Located on Oldham Street in Manchester's Northern Quarter, The Castle Hotel is a prestigious, lively and popular bar with a long history dating all the way back to 1776. Over the course of a century the pub changed name several times, trading first as The Crown and Sceptre, then The Crown and Anchor and later The Clock Face.
In the late nineteenth century, the pub was acquired by Kay's Atlas Brewery and started a new chapter as The Castle Hotel and then, in the early 1930s, Frederic Robinson took over Kay's Atlas Brewery and, consequently, The Castle Hotel.
In the late nineteenth century, the pub was acquired by Kay's Atlas Brewery and started a new chapter as The Castle Hotel and then, in the early 1930s, Frederic Robinson took over Kay's Atlas Brewery and, consequently, The Castle Hotel.
Services
We are always striving to make our venue as accessible as possible whilst working within the constraints of the building. Accessibility information is listed below - if you need any more information, please do not hesitate to contact us directly. E-mails will usually receive a response within two working days.
Reviews (25)
Conor Giblin
Nov 25, 2021
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Default Name
Nov 19, 2021
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Sister Ceres
Nov 19, 2021
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Flasheart
Nov 18, 2021
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Reuben Lyons
Nov 07, 2021
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Ceri Wood
Nov 06, 2021
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Christopher Shepherd
Nov 03, 2021
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Sarah Viollet
Oct 29, 2021
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Jack Hill
Sep 02, 2021
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There's something about this place. You can't put your finger on it. It's what a pub should be. The bar staff look after you. There's a reasonable selection of beer. It's light at the front (with a nice room upstairs which is open in the evenings) and a great room at the back which is dark so nothing detracts from the conversation. You can bring your own lunch. On the evenings it has a back room which showcases smaller bands.
James C.
Jun 22, 2017
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Very old fashioned, somewhat austere old pub. Worth calling in for a drink if on a bar crawl around the Oldham Street area, but for me its not somewhere I'd choose to linger. Plenty of uncomfortable seating. Lots of additional space upstairs in very spartan surroundings. Average beer at average prices. Its inoffensive, but there are other pubs/bars in the area that I'd prefer.
Holly N.
Jan 14, 2016
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I have never been in here it's not somewere I would usually go I never really go up Oldham Street but it was after a yelp event.
The pub was like a traditional pub looked small from the outside but it was quit big inside,they have an upstairs too it's a really chilled out outmosphe.
The staff were really friendly. I dunno if I would rush back but I'm glad I went overall a nice place chilled out and very relaxed.
The pub was like a traditional pub looked small from the outside but it was quit big inside,they have an upstairs too it's a really chilled out outmosphe.
The staff were really friendly. I dunno if I would rush back but I'm glad I went overall a nice place chilled out and very relaxed.
Claire P.
Dec 15, 2015
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So an ale loving friend suggesting calling in here for a quick drink before heading elsewhere - I was a little unsure at first as I had never heard of The Castle.
From the outside this place doens't look too big, and when you enter it feels a little small, however the bar area is just one section, if you keep walking back there are small rooms with plenty of seats and tables. The staff were super friendly, service definitely came with a smile and was very prompt - there was no waiting around or faffing. It was order, pay and find a seat, definitely my kinda scene.
The atmosphere was very
From the outside this place doens't look too big, and when you enter it feels a little small, however the bar area is just one section, if you keep walking back there are small rooms with plenty of seats and tables. The staff were super friendly, service definitely came with a smile and was very prompt - there was no waiting around or faffing. It was order, pay and find a seat, definitely my kinda scene.
The atmosphere was very
Jonny Q.
Dec 12, 2015
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I love this pub, in fact I've been coming here for years and never tire of it's old world charm. Saying that - it's a place that I also never have on my go to list - it can be 6-7 months in between visits which is surprising given the amount of beer quaffed by me in the NQ each week...
Saying that I think the beer is maybe the answer. With this being a Robbies pub, I'm just not massively keen on their range - and while not offensive, their style is definitely more old man bitter - even the new beers they say are as hoppy as hell always come back to tasting the same...
But
Saying that I think the beer is maybe the answer. With this being a Robbies pub, I'm just not massively keen on their range - and while not offensive, their style is definitely more old man bitter - even the new beers they say are as hoppy as hell always come back to tasting the same...
But
Nicole B.
Jun 17, 2015
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The Castle is my go-to drinking hole. Yes, some weeks I will visit it four times, and a week doesn't go by when I don't go for a pint at The Castle.
There are no other pubs in Northern Quarter that offer the same friendly service and warm atmosphere, alongside an impressive array of local ales and an excessive spirit choice. I have never been to The Castle and not met an interesting punter, and the majority of my Manchester friends are ones which I have made in the smoking area.
Talking of the smoking area - in the last week the grotty chairs have been replaced by wooden benches around
There are no other pubs in Northern Quarter that offer the same friendly service and warm atmosphere, alongside an impressive array of local ales and an excessive spirit choice. I have never been to The Castle and not met an interesting punter, and the majority of my Manchester friends are ones which I have made in the smoking area.
Talking of the smoking area - in the last week the grotty chairs have been replaced by wooden benches around
Mike W.
Dec 27, 2014
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Natalie W.
Oct 19, 2014
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The Castle basically has it all - a pleasant old pub interior, nice efficient staff, a great range of drinks including many things on taps which I am given to understanding implies ales (although no Coke in glass bottles? I cannot drink sickly sweet pricey Fentimans all the time you know) and a beautiful little music venue.
The live music room has high ceilings and looks slightly like a chapel. When I went for a Carefully Planned Festival, the sound system and space worked really well for a indie rock band and a singer-songwriter. Definitely somewhere I would head back to again and recommend
The live music room has high ceilings and looks slightly like a chapel. When I went for a Carefully Planned Festival, the sound system and space worked really well for a indie rock band and a singer-songwriter. Definitely somewhere I would head back to again and recommend
Jessica H.
Sep 19, 2014
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The Castle had somewhat of a reputation when we were at University as we could only ever find it when drunk - the rest of the time it seemed to just disappear into the Northern Quarter...
Anyway, I recently got the opportunity to revisit to see the amazing Billy the Kid play from her latest release. Now, I never had the Castle down as a music venue; in my memory, it was a tiny pub with little room and a fair amount of old men.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived and entered the stage area, which was actually a decent size (30-40 standing perhaps) with some really great acoustics
Anyway, I recently got the opportunity to revisit to see the amazing Billy the Kid play from her latest release. Now, I never had the Castle down as a music venue; in my memory, it was a tiny pub with little room and a fair amount of old men.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived and entered the stage area, which was actually a decent size (30-40 standing perhaps) with some really great acoustics
Penny L.
Aug 25, 2014
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I have walked passed this place a million times but thought i would give it a try after todays events....
First impressions...yes a very hermitage place with a choice of random beers....
The ladies behind the bar were lovely, and after settling for a indian pale ale I settled round the back to cradle it.. I love the musty rooms with the old leather chairs and brass/coppery table tops...perhaps I need to come back here with a bigger group and headacheless head?
I have heard that there are bands that play here and other shizzle, so I will try this place again in the near future...but my impressions
First impressions...yes a very hermitage place with a choice of random beers....
The ladies behind the bar were lovely, and after settling for a indian pale ale I settled round the back to cradle it.. I love the musty rooms with the old leather chairs and brass/coppery table tops...perhaps I need to come back here with a bigger group and headacheless head?
I have heard that there are bands that play here and other shizzle, so I will try this place again in the near future...but my impressions
Rana M.
Aug 08, 2014
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Castle doesn't have that old antique'y look, nope it really is THAT bloody old (200 years in fact) It's also somewhere I have been a regular for the last year and a half. Whether it be going for live music gigs or for escaping the rowdy ethanol induced traffic of the weekend crowd. The fact that the place guarantees a sublime dizzy blonde also is a huge bonus. The golden zesty ale (sorry to disappoint) has been one of the firm local favourites for a while now.
Not sure I should reveal this but it has been a perfect place to play hide and seek on a Friday/Saturday night in the Northern
Not sure I should reveal this but it has been a perfect place to play hide and seek on a Friday/Saturday night in the Northern
Michael B.
Mar 12, 2014
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For the fourth (and alas final) venue of the Yelp Manchester Craft Beer Club's Northern Quarter tour we headed to The Castle Hotel - we had tried Bar Fringe (http://www.yelp.co.uk/biz/bar-fringe-manchester#query:the%20fringe) but literally just missed last orders which was a shame.
Anyway, it was particularly busy in the Castle, the bar area not being the biggest, but it wasn't that long before we all had our beers in hand and decided to head to the quieter, and roomier, seating areas towards the back of the pub. You have to wander down a fairly lengthy corridor and they are on the left
Anyway, it was particularly busy in the Castle, the bar area not being the biggest, but it wasn't that long before we all had our beers in hand and decided to head to the quieter, and roomier, seating areas towards the back of the pub. You have to wander down a fairly lengthy corridor and they are on the left
Ian M.
Feb 16, 2014
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I love small pubs, with a great range of ale, and a good atmosphere. That pretty much describes The Castle. (Has it ever been a hotel you can stay at?) In the summer there's a small beer garden / smokers area - though aparently smokers brave the elements in Winter also!! :O
So there's all this AND it has a great range of small bands playing in the back room! GOOD STUFF!
So there's all this AND it has a great range of small bands playing in the back room! GOOD STUFF!
Jessica D.
Feb 02, 2014
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I have visited The Castle twice in the last couple of weeks and have become a big fan. It is cozy, relaxed and had a great beer selection with changing ales on tap. I went there last week for the monthly Bad Language open-mic night and really enjoyed the friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
It has lots of areas where you can sit so there's plenty of room to grab a table and chairs. I am adding this to my list of regular and reliable pubs.
It has lots of areas where you can sit so there's plenty of room to grab a table and chairs. I am adding this to my list of regular and reliable pubs.
Nicolas R.
Nov 04, 2013
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I know the Northern Quarter is a trendy quirky place, the "where it's at" of Manchester etc... But the Castle Hotel is yet another kind of quirky trendy.
It's a Robinsons pub, tucked away up Oldham Street. It's dark and gloomy but it gives it that cosy feel that suits Manchester weather so well... IMO. I'm not sure how to describe the crowd, it's fairly mixed but there's definitely an arty, decadent edge...from patrons of all ages.
There are also some cool unknown bands playing from time to time and I can see myself going there for a couple of pints and
It's a Robinsons pub, tucked away up Oldham Street. It's dark and gloomy but it gives it that cosy feel that suits Manchester weather so well... IMO. I'm not sure how to describe the crowd, it's fairly mixed but there's definitely an arty, decadent edge...from patrons of all ages.
There are also some cool unknown bands playing from time to time and I can see myself going there for a couple of pints and
Dave T.
Feb 15, 2013
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Emma Louise M.
Oct 16, 2011
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When I was doing my Masters, I had a group of friends who shunned chain bars, disliked music that more than ten people had heard of and could only enjoy popular culture in an 'ironic' sense. We've all met them, shared drinks with them, realised they've read at least five hundred and twenty-three more books than we have... It was this group of people that brought me to the Castle on Oldham Street before the Gossip gig I mentioned at Night and Day. You know, when only ten people had heard of them. Ten highly intelligent lesbians for that matter.
I have a streak of this running
I have a streak of this running
