By Isle of Wight Observer
The Castle Inn is back open under new management as Newport’s oldest pub looks to a new future.
Janine King, along with her partner, Simon Ball, and son, Shaun, have reopened the pub after former landlords, Simon and Louise Cant, stepped down following nearly eight years in charge.
For Janine and Simon it’s a totally new trade and they decided to take the plunge after Shaun helped out behind the bar on a Saturday night last October, and liked it so much, he stayed on.
Janine said: “Shaun’s previous job caused him mental health problems, but working behind the bar rejuvenated him. So, when the opportunity came up to take on the pub, it was an easy decision.
“I worked in the pub many years ago, when the landlords were Margaret and Eddie, and I was even served by grandfather Billy (The Grinder), so it feels like a real family affair.
“We’re continuing to work with the existing staff who are showing us the ropes. We marked last weekend with live music and a late bar until 1am, and gave away free shots to our customers to welcome them.
“We intend to keep the music going each Friday and Saturday between 9pm-11pm, and the bar will stay open until 1am to keep up the late-night vibe, and we’re also looking at holding special music nights in our Stable Bar.
“We are looking for a chef and hope to start serving food again and we will also serve coffee and cake during the day; we want the pub to have a warm welcoming atmosphere.
“The regulars have already made us feel part of their family, and we want to extend this to the wider community. We don’t want people to feel they are on their own.”
