selection is great and the barkeeps are very knowledgeable and helpful with suggestions.

The finest fish and chips in London?? Apparently, every pub uses one of those signs with a stock photo. Me thinks not!

Fish and chips were bland. Mashed or smashed peas....whatever they're called had a smoky flavor. I asked for ketchup and the guy brings out every single condiment. Hey, are we speaking the same language?

I had two kinds of cider, the strawberry lime and then the berry. I'm not much of a beer drinker so the ciders were a nice alternative.

I also noticed they had some special thing where they added some kind of red syrup to the guineess. I will have to try that next time.