A Castle's Kettle and Pub sign advertises the restaurant's fall 2011 opening.
Tales of leprechauns and four-leaf clovers may be thousands of miles away from Blacksburg, but a new local pub is looking to capture the Irish spirit.
Castle’s Kettle and Pub, set to open in early-to-mid November, has deep roots in not only Irish, but also Hokie heritage. Two fraternity brothers from Phi Kappa Psi, both 2000 Virginia Tech graduates, had the first rumblings of an idea about a year ago.
“Last October we met up at a football game and decided we wanted to do a business venture together,” said Tony Faulds, the pub’s co-owner.
Faulds and Joe Castle, his business partner, decided their business venture would be building an Irish-style pub. Coordinating the process has not been easy, as Faulds lives in California, leaving Castle to manage the day-to-day construction. Once the pub is complete, Castle will become the general manager.
Still, the plan came together quickly, as the men acquired a property last January and had architects begin drawing up designs. Construction began this past July at 607 N. Main St. — just a short walk from downtown and campus.
With this location, Faulds hopes to reach students and locals. He also hopes to bring something truly unique to Blacksburg, far different than what the town offers so far.
“We wanted to do something with a very European feel to it — not too American,” Faulds said. “We feel there’s a great niche market for that.”
While the downtown restaurant and bar market in Blacksburg may seem fairly saturated, Faulds said he remains confident the pub can compete with places such as Sharkey’s and Top of the Stairs. He said some of what will set the pub apart is its food, live music, community involvement and impressive beer selection.
“We’ll run the gamut (on food),” Faulds said. “My wife is vegan, so along with all the Irish staples, we’ll have vegan and vegetarian options.”
Faulds promises there is something for everyone, yet the concentration is still decidedly Irish. A few favorites already cemented into the menu include fish and chips, bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie. Faulds hopes the hearty Irish entrees won’t leave customers too full for dessert though. The pub will offer Irish coffee, homemade ice cream and a few other options for those watching their waistlines or wallets.
“We aim to have bite size dessert items for a dollar or two,” Faulds said. “You could get a shot glass size of ice cream or cake. It’s perfect if you don’t have enough for a full dessert.”
But what’s authentic Irish good without the music to match? Castle’s Kettle and Pub aims to fill the establishment with traditional Irish tunes, with a particular emphasis on live music several nights a week. Additionally, musicians may even walk around and play directly for a table.
In addition to music lovers, the pub will also cater to foodies and those who like to consume adult beverages. Three different clubs will meet to engage the community in their common interest. The Kettle Club will bring together food lovers for taste testing. The Mug Club will unite beer drinkers, particularly those that enjoy “good” beer, and the Horseshoe Club will join whiskey connoisseurs and novices alike to taste the amber liquid.
A version of this article appeared in the Sep 21 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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While the idea of an Irish Pub does excite me, I will be a leprechaun if that thing is open by early to mid november, judging by what's been built so far.
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While I look forward to drinking here occasionally, I wouldn't want to be an investor in this. With 622 already serving as an alternative bar on that side of downtown, I doubt the two could both survive and my money would be with the one already established. However, best of luck Castles
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If I had to guess which would survive, it would be a well run Irish pub over Frankies/622 North.
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Unless the Irish pub makes sure to invest in separate ventilation systems for a smoking and non-smoking section, 622 North has the clear edge. Frankies is constantly packed with smokers that don't have many options. Also, 622N already has a loyal following of well-to-do locals who want a good beer or wine in an environment that has few students. That does not exist anywhere else in town.
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is that a joke? there are 30000 students here, at least 10000 have to be of age, how can you say there is not a market in our ridiculously small downtown for another bar? let alone the first irish bar.
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is that a joke? there are 30000 students here, at least 10000 have to be of age, how can you say there is not a market in our ridiculously small downtown for another bar? let alone the first irish bar.
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Opening an Irish pub in Blacksburg is a surefire way to success. Keep the food appetizing and the drinks cheap - Joe Castle, you have a lot of work ahead of you! I look forward to visiting the new pub when its done. Good luck.
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So , one owner lives in california and thinks vegan is a good irish pub idea ? the other guy has never worked in food service ? and where is the parking for the 160 or so they seat ? Sounds like a sure fire way to lose your house . Anyone remember the Library ? Dalton's ? The five or so restaurants in the new sycamore location ? Hope you didnt mortage your house for this . . . .
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It sounds like vegan is just a small portion of the menu... I didn't take it that it was going to be a vegan place, just that they will have that option. Don't be such a hater... Let's wait until the place is open and then judge.
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good point, where is the parking going to be? I walk downtown but not everyone can! I don't think it is going to be totally vegan though, just part of the menu! And I didn't see mention of good Guinesss..a (the?) crucial component of a good Irish pub!
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Thanks for your comments. For Guinness, we will have that on tap along with 10 - 20 other beers and plenty of bottled beers. As for parking, we will have 12 parking spots on our property along with bank parking on weekends and a new parking garage going up in the next 2 years. Join us on facebook and we welcome you to come by once we open to try good food and good beer.
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maybe you guys can hire the campus bag pipe player (does he still go to school there?) to play for the grand opening.
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i remember the bank not letting anyone park there when it was a frat house. And you are building a parking garage ? So 2 years till any steady parking ? I haven't seen the building in a month or two. It must be bigger than I thought
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There is also the Taco Bell/Shopping Center lot across the street. That should provide ample parking for the time being, with TCBY and the Spa/Salon in there being closed. I never see more than a handful of cars in that lot.
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There is also the Taco Bell/Shopping Center lot across the street. That should provide ample parking for the time being, with TCBY and the Spa/Salon in there being closed. I never see more than a handful of cars in that lot.
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I had been thinking of doing this same concept in the last year and they beat me to it. I'm very happy to see it in Blacksburg. It will be a great addition and I plan to frequent it when I come to town.
I really hope it is a huge success!
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I'm a little skeptical. The Irish Pub has become so cliched over the last decade but I'm hoping they pull this off. The burg needs more variety in its bars because despite what most people tend to think, the bar scene isn't all that great compared to other college towns.
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So park on someone else's property ? that doesn't seem like that will last . Look at all the signs behind 622, tech bookstore to deal with one business using another business's parking. Seems like a good way to get towed.
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looks like valley towing will have a bright future ahead for them
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Seems like an appropriate fit for my old frat house- may you rest in peace. I wish the new owners and patrons as many fond memories of 607 that I have
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I don't see how parking is going to be a problem. If college students are going to be a large percentage of the patronage that this place attracts, then they can just suck it up and walk. If not then for god's sake, you have a hokie passport, use the bus. It's a mandatory part of your tuition, you might as well use it.
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Not sure what backyard space you preserved with the retrofit of the old KAPPA SIG house. If you saved the outdoor space, couple your ideas with a throw-things-at-things area and you'll have a following. Beware of the old lagoon site, it might be a little unstable.
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