Review: Sturdys Castle

Tucked just off the A4260, Sturdy’s Castle is a mix of a historic British coaching inn and Indian dining. This 400-year-old establishment retains its classic country charm, with wooden beams, exposed stone walls, and a bar featuring a suit of armor, yet subtle Indian touches,ornate lamps and statues, hint at the unusual culinary offering. With a function room and 20 guest rooms available, Sturdy’s Castle is more than just a restaurant.

Despite visiting on a Thursday lunchtime, the restaurant was busy, with over twenty diners, including a birthday party of eight. It’s a casual dining spot, catering to both locals looking for a hearty meal and those staying in the hotel’s rooms and seeking somewhere novel to dine.

The restaurant offers two menus: Krishna’s Indian dishes are inspired by North Indian cuisine and classic British pub fare.

This dual-menu approach means that those who love rich, spiced Indian flavors can indulge while others (less keen on curry) can opt for something more traditional. General Manager Sandeep mentioned that many diners mix and match, choosing starters from one menu and mains from another, making for a flexible dining experience.

We mainly leaned toward the Indian menu, opting for onion bhaji, paneer tikka masala, pindi chole, and keema naan, but also threw in a mushroom risotto to sample the pub classics.

In my opinion, the Indian dishes stole the show. The pindi chole (chickpea side dish) was the standout -flavorsome, fragrant, and irresistibly moreish. Unlike the bright red tikka masalas from a typical takeaway, their paneer tikka masala was subtly spiced and fruity, offering a much more authentic take on the dish. The onion bhaji was crisp and not at all greasy, served with a mango chutney.

The keema naan was slightly on the dry side, and while the rice and peas were fine, they didn’t stand out compared to the vibrancy of the mains. The mushroom risotto, representing the pub classics menu, was well-cooked with a creamy texture and a hint of white wine, though it could have used some more mushrooms. However, I really like mushrooms so that may be a personal preference!

One dish we didn’t try but wished we had, was the dum biryani, cooked with a pastry-sealed lid to trap in the fragrant spices. The table next to us ordered it and described it as “exciting and unusual,” and as the aroma drifted over, I felt a pang of food envy.

The service was knowledgeable and friendly. Our waiter, who had a young baby himself, was incredibly patient with our teething little one.

He guided us through the menu, explaining the allergens for my partner, describing spice levels and making thoughtful recommendations, like suggesting a raita dip for those worried about heat. It was clear that the front-of-house team had a solid understanding of the dishes, which is always a plus when looking at a menu with more unusual dishes.

However, the service did have its slow moments. The waiters are super knowledgeable, but they were sometimes hard to flag down, and some diners had to wait to pay or order drinks. The food took a little longer to arrive, so if you’re planning a quick bite, keep in mind that this isn’t a fast-dining experience. A small but appreciated touch was the warmed plates, something many restaurants overlook.

Sturdy’s Castle is a great spot for curry lovers who might be dining with friends or family who prefer more traditional pub food, there’s truly something for everyone. It’s not the place for a rushed meal, but if you have time to sit back and enjoy, the flavors are worth the wait.

Would we return? Absolutely.

The biryani is top of our list for next time, and we also discovered they offer 20% off takeaway orders when collected, an enticing reason to revisit. If you’re looking for a blend of British and Indian cuisine in a charming country setting, Sturdy’s Castle is worth a visit.