The Castle, Sheffield

This pub has changed out of recognition since I was last in here, with the bar moved to an enlarged area at the back, and the front right opened up. Darts are in a smaller room on the left, and the snooker room beyond the bar. Three hand pumps, with one turned round and the others having beers from Bradfield, the seasonal Belgian Blue, plus 61 Deep from Marstons. My half of the former was in reasonable condition (NBSS 2.5) but not my idea of a nice drink. Some people rave about it, but I just don't get it, once you've got past the novelty value. The pub is a decent community local, but the combination of bland beers and heavy metal music on the sound system is just not my thing.

Unfussy community side-street local with a two-part bar and lounge area, reasonably traditional in appearance, plus a smaller and plainer side room with the dartboard and some sporting memorabilia. Slightly surprised to find three handpumps, all in use and pouring Wainwright, Dizzy Blonde from Robinson's (£4.40) and Marston's 61 Deep.