George IV once popped in to this understated boozer to catch a cockfight. Fancying a flutter, he granted the pub pawnbroker status (hence the three balls outside) and handed over his gold watch as collateral. History is hazy as to whether the gamble paid off. Modern customers of this rebooted tap house are rewarded with a range of punchy continental Pilsners, familiar British brews (Doom Bar, Fuller’s) and local craft ales, plus accessibly priced vino, fiery Bloody Marys and cool, crisp Cornish, Kentish and Suffolk ciders. Burgers and deep-fill sandwiches appear on a British menu whose keenly priced mains typically also include bangers and spring onion mash (£10.25), Devon crab cakes, steaks and superfood salads. Alternatively, you can graze on bar snacks such as beef brisket cubes with buffalo sauce or pumpkin and kale croquettes with chilli pesto. The Castle even drops its drawbridge to serve breakfast from 10am.