The Castle, Ryde

A pleasant town pub on the pedestrianised bit of the High Street, very clean and freshly refurbished from its appearance. It extends round two side of the central bar, with a few sports TVs down one side and a selection of old photos down the other. A Fullers pub (of Gales parentage), so London Pride, HSB and Hophead on pump. Perhaps a little lacking in atmosphere but feels well-run.

Fairly basic locals pub which has been made over by the MFI sale. One original feature was a nice frosted window and stained glass upper. TV with mute horse racing, over-loud jukebox and darts and papers. Large swathes of the pub were in darkness on our Saturday evening visit. Small rear courtyard garden. Four pumps, all Fullers - ESB, Pride, English Ale and a mediocre HSB though worth mentioning that the order of a half and a bitter lemon came in cheaper than expected at £3.15. Odd place, I didn't see much to tempt me back. 5.5