The Walmer Castle

We are losing our old-fashioned boozers at an alarming rate so it’s great to visit a place like The Walmer Castle in Notting Hill that feels and looks like a proper pub, but one with varied drinks menu and food you want to eat. Just down the road from Portobello Market, it has launched a new dining menu mixing up gastro-pub classics  with a selection of British and Modern European small plates.There are always four seasonal ales available on draught alongside on-tap beers by small local cask brewers and craft masters, plus premium bottled beers from across the globe. And apparently their Bloody Marys are the ‘ideal Sunday afternoon sip.’But we were drinking a deliciously lemony Saint-Marc Chablis that was a great match with our crispy squid and deliciously oozy arancini small plates. Other starters include sloe gin smoked salmon with shaved fennel, grilled British asparagus with lime and crispy British Black Combe Ham and truffle oil and all of them sound good.For mains we tried a tender spatchcocked Gammon Steak with heritage potatoes slathered in a tasty creamy grain mustard sauce.I went for a classic Fish and chips attractively served on faux newspaper. The batter was excellent and the chips crisp. Tasty sounding sides include truffle mac ‘n’ cheese bites and trendy sweet potato fries but we didn’t go there!For dessert salted caramel profiteroles were as decadent as they sound and completely unmissable though I was tempted by the blueberry and lemon ricotta cheesecake. Whether you’re a local or checking out the antiques of Portobello Market, The Walmer Castle is a great option for lunch or dinner. Service is friendly and efficient, the interior is warm and cosy enlivened by the occasional idiosyncratic antique from the market, and the food is a cut above the average. The only problem is that it’s not around the corner from me!

The Walmer Castle is the kind of pub where I could sit for hours, slowly sipping on one drink and chatting with a friend, reluctant to ever leave. I could, and in fact, I have.

The Walmer Castle is the kind of pub where I could sit for hours, slowly sipping on one drink and chatting with a friend, reluctant to ever leave. I could, and in fact, I have. Even at the busiest of nights, nestling on one of its big armchairs makes me feel sheltered, at peace. Tens of colourful blackboards, hanging from every wall, set the mood with lighthearted jokes about grub and booze: the type of banter I’d expect from a friend if I went a little too wild after having one pint too many. The atmosphere alone would be enough to keep me coming back; add the fact that the Walmer Castle serves excellent food, and you’ll quickly understand why I’m so fond of it.

If you’re expecting the praises of a selection of British classics, you’re in for a surprise: the Walmer Castle’s speciality is Thai food, while standard pub fare is banished to the very last half page in the menu. My visits are usually driven by a mad craving for Pad Thai or red curry: I can’t help but marvel at their perfect balance of flavours, and wish the Thai dishes I dabble in at home were half as good. As of last week, there’s a new entry in my list of favourites: the Paenang curry, rather mild in spice, but pleasantly rich in sweet coconut milk and Thai basil. The coconut rice I ordered on the side was so sticky and sweet, it could have been a brilliant pudding; it took as little as half a bowl to fill me up, but I still couldn’t get myself to put the fork down until the last grain was gone.

I usually visit at lunchtime, when the ground floor bar is quiet enough to enjoy a leisurely sit-down meal, and finding a table is no hard task; on the other hand, the upstairs restaurant can get very busy in the evening. The two floors couldn't be more different: the pub’s look and feel is as classic as can be, while the dining room is a full-on Thai restaurant with a life of its own. Everything harks back to to the South-East of Asia: the furniture, the crockery, and even the Asian waiters, whom I never saw hanging about downstairs. Even so, the setting is far from formal, and attracts a more varied clientele than you’d expect to see on the plush side of Notting Hill; the friendly, unobtrusive service suits special occasions, business dinners and relaxed everyday meals alike.

Prices suit all pockets, just like the atmosphere suits all tastes. Most mains cost less than £10, and price differences between the lunch and dinner menu are minimal, the main one being that curries don’t come with complimentary rice at the restaurant. Even factoring in an additional £3.20 for a bowl of rice, you can expect to spend less than £20 per head for a generous, fulfilling meal – and throw in a drink too. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better bargain in the area: the Walmer Castle makes the best Thai food I had in Notting Hill, if not in the whole of London. Mark my words, for this isn’t the last time you’ll hear me say them.

This venue is a very nice place! I went a couple of time and here is my opinion: The brunch is delicious and staff rocks, the fish and chips is freshly made and delicious, finally it’s the only place that offers 5 pounds pint in the neighborhood!

Walked in with 3 friends on Sunday evening for a dinner. Nice selection of cocktails. Really British vibe and food. Best fish and chips and warm service 👍

Walmer castle brings something new to notting hill ! Old rustic design with a modern twist. I spent a sunday afternoon there over lunch and was not disappointed. Looking forward to see the full on whisky bar they will have on the second floor! Great staff, great service, great food. What more to ask for!

A very elegant yet comfortable pub. It has several rooms so each little corner has its own ambiance. The food was amazing; highly recommend the lobster mac & cheese. Also, very pup friendly so you'll see at least a pup or two.

Wow! What a fantastic culinary and social experience! The new and improved Walmer Castle has tons to offer in terms of fantastic 5-star food, deliciously curated cocktails, a dog friendly environment and warm welcoming staff to make you feel right at home. The refurbishment has brought new life to the venue and you feel as if you are in the Speyside itself! 10/10 experience. Couldn't recommend it more.