The Castle Tavern Mumby Road, Lee-on-the-solent PO12 1AD

"Congratultations and well done to the Castle Tavern, possibly the worse customer service I have ever experienced in 53 years. Bought two drinks 12 quid, bearing in mind The Star WETHERSPOONS would be half the price nearby for the same however....it looked a decent pub but after my money was taken by card we then realised no seating was available inside as Emmy was busy putting firmly on tables Reserve signs on all the empty tables like a bad version of musical chairs. Feeling slightly unwelcome at this point after delivering what looked like a good beer Timothy Taylor and wine, I felt the need to ask but where can my family sit only 3 of us. .....Oh you can sit in the far far corner Emmy says blankly....reluctantly, awkwardly and making me feel very unwelcome. At this point I'm a bit peeved after spending good hard earnt money needing to enquire how long have I got as it was clear no seats were available in the pub..... Oh you need to be out by 6 or well before says Emmy bearing in mind it was 5.15. So less than 30 mins. Why I ask, so Emmy declares this is because this is a restaurant and customers come in well before their meal so tables get booked up quickly...oK I get it but then why take my money then announce I have less than 30 minutes to sup up and leave. That is sharp practice ! It is contemptuous and poor ! But it's a pub I observe....no says Emmy it is not ! Apparently it is a restaurant not a pub anymore. Hang on....dont take my money in good faith then give me a limited time to drink. So I challenge this, but I'm afraid Emmy doesn't like this and asks me to leave. No sorry no explanation a bit shoddy really. So not happy, I asked why take my money if seating is not available but Emmy is taking our drinks away and cash plonked down in front of me as a refund....I paid on card so this looks like suspect money laundering now. Real shame, the pub clearly had punters just drinking, it feels like a pub, says it is a pub and when I called later the same day, I am told it is a pub, but Emmy says it is not. Bottom line pub or restuarant a name doesn't matter but don't take my money if you cannot provide a service which includes sitting down for an unspecified time, make the expectation clear upon contract of taking my money NOT after. Shocking. Ps Emmy was quite happy to use profanities about me to another customer when I left, totally unprofessional and beyond poor. I love a well run pub but rude indifferent staff can be the difference between returning custom or a exodus...to Emmy....your customers pay your wage don't treat them like something you walk in."

"If you want an authentic looking English pub this is it. Very typical pub grub and the beverages to accompany. Excellent value for money, the roast beef was a bit tough but portion were generous. It might be a good idea to make a reservation as 80% of the table were reserved when we attended. Wait staff was effecient and friendly. It would have been more complete if horse radish was included in the table condiments."

"Great location near the Marina in Gosport. Staff were really friendly and helpful. It was nice to see a broad cross-section of the community frequent the establishment for Sunday lunch. Couldn't fault the place. Definitely recommend."

"Popped in here with a mate, we weren't local so stumbled across it by chance. What a find, as roast dinner was available all day, the place was full, but we managed to get a table due to a cancellation. I had the roast beef, spuds and Yorkshire pud, delicious meat and generous portion with veg to share, great value and lovely staff made it a great find. Booking advised, get in there!!"