The Windsor Castle London Review
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There's one rumour that suggests that the Windsor Castle pub acquired its name because you could see 'the' Windsor Castle from a window on a clear day, sounds doubtful and we didn't get the chance to test this theory as: a) that was the last thing we were interested in doing once inside the pub & b) it was dark.
Built in the 1800's, the Windsor Castle is one of the few untouched early Victorian boozers left in London. The interior is all wood. Mainly oak that is either stained or painted black; the pub has beautiful wooden floors, panels, bars, furniture and a unique feature - the partitions. These were put in place back in the day when those of different classes were separated from one another whilst they sipped their ales. The discrete doors were only for staff to move from one bar to the other, and unlike other pubs, the Windsor has kept them - though the only segregation is for smokers and non-smokers.
Another, more delicious, tradition at the Windsor is their speciality in serving up bangers & mash. If you're after some quality sausages, then you better get yourself down here. Delicious sausages range from Beef & Black Cherry, Suffolk, Cumberland, Lamb & Mint, Venison, Chilli & Rosemary, and so the veggies don't miss out - Taragon & Mushroom bangers. To wash the food down, there's some good wholesome ales such as London Pride & Adnams and if you're not planning to do anything the next day some Addlestones cider - recommended for those that haven't tried cider before.
The warm colour of the oak wood, complimented by candles and an open fire create a relaxed and countryfied feel to the pub which is inviting during the winter months. To the back of the pub is a large beer garden which is perfect for those lazy summer evenings. Locals frequent the pub aplenty, no doubt attracted by the manager Richard - a man with much energy and many stories to tell, if he has the time. Even some lucky tourists stumble across what must be the epitemy of an english boozer.
Word of warning - be careful not to be trapped into conversation with the 'local bore', a harmless fellow who is well on his way to being barred from yet another London pub for ... being a bore, not what you want in such a quality boozer.
NB Having re-opened after a re-furb at the beginning of March 2007, we can happily say the Windsor Castle has lost non of its charm and gained many more positives: full table service; a few delicious extras to the food and drinks menu; has a better looking beer garden (with bar) and has banned the 'local bore'.
paulc (19 11 2005)
The Windsor Castle London Description
It is believed that the Windsor Castle dates back to 1835 when it was mainly frequented by farmers taking their livestock to Hyde Park on market days. As the pub is built on the brow of the hill, the Royal Windsor Castle used to be visible from the upper floor windows, hence its name.
The pub is divided into three main areas: Campden, Private and Sherry. It is understood that the wood panelling separating these areas formed part of a ship, although there is no real evidence for this. It could simply be one of the many tales surrounding the pub.
It is also said that the bones of Thomas Paine (author of 'The rights of man') are buried in the cellar as his son sold his skeleton to the landlord to settle a beer debt. Thankfully, no ghost sightings have been reported.
The Windsor Castle features in Fluids Guide to the Best Beer Gardens in London. To check out the others, click on: Top Beer Gardens in London.
Customer Reviews for The Windsor Castle
The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of The Windsor Castle.
“Two meals for £15 with a drink during the week is a fantastic deal and so it has become my lunch break retreat! I havent been in there during the weekend though but they are advertising a Cribbage (its a card game!) tournament for Sunday evenings so I will be going their this weekend.”
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James Platford, London (1 months 8 days ago)
“A quirky pub in between Kensington High Street & Notting Hill. Lots of character & the sausages aren't half bad mum! Beer garden can be packed.”
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jade, London (4 months 24 days ago)
“Being between kensington and Notting Hill, with great beer, cheap food and a ye-olde atmosphere, the clientelle is predictably 18-20 something, mostly beautiful. The outside benches and 'landed' public school crowd gives it a very country-pub-in-the-city feel, and its also popular with the london antipideans. The food is great for its price - pretty much everything under £10. You can sit outside and enjoy your beer under the pubs draping greenery, or in one of its three bars - separated by wood panneled walls, accessible by three doors in diminishing sizes, alice in wonderland style (the pubs main feature, and probably the reason why its so famous).”
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Rachel, [ Unknown ] (5 years 7 months 13 days ago)
“I was lookng for a traditional English pub to take my parents (First-times in London) for a drink and meal.
This place is great as it was built in 1835 and doesnt look at is its changed!
It also doesnt play any music so you can chat without shouting and the food is great. It is a little pricey but well worth it as the portions are a good sizes and very well cooked.
A very nice place to catch up with friends over a bottle of wine.”
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Lou, Hammersmith (6 years 2 months 20 days ago)
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