Iconic Dartmouth pub reopens after transformational refurbishment

One of Dartmouth’s most iconic buildings, the Royal Castle, has reopened this week following a transformational renovation by St Austell Brewery. 

The 17^th century pub, which sits proudly on the harbourfront, has been sensitively restored over the past nine months. St Austell Brewery has worked meticulously to preserve the site’s historic features while giving it a new lease of life, which will help secure its continued success for generations to come. 

Andrew Turner, Chief Operating Officer at St Austell Brewery, said: “We are thrilled to be reopening the doors of the Royal Castle. This much-loved building needed significant investment, and we are delighted to have been able to sensitively restore it to its former glory, while respecting its rich heritage.  

“As a business, we are committed to continued investment into all of our pubs across the South West, providing beautiful places for our guests to eat, drink and stay. 

“Our exceptional team, led by General Manager - Matthew McKinley-Booton - have returned to deliver memorable experiences for the local community and welcome new faces from near and far.” 

The renovation has seen key elements of the pub reused and repurposed, including existing timber wall panelling, the reupholstering of existing furniture and timber listed floorboards. The site’s Victorian windows - previously hidden behind partition walls - have also been restored and its new pale-plaster coloured frontage pays homage to its likely original stone façade. 

All 24 bedrooms at the Royal Castle - many of which have views overlooking the Dart Estuary - have been given a fresh look and feel inspired by the site’s waterside location.  

Guests can enjoy a variety of bar areas and dining experiences, tailored to suit every occasion. On the ground floor, the Dory Lounge offers a cosy space ideal for informal drinks and light bites, complete with a dedicated area for sports viewing, while the Ketch Bar features comfy nooks and open fires. Towards the rear, a more traditional pub atmosphere awaits. Upstairs, the Sloop serves everything from coffees to cocktails, from breakfast through to bedtime. A private dining area is also available to hire. 

Original artwork of the local area - including prints by contemporary artist Kim Carlow who previously lived in North Devon - are displayed alongside historic oil paintings, fusing tradition with modern design. The materials and colour palettes - soft sandy pinks, deep earthy reds and oceanic green blues - have been inspired by the Dartmouth landscape. For fans of the local area, the business is also reinstating its live webcam with views across the estuary. 

With a dedicated kitchen team, led by head chef Iain Aldous, the pub’s refreshed menu champions local suppliers. Dishes such as pan-roasted pigeon breast, steamed cider mussels and mushroom bourguignon pie will feature, alongside a catch of the day landed locally. 

The Royal Castle has been part of St Austell Brewery’s 45-strong managed estate since 2019 and is one of its 14 managed pubs in Devon. The business - which also brews award-winning beers such as Proper Job, korev, and Tribute - is a proud supporter of Devon sporting institutions including Exeter City FC, Dartmouth AFC, Newton Abbot races and Dartmouth Golf Club. 

The Royal Castle’s transformation marks the seventh major refurbishment in the company’s managed pub estate in the past three years, following projects at the Wellington in Boscastle, the Pier House in Charlestown and most recently, the Pedn Olva in St Ives. 

To book a stay or a table at the Royal Castle, click here. To explore St Austell Brewery’s other pubs across the South West, visit staustellbrewery.co.uk.