Long-established Inverness restaurant re-opens – with crinkle-cut chips set to return to menu
A long-established Inverness institution has re-opened its doors – with crinkle-cut chips set to return to the menu.
The Castle restaurant in Castle Street ceased trading in February 2023.
But it has now re-opened under the new ownership of Shabaro Ali who owns two other nearby city centre restaurants, the Shapla Indian restaurant and the River Grill.
Inverness restaurant JP at the Castle to cease trading
Restaurant re-opens with a new look – but crinkle chips are off the menu!
Regarded as an Inverness institution, The Castle restaurant has been serving locals and visitors since it first opened in 1959.
It subsequently became famous for its steak pie and signature crinkle-cut chips and also its macaroni cheese.
In 2015, there was a question mark over its future when long-time owner Brian Lipton - whose grandmother and uncle had originally started the business - retired and put the business up for sale.
The Castle was then acquired by the operators of the Jammy Piece which has a cafe at Muirtown by the Caledonian Canal.
It closed during the coronavirus pandemic but returned from lockdown with a new look including new seating plus a new menu.
But in February last year, it closed again with the owners stating on social media the decision had been taken “due to circumstances beyond [its] control”.
Mr Ali, who has now acquired the business, had a “soft reopening” last week but word is already spreading around the Highland capital.
“Everyone knows The Castle restaurant,” said Mr Ali who acknowledged a sense of responsibility towards the establishment, given its long history.
“We will be keeping its character.
“We will be keeping the food very traditional. We will still have steak pie, fish and chips, macaroni cheese.”
And, yes, he will reintroduce the crinkle-cut chips which previously disappeared from the menu.
Booth-style tables and seating have also been installed.
Bangladeshi-born Mr Ali recalled first visiting The Castle after moving to Inverness in 1979 and said his favourite dish was its macaroni cheese.
Among today’s lunchtime diners were an American tourist who wanted to sample some traditional food plus two Inverness women tucking into steak pie and chips - although not crinkle-cut.
They had heard about the reopening via social media and decided to check it out.
“I am really pleased to see it open again,” one said.
“I like the atmosphere.”
The other one added: “It’s value for money - and I like the chips.”
