Castle Inn, Bedford

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user reviews of the Castle Inn, Bedford

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Reasonable pub with a slightly better class of clientele than we had experienced in other Bedford pubs. Located in a good area of Bedford for real ale pubs, this is a Youngs and Wells pub which was dispensing Eagle IPA, Directors & Golden Sheep. Second hand books are available for charity. The old boy at the bar looked like he had been there a few years.
blue_scrumpy - 22 Aug 2011 21:13
Whereas the Three Cups up the road has slowly improved over the last few years, The Castle has slowly been going the other way. Not that it's a bad pub, just not as good as it used to be. Thankfully still Chav-free but it seems to be refurnished and tarted up far too frequently than is good for a pub, making it a little bland and characterless.
Rather bland beer choice too - Eagle IPA, Courage Directors and Everards Tiger on last visit.
The Tiger was pretty good but we just had the one before moving onto the Ship for something more interesting (Holden's Golden Glow as it happened). Like the Youngs Kew mentioned below, Courage Directors is now brewed in Bedford, so not what I really consider a 'guest ale'.
arBitter_of_taste - 6 Apr 2010 00:39
Busy little Charles Wells pub, in a quiet spot fairly close to Bedford High Street. Guest ale was a decent pint of Bath Ales Gem. Good atmosphere.
rpadam - 29 Jan 2010 21:10
Nice, 'local' feel with a decent corps of regulars. Beer consistently good under current incumbents (Charlie Well's Eagle on permanent with at least one guest - as of writing Wells & Young's Kew). Had a decent meal there a couple of weeks ago and will eat there again.
aairboy - 2 Sep 2009 12:54
a recent change of managment though guest beers seem to have been dropped
moclips2002 - 8 Jun 2009 22:24
Great atmophere, Great food , ale is ok....friendly bar staff.
Looks nice since its been done up and no Chavs......goodtimes :)
bouncycastlequeen - 7 Mar 2009 10:41
There are varying comments about the standard of the beer at this pub. I had a couple of pints in there the other day and I have to say it was excellent. Food looked good as well and I will give that a go on my next visit.
Mog - 23 Feb 2009 21:01
I used to be a regular but the quality of the Charles Wells Eagle bitter got so poor I stopped going.
paul_flynn_1950 - 3 Jun 2008 22:47
I've visited this pub on a good few occasions. The beer is good but the food is fantastic, good sized portions AND great quality. Think of this place if you want a good feed and you'll soon wonder why anyone goes to a Beefeater or the like.
piejunkie - 10 Feb 2008 23:58
always found the beer ok here though last time i just wa;lked out - i was looking for grub and the kitchen shut at 2 !!!! (on a saturday)???
moclips2002 - 12 Oct 2007 23:58
only 2 ales available neither in very good condition which is a shame, i hope just a blip a genuine local worthy of supporting
moclips2002 - 17 Apr 2007 22:48
COMPLAIN ABOUT THE BEER IN THIS PUB AND YOU ARE USUALLY TOLD THAT YOU ARE LYING OR DONT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. ONE REASON WHY UI WILL NEVER DRINK THERE AGAIN . AND I WAS ONCE A REGULAR
madmatty - 16 Sep 2006 07:39
Very good pub, great beer, reasonable prices. Food some of the best in town and large portions. bars wheelchair accessible but NOT the new Patio Garden - a pity!
Nanook99 - 16 Jun 2005 19:19
When in Rome and all that, it wouldn’t be a trip to Bedford
without some Charles Wells
A sports themed bar with water ski-ing, ice skating and rowing gear stuck to the wall.


Graham - 9 Oct 2004 17:33
a recent visit shows ths pub is maintaining its high standards - still one of the most pleasant places to enjoy a quiet pint inside or outside in bedford
Steve - 5 Sep 2004 17:26
Great little pub with good beer and great food served in generous portions. Good garden for the summer. A hidden treasure.
Eamonn - 6 May 2004 19:45
nice quiet back street local, recently refurbished with outdoor patio and new food menu. Good quality Charles Wells beers.Recommended
Steve - 5 Oct 2003 13:14

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