The Castle, Castleton, Derbyshire

A visit to the countryside with some mates from down south didn't exactly go to plan due to the untimely interjection of the weather. Lengthy hikes are not really much fun in pouring rain and howling gales. And so it was we rolled up in Castleton, drenched through after legging it up Mam Tor and back from the car park in about 10 minutes flat. At least we got to see the view (just) as the murk parted briefly to reveal the beautiful Hope Valley.

The Castle was the first pub we came across so in we went. Fairly standard pub food on the menu, including a prix fixe at a very reasonable £6/8/10 for one/two/three courses. From this menu I ordered the shepherd's pie with plum and almond frangipane to follow. Other choices included mushroom and soup starters, goats cheese salad, and profiteroles. On ordering we were warned of a half hour wait for the food. Not a problem as we needed drying out time anyway.

When it eventually turned up the shepherd's pie was reasonably good. The meat had a good depth of lamby flavour with plenty of rosemary in the mix and the mash was creamy. The accompanying vegetables were overcooked though and it needed extra gravy. The pudding was fine and creme fraiche on the side rather than cream was a good choice. They didn't work out that the profiteroles had sold out until about an hour and a half after we'd ordered them, but offered a choice of the full dessert menu as an alternative. The apple and blackcurrant crumble chosen was the best dish of the day;- a huge portion with a crisp, buttery crumble and tart, not overly sweetened fruit.

I have no idea whether this is the best pub for food in Castleton, but I doubt it's the worst either. Does exactly what it says on the tin. Countryside done, we headed back to Manchester to hit the town...(see previous post).

6/10

The Castle
Castle Street
Castleton
Derbyshire
S33 8WG
http://www.vintageinn.co.uk/thecastlecastleton/restaurantsfood/