First class pint: Old Post Office transformed into village ale house

Andy Smith owner of the Post Office Ale Pub in Castleton

Castleton’s old Post Office building has been transformed into a quirky new ale house to deliver a first class pint.

The Old Post Office Ale House on Manchester Road has a selection of local cask ales which have attracted people from across the borough.

The pub has kept some features from the old post office for nostalgia, including part of the front counter, a safe, and the old familiar post office sign, which was found in the cellar during refurbishment.

Owners Andy and Cath Smith said that they’ve had an immense response since the opening night last Friday.

Andy said: “It’s been amazing. Last weekend we were so busy that we ended up with extra help behind the bar. As a Castleton man myself, I can really see what a good thing this is for the village. It’s something different that has been lacking for a long time.

“I grew up here and I remember a time when there was a real pub community, back when all the banks were here. I think I’m not alone in remembering those times, and the bar offers a bit of nostalgia about it.

“The other thing is, we’re right there on the train line. People who would hop on a train to the Northern Quarter are opting to come here now because there is something similar closer to home.”

He added: “The atmosphere in here is really lovey and it’s turning out to be a great success.”

Castleton Councillor Billy Sheerin has already made himself a regular at the pub. He said: “It’s remarkable what they’ve done here, it has turned out so well. We are in a time when pubs around here are generally closing down, and this is bringing the village back to life in many ways.

“If you sit here and close your eyes you can just see the post office and how it used to be. It’s an odd feeling and it brings back a lot of memories. Andy and Cath have done a fantastic job in turning an old derelict space into a lively village bar for the people of Castleton.”

The Old Post Office Ale House has open 12:00 – 23:00 Friday and Saturday, 12:00 – 22:00 on Sunday and 14:00 – 23:00 Monday to Friday.