The Castlemayne pub in Basildon

Ah, The Castlemayne – it's one of those pubs that just warms you up from the moment you walk in, you know? From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the staff are the real stars; they're so friendly and attentive, like they're chatting with old mates rather than just serving drinks. It's perfect for all sorts of dos, whether you're hosting a family celebration or catching a live band on a Saturday – the energy really picks up then, with everyone dancing away. And let's not forget, the drinks are reasonably priced, so you can enjoy a few without worrying about the tab. On the flip side, the operating hours seem a bit all over the place, which might catch you out if you're trying to plan ahead, and without a website, it's not the easiest to get the lowdown online. Overall, though, it's got that homely feel with high marks from most who've been, but it's worth noting it might not hit the mark every time, so pop in with an open mind for a balanced good time.