The Walmer Castle is a traditional gastropub in Notting Hill, run by husband and wife duo Jack and Poppy Greenall. The pair also run the successful Surprise Pub in Chelsea, and have extended into the buzzing Notting Hill hospitality scene by reviving this old West London boozer. Previously captained by none other than David Beckham and Guy Ritchie, under different management it was subsequently restyled in collaboration with Scotland’s oldest whiskey hotel - The Craigellachie. This Victorian pub now re-emerges as a cozy but refined English tavern hosting live jazz, blues nights, and cultural talks. The Walmer Castle is like returning home for Christmas; warm, inviting, and full of good food.
Built in 1845 and named for the famous Kent castle, all three storeys of The Walmer Castle have been redesigned by Isabella Worsley to highlight its Victorian bones. The result is an elegantly furnished yet traditional pub. The walls are populated with the works of household names Tracey Emin and Cornelia Parker as well as up-and-coming British talents. The redesign includes a ground-floor bar, a dedicated upstairs dining area, and two private dining spaces ideal for hosting celebrations.
The Walmer Castle menu includes bar snacks, a la carte items, and Sunday roasts delivered in an unfussy fashion with close attention to seasonality. Designed by chef Luaan van de Watt recipes are kept simple to allow high-quality British produce to take centre stage. Also available is a pre-order-only Christmas menu featuring mouthwatering items such as beef shin croquettes and lamb shoulder torchon. More casual bar snack options include charcuterie, scotch eggs, and perfectly fried pink fir apple potatoes with aioli.
The draft beer selection puts independents like Cornwall’s Harbour Brewing Co., German Rothaus, and Maison Sassy in pride of place. The wine list follows a similar aim, working in collaboration with artisanal specialist Wanderlust Wine, the list proudly showcases several organic bottles from sustainability-minded producers.