Carlisle Castle – Newtown
One of my friends loves the Carlisle Castle and another hates it with a passion – and I can understand where both are coming from.
On the plus side, it serves some of the best pub food in Sydney thanks to chef Michael Carter (who previously worked in some hatted restaurants) and the front bar still retains its old pub décor, including a great bar counter made from imported Italian marble that was installed early last century.
On the negative side, however, the bar doesn’t exactly maximise its looks. The front bar looks cluttered and once you go out back the décor is closer to that of a standard RSL.
The dining area is in the RSL section but the food, friendly bistro service and low prices make up for it. The specials board changes every time I’m here and both myself and several friends all believe you should order whatever fish dish appears – especially if it’s crispy skinned. I’ve also had soft-shelled prawns here that were delicious.
The wine list is good and affordable (although I always stick to the beer here) and as for the atmosphere: well, the music varies from being loud rock to barely audible, the crowd is largely made up of locals and the overall ambiance is either refreshingly unpretentious and casual or down at heel and rough around the edges, depending on which of my friends you talk to.
Carlisle Castle, 19 Albermarle Street, Newtown. Phone 9557 4852. Open Lunch Thu-Sat, noon-3pm; Sun, noon-4pm. Dinner Mon-Sat, 6-9.30pm; Sun, 6-8.30pm.
Now it’s your turn – how do you rate the Carlisle Castle?
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