Part of owner’s Young’s portfolio since 1832 (making it one of south London’s oldest surviving pubs), the capacious Castle has been refurbished to appeal to the area’s affluent new residents. Mismatched bleached woods, rattan seating and soft jewel-tone plush set the scene for cask ales, Meantime lager (from shiny copper tanks on-site) and a rounded wine list that has Picpoul de Pinet at around £25. An extensive modern Brit menu (including options for vegetarians and children) is available in the bar, the dining room, the orangery or in cabanas off the lawned backyard. Crackling-crisp pigs’ cheeks, smoked haddock cakes Mornay, or black pudding and tomato concassé could be followed by Gressingham duck breast in a cherry jus, or smoked baby back ribs with slaw and sweet-potato chips, and then traditional puds. With sandwiches, sharing platters, brunch, and Sunday roasts too, Young’s aims to make this Castle a home for Tootingites.