04-08-2025
Beloved south Essex business named 'Pub of the Year' after major refurbishment
A beloved south Essex business has been named "Pub of the Year" by Echo readers, to the delight of its dedicated team and loyal regulars.
The Castle, in High Street, Hadleigh, is a pub described as being the "heart of the community" and known for its vibrant social calendar.
Now, thanks to votes from Echo readers, it has won the "Pub of the Year" competition.
After winning, Una Green, the general manager at The Castle, said: "We are all so pleased to have won Pub of the Year.
Harley McGreadie-Smith, Ryan Benson, Lily Gibson, Mary Wilkins, and Terry Chandler (Image: The Castle / Newsquest)
"We would like to thank all the lovely people that came in to us and dropped their voting forms in to us to post off.
"The Castle pub is at the heart of the community.
"We drive success through delivering our guests a great service, through a great brand, and great value.
"We are all so excited and proud of winning."
Charlie Merison, Una Green, and Mary Wilkins (Image: The Castle / Newsquest)
From coffee mornings and book clubs to weekly quiz nights on Wednesdays and Poker Thursdays, the pub has something for everyone.
Music lovers are also treated to regular live acts, including local bands like The Sarfenders and tribute performances such as the recent Pink Tribute night.
The team has already hosted a mini summer festival on July 26, and they're also planning a craft fair in the autumn.
The Castle also underwent an extensive and modern refurbishment during a four-week closure.
Boasting a brighter, new modern look, the renovation saw the pub undergo a complete transformation.
Una added: "After our refurb last year, we have had loads of new guests that re-joined us, after years of giving up on the place as it looked so run down.
David Steel, who has been visiting The Castle for the last 20 years (Image: The Castle / Newsquest)
"As a team, we have really stepped up on hospitality and the team here strive for that perfect customer service.
"The team all love working here; they love the visitors that come old and new alike.
"We are all so pleased."
Regulars and visitors to the pub also had plenty of praise for the business with Craig Morgan stating: "Don't be shy, give it a try.
David Steel, who has been visiting the pub for the last 20 years, added: "Home is where the heart is."
