The Windsor Castle, Victoria - review
Sam Smith's caused a bit of a stir with the latest refurbishment of one of their pubs. From the owners of the lovingly restored Princess Louise, this is a bit of a surprise.
Well, it turns out a few people were upset with the name change, to one which pre-dates the current (already very old) one. Even Archbishops (who should've been grateful it wasn't bought by Nandos) waded into the non-event.
More important things were afoot inside and the interior has now been brought back - using the cliché - to its former glory. Wooden partitions have made a comeback, as has a parquet floor and lots of brass. The old gloomy rear eating area has been turned onto a more open, loungey affair - which looks like a cross between a gentleman's club and a hotel foyer.
As a Sam Smith's pub, you know what to expect on the food and drinks side of things - a reasonable selection of their own ales and wines a, plus some cheap pub grub.
The clientèle is identical to that pre-refurb: officer workers, lost tourists and a smattering of lucky older residents. Overall, it's hard not to like such a handsome pub.
NEAREST STATION: Victoria
FEATURES: Real ale, dog friendly, historic pub
The Windsor Castle
23 Francis Street
Victoria
W1P 1DN
