Personal touch is secret to County Press pub of the year's "massive achievement"

Isle of Wight pub landlady Sonia McFarlane has thanked her ‘amazing staff’ after customers voted her bar as Isle of Wight County Press Pub of the Year.

The Castle Inn, which opened in 1850 within the Grade II listed building on the corner of Ryde High Street and John Street, has been voted Pub of the Year by County Press readers.

Sonia, who runs the High Street pub, said: “It is a massive achievement. I am very proud of my staff, and I am very thankful for all the customers who have voted for us.

“We’re a community pub – it is what I would call a traditional ‘wet-led’ pub. Everyone is welcome, and there are always people to talk to.

“We’ve helped people with personal things, and there is a vibe, a friendly vibe.”

The Castle Inn on Ryde High Street (Image: IWCP)

She said the secret of the pub's success is its ‘amazing staff’, who provide an excellent service with a personal touch.

Sonia added: “They all just work well as a team, recognising faces and greeting people by their names.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gemma, the pub’s supervisor. She is absolutely fantastic.”

The Castle Inn on Ryde High Street (Image: IWCP)

Ten Island pubs made the shortlist: 

• The Sportsman’s Rest, Porchfield

• The Castle Inn, Ryde

• The Bugle Inn, Brading

• The Vine Inn, Freshwater

• The Vine Inn, St Helens

• The Hogs Head, Newport

• The White Hart Inn, Havenstreet

• The Star Coffee and Ale House, Ryde

• Caulkheads, Sandown

• Newport Ale House, Newport​