Popular Isle of Wight pub shuts kitchen indefinitely

The Castle Inn on Newport High Street <i>(Image: IWCP)</i>
The Castle Inn on Newport High Street (Image: IWCP)
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A popular Isle of Wight High Street pub has shut its kitchen indefinitely, citing "family health commitments and the ongoing cost of living pressures."

Newport's oldest pub, The Castle Inn will stop serving food from Monday evening, July 27, but will stay open for drinks, live entertainment and social events.

The pub is known around the Island for its popular pizza nights and Sunday carvery.

The Castle team said the "very difficulty decision" was necessary because of family health commitments and cost-of-living pressures.

The Castle Inn menuThe Castle Inn menu (Image: IWCP)

In a social media post, the venue told customers: "This has not been an easy decision, and we’d like to thank everyone who has supported our food offering over the years.

"Your loyalty has meant the world to us.

"The pub itself will remain open as usual, and we look forward to continuing to welcome you for drinks, live entertainment, and good company.

"We truly appreciate your understanding and support during this time.

"Thank you for standing by us."

The announcement came just hours after The Castle had promoted its regular Pizza Night tonight (Tuesday, July 21).

Other Island hospitality venues have said rising energy, food and staffing costs are making it harder to stay viable without raising prices.

Reacting to The Castle announcement, regulars were disappointed, with one calling it “another massive blow to the town and hospitality industry,” and urging people to support the pub by going for drinks.

Others called hospitality “a very hard industry now” and wished the team well, hoping things improve.

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