gerald wellington

James -- that comment may or may not be directed at me, but in any case I think it is simple a question of personal taste. I am certainly what most people would regard as middle class, but I like pubs to be pubs not restaurants. I don't especially care for places like the old Plough -- it was a dump and the beer was off -- or the old Lord Palmerston -- same. Scruffy pubs that sell good beer and are capable of appealing to a broad clientele -- like the CPT, IMO -- are what I am after. A lick of paint for the Castle will be a good thing if it is just that, and I don't think we should be too worried about whether it's right or wrong for people of a certain background to say things about certain types of places on the basis of being seen to be arrogant due to class. Anyway, this has all been a lot of fun.....beer anyone?

Brendan -- I disagree. Gentrification is generally exactly what is going on around here when pubs are refurbished. Ethnic cleansing it might not be, but exclusion of certain types it most definitely is. I used to hate the plough and was happy when it was refurbed, but my next door neighbour who used to go there a lot was made to feel very unwelcome by the new owners. The mag I used to like but its the same story -- for want of a better way of putting it working class e dulwich people are now not really looked after there. I hope the same doesn't happen with the castle.

I just stopped by on my way to pick up my daughter and had a chat with some of the locals (one bar is open). They all seemed worried that it would change a lot, but apparently it hasn't actually changed hands. A lick of paint would certainly do it no harm.

I guess there's a debate to be had about whether it is a good or bad thing that old pubs in the area get done up, and by who, whether they are gastro, exclude previous locals, etc. etc. But for time being, does anyone know what is going to emerge from the shattered, lager-sodden wreckage that is the Castle, now closed and full of workmen? A nice new "proper" pub would be good news for those of us in this area.