Windsor Castle

Relying too much on its “historic” ambience and “great” garden nowadays, this “really characterful” old coaching inn, near Notting Hill Gate, offers “disorganised” service of food that’s only intermittently worth waiting for... read more

Harden's's profile     Other reviews by Harden's     Harden's likes    

London Pubs Group Tour of Notting Hill, Kensington and Bayswater

This plain, two-storey building of around 1825 sits at the summit of Campden Hill Road and was refitted about 1933. We know this because in the 'Sherry Bar' there is a plaque helpfully explaining that the oak used in that room was felled in the period 1930-32. Also helpful is the fact that the door glass names each of the three traditional rooms. The Sherry Bar is entered off Peel Street, the private bar is on the corner, while the Campden Bar lies along Campden Hill Road. Perhaps it says something for the upmarket nature of the area in the 1930s that the rooms have fancier names than the usual public bar, saloon, etc.

The mahogany bar-back is the sole survivor from the Victorian era. Otherwise the fittings are pretty much intact from the 1930s, even down to some pretty Arts & Crafts door furniture. Pride of place goes to the two screens which create three rooms very much in the manner of a Victorian public house. There are even low service doors to give access for pot boys and cleaning staff. All the rooms have attractive fixed seating which looks as though it could have come from an ancient country pub.

The private bar and Campden Bar have counters with raked matchboard panelling whereas the Sherry Bar has fielded panelling. The latter also has a brick fireplace and, over it, a much yellowed picture of the eponymous castle. Spaces have been added in post-war times on the right-hand side. The pub's name is said to come from the fact that on a clear day Windsor Castle could be seen from it. Fuller's London Pride and a guest beer, on this occasion Caledonian Deuchars IPA, are usually served here.

http://www.camranorthlondon.org.uk/londonpubsgroup/crawls.html

Tracey's profile     Other reviews by Tracey     Tracey likes    

Dear me. I was looking forward to have a little cosy pub dinner with my partner after work and we chose this place as it had quite good reviews. Well we did not make it further than the front door as it really stank in the pub. It was like this place had housed a handful of tramps or some similar gentlemen. Did not stay to ask about dinner specials. What a shame!!

cheri66's profile     Other reviews by cheri66     cheri66 likes    

This pub is the coolest pub in town - a must go to. In the Summer the Beer garden is Brilliant. Jugs of Pimms etc. Nice staff, good food. All round great pub!!!!