Castle Barge in Newark and Sherwood

Greeted with a warm welcome from friendly staff. Good selection of booze. Great atmosphere & a positive place to have a social drink.

Saw this place online - it’s a great unique conceit and offered cheap cocktails! It was a quaint and quirky set up indeed. Pretty at night. However, it seemed quite a ‘locals’ place. Also very cold. The cocktails were really rank, none of us enjoyed them. They all tasted really sour. Top deck also smelt musty. Not a pleasant experience I’m afraid. Not very well lit outside either, which is dangerous for obvious reasons.

Great place to unwind, fantastic pizzas

Not my first time visiting the barge , we enjoy calling in when travelling to Norfolk, we stopped for coffee and a bacon sandwich , both were good , the bar is great and different , the staff friendly and eager to help. We will call again

Nestled in the heart of Newark with amazing staff and service. Good quality pizzas and drinks. Perfect for when fishing

Quirky barge. Friendly staff We had tea and cake x 2 Great value for money We made the most of a sunny afternoon sitting in the sunshine overlooking the river

Music a little loud. Stymied conversation.

Very friendly staff and great placement by the river. Good prices (around £5 a pint) and nice inside seating area. Saw others with food that also looked nice.

Great place to sit outside on a nice sunny day down by the river. Next to a carpark too!

Visiting Newark by narrowboat recently, we moored up by the Barge. I just love this place. It's straightforward and unpretentious but so quirky and atmospheric. I was brought up in Newark and, the day me and two friends did our last A Level exam, we wandered down here, bought a round and sat in the sun, dangling our legs over the wharf, watching the passing boats. And that was how I marked the end of my school years. From 17-19, I worked in the kitchen at the Ossington nearby and this was our regular haunt when me and the youthful staff team went for a night out. It therefore has enormous nostalgia for me and, unlike many places, it hasn't changed, got dated or gone off. It still has the same character and charm it always did. The staff were all lovely and our little dog was welcome. There are a few real ales available. The garden area on the Wharf is beautifully maintained with lots of pots of flowers and picnic benches. Highly recommended.

Excellent inside and outside seating area.

John was amazingly fabulous and helpful. Give him a pay rise now!

It dines out a little on its uniqueness as a barge on a river. Doesn't allow children in the bar area, alcohol is about average priced, but s good pint. Has quite a number of seats outside. Often seems understaffed, but ok in quieter times

Popped in on way back from skegness.for a drink & food. 🍕 very nice.sat outside.weather was nice.friendly staff will visit again.

We have visited Newark several times and I can't believe we've never discovered the Barge before,think it's absolutely brilliant,just my kind of place,will definitely be back to sample the food which I thought was very reasonably priced,congrats on a great idea 👍👍

Lovely location, great food and service.

First time having some food at the castle barge I had the big bob burger my wife had the chicken burger it was cooked fresh nice and hot when it arrived friendly service great atmosphere was a pleasant experience 😁

Lovely staff, good atmosphere and food, and fab cocktails. Honestly can't fault.

Can not comment on food but always love a ride out to barge service with a smile, and it isn't stupidly crowded, which makes for a nice quiet drink with friends

Great find friendly quick and good

Very good drinks. Lovely atmoshpere.

No idea how to make a shandy. It was so flat. Lemonade not stirred. Food average. £4.50 for a small bowl of chips is a bit steep. We ordered a couple of items. Only one was brought. We reminded them that we had ordered a second dish and the waiter said that it would be coming and went inside but, 5 mins later, nothing had arrived. The waiter was doing something else. We had to go inside and get the food ourselves. It was only a sausage roll. Nice location and a very stylish place to drink. Go for that alone and keep your expectations low for everything else.

Everything we go to newark or retford we always make sure to visit Castle Barge. Now I believe it's been taken over by new people. We have always enjoyed the meals and we usually order the same meals. I can't say anything negative about the food on our most recent visit, however an observation, a well spirited yet elderly group had also come for lunch, unsure of what the process was we explained you order drinks and food at the bar, which is down a fair number of steps. They sat at the top whilst deciding what to drink and food, the gentleman working brought our food, as normal. We asked if there was any chance the food and drinks order could be taken upstairs to save the group from having to walk up and down the stairs. But the response was less than enthusiastic, and he said they would need to order at the bar. Myself, my partner and the group were surprised by the response. Howeber one from the group went and ordered the drinks and the lady working brought up the drinks, we decided to push our luck and again asked if they could order the food at their table to save walking down and up the stairs, again it was declined, until the lady saw the gentleman struggling a little to get up the first step, (if you know the layout you will understand the top eating area has a steep step leading into seating area (combine this with the many steps needed to go below deck to prder.fppd,drink andngo.tp the toilet,and back up)) she had to pause and watch before she offered to take their orders. You can't make a second first impression and talking to the group they were a little surprised at how inflexible the workers were to help make their experience a little less difficult. For that I gave service only 3 stars.

it's been on our bucket list for years ..very nice and cozy

Owing to staffing issues, no food available

Great place for excellent beer and atmosphere.

Only had a drink 🍻 with friends great place

Called in with a couple of mates, we were on the way home to Mansfield from Skegness. Nice day, so we got the bikes out for a blast, good ride and a great stop off on the way home. Friendly staff, plenty of seating area in and outside. We only had drinks, there were quite a few eating and the food looked very good. Well worth a visit, albeit on foot, cycling, out on the bikes or car there are always a few there.

What a great idea a barge converted selling food and drink food was great plenty of choice and drinks good selection

Just went for a alcohol free beer and a nice sit in the sunshine ☀. They do food and coffee as well, maybe another day.

Got two ice cream sundae. Very nice on a warm day.

Lovely canal side barge pub, easy access to/from A1. Ideal place to break a journey.

Rocked up in a coach everyone was served quickly , beautiful spot just a lovely end to a great holiday 😀

Brilliant food and drink in the heart of Newark looking out onto the river.

Lovely, good service and friendly.

Excellent value for money and experience

Beer on a barge! A couple of cask options and the usual lagers and cider. Food was nice, maybe the portions are a little bit on the small side,

Unique environment, Interesting experience.

Lovely food, good service, sensible price. I would recommend.

Lovely place. Only went for a drink so can't rate the food but staff were friendly and who doesn't love a bar on a boat 🙃

Food was delicious 😋 and I will definitely be visiting again next time I'm passing through

Nice and atmospheric, good beer.

Fantastic location very quirky, done out lovely inside, friendly staff and great service

Play the quiz most Wednesdays. Great fun.

Very nice and unusual. Good choice of food and drink. Situated on the river close to town. Plenty of outdoor seating for sitting in the sun on a nice day.

Lovely riverside floating pub. Friendly polite staff. Nice to sit outside in sunshine

Didn't eat food but food looked good and a good choice on the menu.

Very nice mug of hot chocolate, sat upstairs looking at the river, and had the added bonus of picking up a couple of Towpath newspapers (essential reading for a couple of ex-boaters). Food menu looked pretty good, couple of decent veggie specials may have to try it

They seem very confused about their menu. They publish a menu online and also on each table, serving til 7pm but actually it seems that it stops at 3pm and after that it's pizza or nothing. Bit rubbish when you've travelled some distance to give them custom based on their own website. Staff said that website etc was out of date and had been for some time. It was known about, but nothing done about it. Owner nowhere to be seen on a Saturday afternoon to explain the shambles.

I haven’t had food here yet, but the coffee, real ales, service and atmosphere are all fantastic and I will keep returning for more! Looking forward to trying out quiz night one Wednesday evening too 😌

Really nice place and a favorite stop off for me and my biker friends. Always excellent, polite service and top notch grub too. Well worth the trip

We decided to go for drinks and a bite to eat with family, the bar staff were very friendly and helpful, the 2 for 1 pizzas were not only great value for money but they were very good quality! The 2 for 1 cocktails were also good value there’s also a good selection of beers too. Couldn’t fault the service of the staff. A credit to Newark and a nice family afternoon!

Very very expensive for pub grub!!! We had a lasagna, two small bowls of chips, 4 drinks and a pizza which came to a whopping £50. We wanted the breakfasts but because we'd arrived just after 12pm were refused. They could have made an exception seeing as the clocks had just changed and all we fancied was the breakfasts. The people we were eating with all got the breakfasts because they'd got there a bit before us. The food itself wasn't bad, just ridiculously overpriced.

Great place to have a drink and some food, great value food as well.

I love this place, great surroundings, great food, great service. I look forward to visiting every time I'm in Newark.

fantastic venue, staff are friendly and welcoming, thanks to Beth who was very friendly and looked after us. Very reasonable prices and a really lovely experience

Friendly service and prompt. Called in on way to train station so only had time for one. Will be back.

Popped in twice over a weekend in Newark. Evening menu was reduced to pizzas but this was perfect with drinks. Ale selection was a bit limited was what was on offer was good. Mind the stairs up and down to the bar!

A wonderful find in Newark! Absolutely loved it - great selection of drinks, fresh cooked menu & friendly team. A venue with character and dog friendly too!

Home made sausage rolls are the best...

Very good service and quality of the food great staff great 😃👍

It's a great pub in an unusual setting! The staff are friendly, the food is good and it serves some nice real ales. Dog friendly!

Called in here for lunch one Saturday as we were cold,we chose Soup each it was very tasty,saw other meals being served they all looked very nice and the prices were very reasonable, will return here when back at this town.

Great pub, great service and great price 👍

Only had pizzas on due to staff but they were amazing.

We popped in for a quick coffee b4 our booked Sunday dinner at The Ram. Great place & the young lady who served us made us very welcome, menu looked great too!..

It’s a nice place to sit down on the river Trent and the staff are kind.

It's absolutely stunning. It's deceiving from the outside, but like the tardis loads of room and decor is stunning.

The castle barge was very lovely place and the food was first class and so was the service

Rang on Sunday and asked to book a table. Admittedly this was quite last minute and the lady on the phone advised only pizzas and chips are available. She advised that these are bogof as per the website as booking. Nowhere on the website does it give any terms and conditions about how long before it needs booking. I've often visited places and used a booking offer when I've only just booked. 2 car park charges later, we arrive and the man behind the bar literally shouted at us like we were at school. Started shouting from behind the bar your not getting bogof pizzas, you have to book 24 hours before, who do you think you are just thinking you can get them this late. I couldn't believe how rude he was and I was quite embarrassed by this reaction and left. I was meeting my nephew for the 1st time, and my neice had come up from London to visit my recently deceased mums grave. So I'd like to thank you for making a difficult day already, much more difficult with the rudeness, and leaving us already parked with nowhere else to go. Kindness goes a long way. I'm always looking for dog friendly bars however this one is off the list now.

Stopped by around 6pm on a Thursday evening for a drink before catching the train. Paid a rather expensive fee for a soft drink and had to listen to foul language from nearby patrons (always a problem in any pub these days). Found a corner, very nice plush red seating, but after a short the other clients dispersed which was the moment the barman informed me that they were closing very shortly (as in five minutes). The problem was that it was 6.35 and the bar was advertised as being open until 7pm. I understand that there is a cost to bars remaining open but it will discourage me from returning.

Excellent repurposing of an old cargo barge.

Lovely, unique place. Always good.

Friendly welcoming staff. Good steak pie. Nice syrup sponge served with choice of custard today. Dog friendly

Stopped for lunch on a visit to Newark. Had a pizza which was tasty but a little salty - may have been the pepperoni. My wife had the Lasagna which was very good. Nice quirky pub/restaurant and the staff were fabulous - very friendly and helpful. We will be back.

Great place to come and watch the world go by, with very reasonable prices on drinks you can sit and soak in the views without worrying about breaking the bank. Haven't got round to having food here but they're still doing it so it must be good. Always a place I like to visit when there.

What an amazing place so unique loved it highly recommended if your in the area

Another iconic place in Newark! Take a stroll down the river Trent, visit the castle grounds then enjoy a beer in this cute, floating pub. They did a fab job with the outdoor seating and service is very friendly too !

Nice beers,top location,friendly staff.

I just love this place. Hopefully will remain open for a long time.

we heard the barge was to close so went for meal and drinks.we were told they were not shuttng.meals good, drinks ok.polite and friendly staff. lots of sun so we sat outside. we will same again .

We stopped here on our way to Hull and it was beautiful and so novel. We both had drinks and sat downstairs. Staff were really friendly and I only wished I lived nearer to frequent. Good size car park in front of the barge .

We stopped here on our way to Hull and it was beautiful and so novel. We both had drinks and sat downstairs. Staff were really friendly and I only wished I lived nearer to frequent. Good size car park in front of the barge

Very professional service. Comfortable seating inside on barge.

Hasnt changed in 20 yrs. Still as original. Current owner looking to sell after 40 plus yrs, who wouldnt want to retire at 71.

In the very center of Newark, next to the castle. And the river. Quiet, pleasant place.

Lovely place to sit and enjoy the surroundings and cozy restaurants.

A nice small-ish restaurant and bar on a barge. More seating outside under the shade of the trees. When I was there they the kitchen was busy and warned, maybe a 30min wait for food. Was not in a rush, grapped and drink and took up seat in the upper deck seating area. Time soon passed, was only 20 mins, to be served by friendly cheerful staff. Food was good, burger and chips with salad. Good honest bar meals. Other meal order in group was there stone baked pizza. That was large and tasty.

The food could be better frozen chips a no

Great atmosphere. Ladies were lovely. Cocktails were lush!!

Always like to call in for a pint and bite to eat when passing. Food this time looked like a school dinner, but still tasted OK. Will certainly call back as below decks is really nice. Plenty of seating outside and car parking opposite.

The food was good value for money

We enjoy popping in at the Castle Barge. We have bought a flat across the river from it so it will soon be our "local". Lol. The barge is full of character. Love it. Don't be in a hurry when going to the toilet ladies! You have to squeeze past the door. Lol.

I love it here. The view is very nice and calming. Pizza was my favourite dish here and it tasted like the real italian one. Not to mention the prices are affordable. Staff are nice, young and cheerful!

Great little pub. Floats though so could feel more tipsy than you think especially if the river is high. Well worth a visit.

Didn’t eat but I’m told they do good pizzas. Service friendly, quirky spot and good outdoor seating alongside river and central to town.

We had a great experience last night. Friendly staff - very professional and a great atmosphere!

We enjoyed our visit to the castle barge especially as it is dog friendly... the staff were very nice and helpful....

Great place to rest. Quality. Nice climate . Tasty lager beer 🍺

Just went for drinks, bit a great alternative