The Castle in Bishops Stortford

Ah, The Castle – it's one of those pubs that just warms your heart the moment you step inside. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the staff go above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome, whether you're a regular or just popping in for a quick one. The real ales are spot on, with folks raving about how well-kept they are, and the Guinness is poured just right, which is always a win in my book. It's got that proper community feel, dog-friendly and all, perfect for a laid-back evening chatting with the locals or watching the match. On the flip side, though, their website's a bit of a letdown – I tried having a look and ran into some errors, so you might need to call ahead or check elsewhere for the lowdown. The hours can seem a bit muddled too, so plan accordingly to make sure it's open when you fancy a visit. All in all, it's a solid spot for a good pint and a laugh, but it's probably best suited for those quiet, cosy nights rather than a big night out. I'd say give it a go if you're in the area; it's got that authentic pub charm that's hard to beat.