The Castle in Southend-on-Sea

Went for a Sunday roast with friends, one of them being a chef. The service was excellent and the food superb, my chef friend is very critical but he even commented on the quality of food and especially the roast potatoes. Watched Anthony Mouse afterwards, playing some great ska/reggae tunes. A fabulous Sunday, what a way to end the week.

Stopped off for a couple of beers to watch the fireworks Amazing building right on the sea front. Good selection of beers

First time in the Castle. Really interesting old pub. It was a sunday evening and fairly quiet. We both had fish and chips and they swapped the chips for my wife to a jacket potato. Food was excellent but portions huge - so I think next time we will go for small instead of large. Very reasonable pricing. We will be back there and will try the Sunday roast.

Was ok but outside to many smokers and cigarette buts on the ground around the tables not good having smoke in your area if u dont smoke.

Went for dinner it was lovely be back 💯

We had the pleasure of meeting Mya such a happy bubbly staff member, she was very welcoming an made our experience very pleasurable I would recommend this place 100% she catered to us an made our experience amazing an we will be returning indeed, whole experience I give 10 out of 10 staff customers very accommodating, but I must say mya made such efforts to get to know us an engage with us.. she is an asset to your pub

Superb quality food ,,extremely friendly staff!! And a lovely pub 😀 very picturesque place and a load of mods turned up too

The family and I went to Southend for the day. Towards the end, we decided we would like a meal before making your way home. we decided on the castle as we had children with us, and the castle was kid-frendly and was aloud to eat inside,

Nice food great staff very friendly locals would recommend

I didn't spend the night here, only ate. So I can only judge on the food and it was super tasty.

No real ale except doom bar yuck

We went to a birthday party upstairs. The food was good and the staff were friendly .

The Castle Hotel has an amazing atmosphere, bar service is always fast and swift, the food is magnificent - I had the fish and chips and 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 10/10. Tables and chairs are always tidy and they even have a pool table on the side. Would recommend coming here with family and friends.

Cheap rooms. Beer is on point. Staff are friendly and helpfull. Slight mishap with the food but was put right with zero fuss. Well worth a visit

Food was good Maybe come again

Very pleasant place great view over the Estuary outside seating needs updating but clean and polite service.

Fathers day Sunday carvery... great food/service at a good price...as an unexpected bonus received a £5 fathers day free drinks voucher, nice touch! Will recommend and visit again when in the area again

Had roast dinner pud drinks very nice food service great lovey staff always going there again best atmosphere as good music singers and lots more

Proper traditional pub great atmosphere, food was excellent & reasonably priced .

Great atmosphere, friendly staff very welcoming

Have know the landlady for many years on and off. She provided a function suite for my wife’s wake. The buffets was exceptional and the service even better. Very reasonable prices too. Well deserved of a good review.

Great pub great food and occasional gigs which are fab!

The fish with the fish and chips was quite tough, difficult to chew. Impressive for Cod.

Never stayed in there rooms, but great place to go ,food very good go most Fridays for fish and chips

Lovely fresh food, friendly staff, good entertainment

Wouldn’t do gluten free food at all

I love this pub. 😀 always welcoming and friendly.

Great home cooked food at very reasonable prices A+++

The best views, lovely staff and the hospitality was second to none. £30 for room is an amazingly good deal. I highly recommend The Castle. Also, listen to the waves crash and you'll be reborn, anew.

Excellent and enjoyed food very much.

Amazing friendly atmosphere! Staff and fellow customers are all so welcoming. Popped in for one drink, stayed for several hours instead. Thank you.🥰

Flood old traditional pub grub and good carvery

Popped in for lunch, fish and chips, served up by a real nice chappy.

Great food excellent atmosphere and attentive staff. What a great traditional local pub. Thank you very much

It's not busy at all with family and friends get together for watching Matthew and Andrew Laudat do some dj party events of all time favourite.

Living proof that the East End is still alive and kicking. Good food, value and hospitality. Walked in unexpectedly on a Kareoke evening, very entertaining! Cheers guys

Attended here for an engagement party. Staff were friendly, prices weren't crazy, clean place. Didn't stay the night.

First time today for Sunday Lunch. First let me say the servers were brilliant polite and very professional. Onto the Carvery. Had gone on the recommendation of a friend. Must say it was all okay, not the best we have had but average. Like everywhere now the veg is never fully cooked and the Roasties are never crispy as they are left under the heat too long. For the price it was okay. Will visit again but won’t rush back. Can I also say that if the kitchen manager or one of his stuff must start effing and jeffing about something happening in the kitchen. Shut the door. There were children in the restaurant and it wasnt pleasant for us adults either to hear. The servers are a credit here. X

Visited with my husband and friend for a roast today and was so impressed All the food was cooked fresh and had the salad cart for starters both courses £12 such great value Staff we friendly and attentive , nothing was too much trouble Can’t wait to come back thank you

Yummy food friendly staff,nice pub right on the seafront

For me personally, I think it is a great place to visit, spend the night, book a room and even go out on the town. The following day you can have breakfast and then lunch/dinner. What more could you ask for.

Nice pub, cheap beer very traditional English.

No toilets in the rooms but good and friendly service

Just stopped for lunch and had the small fish and chips. Tasted amazing. Sat outside on a sunny day, with a sea view, perfect.

Lovely view looking out to sea food was nice bar staff very friendly we sat outside and they gave our dog some water and a bag off meat dogs are allowed outside would definitely go again

Best food in southend! Anyone that says otherwise is mental! Food is always spot on from here!!!

What a friendly pub with a great atmosphere. Ideal for all ages and kid friendly too. Sit outside with a seaview. Staff amazing and reasonably priced.

We were looking for a place to have lunch and we came across The Castle. We order 2x Lager Shandy and 2x fish and chips. For the start the Shandy turn out to be ciders Shandy , when we release we try to return it but the bar staff was adamant we order ciders it took a manager to get it change. The fish arrive 20min later , after a one bite we released fish was off but that time we decided to leave as the service and quality is very bad. I would suggest to anyone who come across this place please be cautious. If it was a 0 star I would have give them that. I don’t recommend this place to anyone!!!

**Review for The Castle Pub, Southend on Sea** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Attending a 60th birthday at The Castle Pub was nothing short of spectacular. This venue marries historic elegance with modern comforts, particularly in the spacious yet intimate upstairs area. What truly elevates the experience is the staff. The bar team's dedication and attentiveness are unparalleled. A special nod to Nic, the exceptional manager, who effortlessly combines efficiency with warmth. Looking for a memorable evening in Southend on Sea? The Castle Pub and its stellar team have you covered. Cheers to Nic and the crew for an unforgettable night!

Excellent customer service and the food is great!!!!

Cracking local boozer. Great food. Support it.

Had a really lovely night, despite one of the customers saying something very rude to me, and when I said something to the lager she said ‘you’re going to get that everywhere love’ Very rude manager & should’ve sorted out the situation instead of making me feel uncomfortable, will still go to the castle because it’s a pub I used to go when my dad used to take me, just don’t agree with the new manger and how they msged the situation when someone commented on me making me feel very very uncomfortable, something needs to change so try the new management, otherwise than than that I was served by the nicest and most loveliest staff 🙂

I had a choice of 3 roasts in a row along the esplanade & other eating places. I had never been in the castle, huge place. The Rottwieller manageress upstairs was prowling! I had a starter & roast for £12! The Belly Pork was succulent & other Meats tasty. Good selection of vegs & the parsnips were out of this world, crispy & caramelised. I only wish they had done roasts the same way... I love armoured crispy crunchy roasties. I'm afraid they need to raise their methods. But if no complaints then carry on in the rut! It's like a perfect poached egg. Fresh ramekin champers like bubbles, no salt vinegar. I can cook 4 at once. But with utube help & practice! A child's meal, oh blimey, you pay you eat child's potion, no probs unless they just after more money!! Go large for meal, how about take £1.50 off & go smaller... Why, because men still trying to be on top!! I had enuf for brekkers. I would try it again. The others were Toby & Harvester (roasts wer better!) But not on a Sunday, the the Seafood shack wins! Yum..

We have had Sunday lunch here a few times managed to get a seat by the window great view across the sea Food good, atmosphere good, Last time we were here they had entertainment on. Check website Staff friendly.

Popped in for first time after passing many times during past visits for Sunday Lunch carvery. Asked if they had any room for Carvery and asked if we had booked. Though the pub was quite empty. They provided us a table in the upstairs restaurant area which we had to vacate after 2 hours as pre booked (plenty of time for us to eat). Waitress explained how the carvery worked and pleasantly surprised that the price of the carvery included a starter or access to a well stocked salad bar. For an extra £1.00 you could have a prawn cocktail starter. My son requested skinny fries with bread for a chip butty. I ordered the Carvery with the Prawn salad starter. The skinny fries came up with the bread and there was enough fries to feed several people!! The prawn cocktail came up and this would have fed two people starters. The carvery is served by the chefs and the portions were as big as your plate could take. Includes 2 of the several meats they have for the day. You can pay extra for a third meat if you wish. Very reasonably priced. The best compliment I could give this food is if this pub were in my neighbourhood I'd never cook Sunday lunch again that's how tasty the food was.

Dreadful. Management need to learn basic economics. Increasing prices will turn people away. Food is 2nd rate at best and way overpriced. Have you never seen Gordon Ramsey kitchen nightmares. Go back to basics produce quality food at reasonable prices and treat your staff with respect. You will be closed sooner than you think if not

We popped to the castle briefly after the boys had been to the park and I’d taken the dog for a walk Unfortunately the castle is not dog friendly so I wouldn’t be able to make a solo visit, but my husband went in to order whilst I sat with the boys outside. Currently there is scaffolding out which doesn’t make it look the most attractive but this should not put you off. It’s a lovely spot in the sunshine on the front. Having seen a good looking pint of Guinness my husband got one. In the heat I fancied a bitter shandy and out son had a Coca Cola. We shared a couple of bags of crisps. My husband said it’s the best pint of Guinness he has had in years. Massive compliments to the bar staff! It was a lovely way to spend 40 minutes of half term. Only loses a star due to not being dog friendly inside, but I get it, not everywhere can be! We will return as a family

Food was really nice, staff were helpful and polite.....except one. The manager (think her ne was nikki, i did ask her but she wouldn't tell me) is one of the rudest people iv met. When ordering food for 8 pf us she actually rolled her eyes at me!!! When I asked her if there was a problem she said "what do you think" when I asked gor the drinks that's come with kids meal she slammed it on the bar and said " you happy now, anything else" sorry but how is the manager of this pub that used to be so lovely Will not return

We visited the Castle on Bank Holiday Monday (January) The food was at best mediocre but the real problems started a few weeks later when we got a parking ticket for using the pub car park despite putting our registration number in the machine before ordering food. I replied to the parking company with a copy of my receipt & the reply came back they have no record of my ticket. Yesterday I received a letter from a different company saying my fine has doubled as I did not reply. This oub is obviously using car parking companies who are scammers! The less than average meal was certainly not worth all the agg I am now getting. I should have heard alarm bells when I saw the sign saying the pub does not get involved in parking disputes. DON'T BOTHER GOING THERE.

Had a meal here when visiting my dad for his birthday, we stayed down the road but wanted a change just us (me and the hubby) we were recommended here for the roast and it was lovely! Bit dated but really friendly and a great proper pub to visist!

Been meaning to go into the castle to try their roast for a long time but I usually work Sundays. Great value for money and the meat was cooked to perfection. I wanted a live if all 3so paid £1.50 extra but because I paid this I was giving a huge plate. The guy dished it up but very generous portions. My only slight criticism ( because I am an expert my family say cooking roasts) is the potatoes were not crispy and veg a little over cooked but loved it anyway. I made a point of telling the chef it was a lovely meal. I will definately go back and this will be a regular place for me to visit and I will recommend to everyone too. Loved it and brought my leftover home and will be finishing this off tonight. 2 courses £12.00. A starter of help your self salad or soup and then the roast. Good job castle.

Myself and some friends have been going to this pub since the 60s, we meet there around once a month for a get together and a meal. We did the same today, ordered our food and sat down. 10 minutes later a group of excited children arrived for a birthday party in the restaurant. From then on the music system and the woman running the party, not to mention screaming children running riot and climbing all over everything. was all unbearably loud, well above the safe decibel level. We asked politely if it could be turned down a bit, and were more or less told we could move upstairs or outside. A pub is not the right place for a children’s party, especially when there’s a perfectly adequate function room upstairs.

The Castle was recommended to us by a friend who used to live in Southend and he was right about everything! Good old-fashioned pub with superb homemade food - we ate here both evenings of our weekend stay in Southend. There is an extensive menu with something for everyone.

We only came here for drinks (3 of us) and had a very enjoyable time. The staff were very friendly. Thoroughly good time.

Friendly staff. My companions had scampi and chips and scampi and salad. The latter had possibly too much salad but apparently they enjoyed their meals and thought them very good. My beef curry was lacking both in beef and flavour.

Wife and I pop in to look at the menu ended up having the best fish and chips I've had in a long time wife really enjoyed her scampi would definitely recommend

Stopped for for a drink over the weekend And ended up having lunch Great service friendly and the food was lovely Would recommend and if we are in Southend again we will come back

Bit of a rough dirty place with little atmosphere. The sort of place you just want to eat and get out. Rude staff. and regulars Desperately in need of a refurb and the toilet was filthy. Definitely one to avoid, unless you own a bulldozer!

A few of us at work ordered as a takeaway today for the 1st time and i have to say the food was lovely. Chips were missing but the staff had them out to us within 10 minutes with a note on the delivery from...

Awesome loved the food! The service was lovely from lucky and we had a lovely time! Can’t wait to come back! Pool tables were a definite bonus!

Stayed here for the weekend 13th to 15th Nov.Very lovely lady called Jan booked us in.large sea view room with on suite shower room.beds comfortable and clean.room comfortable with drink facilities etc.couldnt have asked for more.will be returning here soon.very good deal.xx

Never been here before. Definitely coming back. Nice normal public house with great food and lovely staff. Had vegetarian lasagne with chips and salad. Spot on! Thank you.

Avoid at all costs. We stumbled over this pub one miserable Saturday evening while it persistently rained.Wet and cold looking for an evening meal.The pub was loud and full of groups of “jolly” clientele (no social distancing here) The decor needs updating, the carpet squelched...

A two course ‘home cooked’ meal for £12 is exceptional value for money. The soup starter was so full of flavour and served with a warm bread roll. The carvery is a generous portion of sliced meats, fresh veg and roast potatoes. Staff very friendly....

Had a drink here and found it to be a mish mash of styles. Tired and needing a bit of tlc. The clientele appeared to be mainly contract workers who left a lot to be desired. An interesting old character 'joined' us a one point...

Wow tried the New Steak Plater Today , Defiantly Would Recommend this you get Ribs, A Skewer , Chips , Pease, Homemade Onion Rings , And The Steak Is So Nice , Defiantly Recommended On A Thursday if you Love Steak :)

We used this place a few times over our stay in South end First time we entered I used my c19 checking app but had a annoying woman mouthing in my ear about c19 checking Ignored her and found a table a helpful member of...

Great food, reasonably priced delivered to the door with a smile. What more could you ask for during these locked down times. Thanks Castle!!

small woman behind the bar was so rude, and so angry. No customer service skills. Very hostile. Would not recommend this place to anyone.

I can safely say that this pub is run by the rudest woman I have ever had the displeasure to come across. She shouted from the bar across the length of the pub to us as I stood at the door asking a member of...

My friend and I went for lunch today at the Castle and the food was excellent and really good value - will definitely go again.

We were two women out for the first time in months, however we were seated alone away from the other punters around the corner in a dark area of the pub. So we moved tables, (all socially distanced of course) the owner came over to...

Stopped in at this pub on a couple of occasions following long walks around the area for a beer which was nice and cold and served with a warm smile by all the staff. Did not have a meal but they did look good. If I am back I will try the food

My 93 year old nan wanted to take me the husband and 2 kids for sunday dinner..there were a lot of stairs for her to climb but the decor was nice..the welcome was friendly..the food was good the only one thing for me that let it down is the roast potatoes they are not crispy at all. The meat was okay but the beef was very tough..stick with the gammon. Overall it was nice I would consider going back but I would use the main menu.

i have been to this sea front pub many times over the last 30 years or so its sad to hear that Janet & Jolene are or have now gone !i have eat some great food here with great friends .the pub has some reat atmosphre with loads of regulars

First time for Sunday dinner carvery and won't be the the last. Meat was tender, very good selection of vegetables, eg cauliflower with cheese sauce, cabbage, broccoli, carrots peas mash roast pots and roasted vegetables. Old fashioned puddings treacle/jam/spotted dick sponge and custard plus many more. Excellent value. Staff smiley and very friendly . Nothing to much trouble

We visited this pub on a Thursday evening which was steak night which we highly recommend, all food served hot and eell presented excellent value for money.

Have not been here for many years. Service was very good. Food was excellent. Sweet was excellent. We was well looked after. We had a great evening and was well happy. Thank you for looking after us. If you go in for a drink please try the food as well you will be well pleased.

After a bracing walk on the seafront 24 of us visited for lunch.The staff were really lovely, nothing was too much trouble, and the food was very good. Hot, fresh, plentiful and nicely presented. Several had the steak special which at £5.95 was a bargain and could not be faulted, a good idea were the marker sticks indicating how the steak had been cooked.. The pies were pronounced as very good indeed with a generous, tender filling. There was more than ample choice on both the menu and specials, all at very reasonable prices. Although the decor was rather tired the food and welcome more than made up for it. We will definitely visit again.

spent a few days in southend and went to the castle for a lunchtime drink and snack- both of us had a jacket potatoe with cheese and beans. was pleasantly surprised it was served hot from an oven (not micro) with a nice side salad - not a few leaves and a tomato but a proper salad diced.coffee was good - beer was goodvery reasonable - will visit againlh

Having not visited here for a few years, this pub did seem to be a bit run down from what it used to be like .It has a great location and the food and beers are ok but it does not seem to have the ambience it used to .

We popped into the Castle for a last minute lunch. Well we were absolutely not disappointed by any means. In fact we were so pleased we have since booked to go and have a carvary this weekend. The firery burger was the sure fire hit and the cod that my little one had was delicious, moist and extremely tasty. The fish goujons were also rather nice. Pleasant and very friendly staff. Nothing was too much trouble. Ample parking available at rear. Right on the seafrontStop here for lunch if your around

I stayed here for one night as a stopover before continuing my journey up north. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I had a meal which was ok but the cod was rather mushy. My room was room 6, it was en-suite. It was freezing cold due to the cold draught from the window. The radiator was only warm. For the money it was not worth it. Won’t be returning here.

Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Jolene and all her lovely staff for all the efforts they put into making our party such a fantastic celebration. Jolene gave us a free range to decorate the upstairs venue and allowed us as much time as we needed prior to the party to do this. She was happy to listen and accommodate in supplying some delicious food (of meat and vegetarian varieties)for our guests as well as allowing us to take some of our own food for vegans and vegetarians. Her staff are very friendly happy and hard working team too. I would not hesitate in recommending The Castle to anyone looking for a venue for all these reasons. Thanks again Jolene from myself and all my family and friends that joined us.

Went for Sunday lunch at the castle , having never been there before I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food we had a lamb shank which my partner said was the best she had ever had, I had a home made steak and kidney pie which was delicious with mash and peas and the steak and ale pie for the mother in law. She said that the pastry was beautiful and I have to agree it was light and delicious. We also sampled the spotted dick for desert which was also delightful. There was a nice atmosphere at the pub and it was very busy which is always a good sign. If you want nice homemade cuisine give this place a try.

We watched one of the England cup matches in here whilst on a weekend away and it was a brilliant experience. The atmosphere was great, the staff and locals welcoming.

The castle great place to eat , was staying up the road and this was nearby so tried and must admit went back three times during stay , local pub local people and specials on every day , Scampi and chips was lovely and also the steak special, They have a happy hour or two 5 till 7 so a bonus, lovely sitting outside in the sun , far better than the Toby up the road that place is not good but thats another review.

ok so we ate here on a sunday and had the carvery. the food was good but the staff clearly did not want to be there, rather abrupt and grumpy. Then we went back during the week and wow what a change, bar staff were chatty and helpful and again the food was good and a very good price. I would eat there again,

Last night had a lovely meal at The Castle with friends in New Street Life Group for a birthday celebration of the members. I had home made steak and ale pie with peas and chips which was very nice and would highly recommend at a reasonable price for a meal less than £10! Always good friendly welcoming service

I went here for a few drinks with a friend and we decided to have some food while there one evening mid week. I had the ribs and they were amazing. Fell off the bone lovely and moist and plenty of sticky sauce. The price was reasonable and the quantity generous with service really friendly and efficient. There was a nice atmosphere here and they have various specials on during the week and carvery on a Sunday. Happy to recommend.