The Windsor Castle Pub in Westminster

23 Francis St, London SW1P 1DN

About This Pub

Ah, The Windsor Castle—it's one of those tucked-away gems in London that you stumble upon and think, 'Now this is the real deal.' Picture yourself in a cosy spot near Westminster Cathedral, surrounded by wood-panelled rooms and a roaring fire, sipping on some top-quality Samuel Smith’s beer that's been brewed with proper care since 1758. The food's got its moments too; I've heard brilliant things about their Sunday lunches and pub classics, with one mate raving about a fabulous beetroot wellington that felt like a homemade treat. It's also spot-on for gatherings, whether you're planning a casual catch-up or a bigger do with their venue hire options. But, and I say this as a friend who's been around the block, it's not all smooth sailing—some have had rough patches with slow service, like waiting an eternity for a simple burger, and there've been grumbles about food not quite hitting the mark, with burnt bits and all. Still, with an overall solid reputation, I'd say it's worth popping in if you're in the area, just maybe keep your expectations in check and book ahead for meals. All in all, it's a proper British pub that does a lot right, but like any old favourite, it has its quirks.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The atmosphere is absolutely charming—it's a historic spot tucked away near Westminster Cathedral, with cosy rooms, etched glass, and even a real fire that makes you feel right at home.
The beers are a real highlight; they're brewed by Samuel Smith’s using natural ingredients, and you can enjoy classics like their cask Old Brewery Bitter—perfect for a proper pint.
They do a cracking job with food, especially the pub classics and Sunday lunches; reviewers rave about dishes like the beetroot wellington, which sounds homemade and delicious.
It's versatile for groups, with options for venue hire or private functions, seating up to 50 downstairs and 30 upstairs, making it great for parties or casual meet-ups.

Cons

Service can be a bit hit-and-miss, with some folks waiting ages for simple orders, like 40 minutes for a burger even when the place isn't busy—which is a real shame.
Food quality isn't always spot on; there have been complaints about things like burnt buns or hard dishes, which can put a damper on the experience.
Recent visits have been disappointing for a few, with long delays blamed on kitchen issues, especially during events, so it might not be the best choice if you're in a rush.
While the overall vibe is lovely, it's not without its off days, and you might find the selection of wines and spirits a bit basic compared to the beers.

Contact Information

23 Francis St, London SW1P 1DN

+442078347260

Pub

Opens at 12:00

Opening Hours

Monday	12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday	12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday	12:00 - 23:00
Thursday	12:00 - 23:00
Friday (Today)	12:00 - 23:00
Saturday	12:00 - 23:00
Sunday	12:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Stopped in for dinner and the pub looked lovely inside—great atmosphere and not at all busy. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. I waited 40 minutes for a simple burger, which is baffling given how quiet it was. When it finally arrived, the top bun was burnt and both buns were hard and dry. To be fair, the waiter was polite and did bring me a replacement, which was better—but still far from impressive. Honestly, if it takes that long to serve an average burger when the place is nearly empty, I dread to think what it’s like when they’re actually busy. Won’t be rushing back.

Emiliana M

The restaurant is very beautiful. We ordered some beers ( I recommend black Guinness with black currant) and the meal, and then the waitress said us that the kitchen was very busy because there was an event with 40 people and it may take 40 min. to prepare our meal. After 1 hour, we asked for the meal and they said it wasn’t ready yet. We ordered just sandwiches. Very disappointing.

T. A.V

Fine pub, tucked away behind Westminster Cathedral. John Smith's house. Tadcaster style. All your fave JS beers. Quite big with several rooms and an upstairs dining room. Similar in style to the much better known Princess Louise, with wood, etched glass and a real fire. Recommended.

Doug Neilson

Excellence all round. I've been here for drink before but never food. On a Sunday I tried a beetroot wellington, fabulous. Homecooked. Highly recommended, magnificent historic pub and far away from the busier pubs closer to Victoria. Very chilled out.

chris james

After wandering around Westminster Cathedral (not to be confused with its more famous counterpart of Westminster Abbey) we stopped in at the Windsor Castle for some refreshment. It's an atmospheric place and the staff behind the bar was very knowledgeable about the history of the place. The beer was good too. The day we visited, it was not at all busy.

Joe Sidonio