The Castle, Outwood

Unfortunately this once great pub is only a shell of it's former self, on my last visit the little beer that there was, was of very poor quality. The attitude of the staff was one of arrogant indifference. Nothing of the warm welcome experienced on previous visits. The menu had only two starters on it and little else to offer.
Sadly it appears the Castle has become a victim of the recession. My advice is to steer well clear of this place.

9 Dec 2009 12:25

The Wiremill, Lingfield

The Wiremill is a converted 16th Century Mill set on a 26 acre lake, it is a beautiful location.
Its current owners have clearly made a tremendous effort to revamp this pub, the interior has greatly improved and the building offers a good mixture of classic and contemporary d�cor. They have recently opened up a Boutique Hotel on-site and I understand there are plans for a micro brewery also.
On my last visit I was pleased to find Harvey�s Sussex Best Bitter (my personal favourite), Timothy Taylor Landlord and Black Sheep Bitter, along with two Ales from the Westerham Brewery, all excellent if kept well. Unfortunately this was not the case, the beer was presented to me with absolutely no head and to taste was lifeless and a little on the warm side. My first disappointment!
Much emphasis is made of the Gastro-pub style food and the locally sourced produce; I understand Chef and Co-owner Jason puts together a menu which changes on a fortnightly basis. I have eaten here on several occasions and have been disappointed more often than not, finding the food often bland and somewhat overpriced (�16.95 for a Pork Belly resembling vulcanised rubber, which I wrestled with for some time before being defeated).
I must say the staff are always attentive and polite, and the pub offers a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, and it�s nice to see owners putting so much effort into the place. It�s just a shame it seems to fall short. �More than just a pub� the signs boast, perhaps they should pay more attention to detail and master being just a pub that can offer well kept beer and some classic well produced food before they set there sights any higher.

24 May 2009 14:09