The Elephant and Castle started as a 17th century coaching Inn. Over the years it has had many alterations and refurbishments. The latest refurbishment, just a few months ago left the actual layout the same. Having said that however, gone now is the traditional pub with pool
table. In place of the pool table is the comfy lounge area with leather settees coffee table and
fireplace. The remainder of the pub is laid out for dining. The heavy furniture sits on extremely
lush carpeting giving the pub a very plush and up market feel to it.
I was calling in to visit Ashley and Claire Watkins the licensees to apologise after the last
edition of the BAR said they did not serve any real ales. I am pleased to report that they
actually serve two cask ales. At the time of my visit they had Abbot Ale which is the regular
cask ale. Adding to this is a fortnightly changing guest ale which was today Jennings
Cumberland Ale. The John Smiths Cask has been removed and replaced with the keg
smooth.
Ashley and Claire have now been at the helm of the Elephant and Castle for just over a year
and is the first pub they have run. With a fresh start to the trade comes a fresh ambiance for
the visitor. The main emphasis is on food, and not your average pub grub either. A couple of
items on the lunchtime menu were Braised Bourguignon, Moules Mariniere. All the food is
freshly prepared to order and they do try to keep waiting times to a minimum but good food cannot
be rushed. This is the first pub that Ashley and Claire have run and we wish them well.
