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Nestled on Blakes Hill Rd in the charming village of Landkey, The Castle is a delightful British country food restaurant and pub that brings the very best of traditional pub fare into a warm and inviting setting. This beloved local gem effortlessly combines the comforts of a classic pub with the finesse of a dedicated bar & grill and cider bar, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers and community enthusiasts alike.
Step inside, and you’ll immediately notice the tasteful decor that lends a cozy, yet stylish atmosphere — perfect for both relaxed family meals and lively gatherings with friends. The Castle balances its rustic charm with an evidently well-maintained, inviting ambiance where every corner seems to promise memorable dining experiences.
The menu is an exciting celebration of British country cuisine with thoughtful nods to diverse tastes, ensuring there is something for everyone. If you’re a fan of hearty, flavorful dishes, their Sunday Roast offerings — especially the melt-in-your-mouth Roast Beef — come highly recommended and often described by patrons as the “best Sunday lunch ever.” Other standout plates include the succulent Spare Ribs served with crisp fries and fresh salad, the robustly seasoned Lamb Kofta, and indulgent Steak Dinners that exemplify quality and attention to detail.
For those craving classics with a twist, the Devon Blue Burger presents a divine pairing of rich blue cheese and perfectly cooked beef, while the veggie cheese burger and other options like the Curry and Pepperoni Pizza showcase the kitchen’s versatility. Don’t miss the inviting dessert menu — the decadent Chocolate Brownie with Ice Cream and silky Vanilla Cheesecake provide the perfect sweet finale, while the nostalgia-inducing Knickerbocker Glory adds fun flair.
Mornings at The Castle are equally inviting with a range of carefully curated breakfasts from the hearty Double Bubble Breakfast to lighter, refined choices such as Croissants with Jam or the elegant Avocado with Poached Egg. The inclusion of English Breakfast classics alongside unique ‘We’re On Toast’ options reflects a deep understanding of local tastes and a commitment to start your day right.
Customer feedback speaks volumes about the quality and charm of The Castle. Locals like Sue Whittaker rave about the “best meal we have ever had” and praise the “super friendly and efficient” staff, while James Freeman lovingly declares its roast beef “to die for.” Lavina Thomas-McCartney captures the essence of the place perfectly, highlighting the “cosy feel” created by the charming decor and friendly atmosphere. From special celebrations like stag weekends to festive Christmas evenings, guests consistently report a warm welcome and generous portions paired with excellent value.
Whether you’re popping in spontaneously or planning a leisurely meal, The Castle feels like a home away from home — a community hub filled with laughter, delicious aromas, and genuine hospitality. It’s clear that here, every dish is crafted with care, every guest treated like family, and every visit leaves you eager to return.
If you’re seeking an authentic British pub experience combined with expertly cooked, hearty country food, The Castle is a shining example of all these qualities wrapped in an inviting package. Truly, it’s a culinary retreat where comfort meets quality in one of Barnstaple’s most beloved spots.
Popped in this evening on the off chance as we hadn't booked and had the best meal i think we have ever had. Gorgeous pub really tasteful decor, comfortable dining area, super friendly and efficient staff. Steak was superb abd the Devon blue burger was divine. Reasonably priced. We are local and will definitely visit again very soon. Highly recommend.
absolutely beautiful little pub, atmosphere is lovely and the way it is decorates gives it such a cosy feel. staff are all very friendly. food portions were really generous and it’s very well priced. definitely would be back!
Had the best evening at this lovely pub over Christmas. The food was amazing. The atmosphere was great. Can't recommend this pub highly enough. Big thank you to the staff who were friendly and efficient.
The best Sunday lunch ever , roast beef to die for . Ate the next night too , fisherman's pie for the other half and I had Devonshire burger . Fantastic. This is a banging community hub , brilliant atmosphere and staff really welcome you . Well worth a visit
We booked a table for six here for a meal as part of my Son's Stag weekend. Really glad we did as it was a great find. Welcomed by the landlord and staff from the moment we walked in, we were made to feel as if they'd known us for years. Food and service were good, they even had a couple of vegan options. Wide drinks selection too , and the place was clean! Big beer garden with sheltered areas if need be. I'd definitely recommend popping in if you're in the area.
We arrived early for our slot but were led straight to our table with drinks. Started well & it all just got better. The Sunday Lunch was probably the best we’ve had in a long time and that’s saying something! It was in our opinion very well priced for the serving sizes! The service was also outstanding as the staff were attentive but not overwhelming & frankly bent over backwards to accommodate our requests. We asked if we could just sit at the table and play cards … “No problem, stay as long as you like!” We did; the atmosphere was so good we ended up staying there until 5:45. We are not really pub people so to stay that long shows how comfortable we were made to feel. Background music was very much our taste but was changed if requested by customers. The publican was extremely personable and made the effort to mingle amongst the customers: locals and tourists alike. It is a real joy to come across a pub that genuinely makes you feel welcomed as a member of the local community from the moment you arrive.
Booked a table for my dad's 60th birthday we travelled from Bideford while holidaying there. Welcoming knowledgeable polite staff, food was incredibly delicious, fabulous portion sizing which is incredibly good value for money.
The food was great quality and the adults portions were great, although the kids meals shared the same quality a few extra chips wouldn't have gone a miss, (I think for £10, 6 CHIPS is tight) The pub was busy and had a good atmosphere around it especially for mid week, also there was nobody to take our orders or ask if everything was OK. Overall good experience and would recommend