Windsor Castle

London, Westminster. A pub has operated continuously on this site since 1837, with the current building constructed in 1897. Originally called the Windsor Castle, for decades it was affectionately known by locals as The Cardinal, because the home of Cardinal Manning, the highly influential 19th century Archbishop of Westminster, is located nearby. Because of its proximity to Westminster Cathedral and Cardinal Manning's legacy, the pub accumulated a rich collection of Catholic memorabilia, photographs , and paintings, and served as a regular meeting place for local church groups. In 2011 the brewery owners, Samuel Smith's, caused widespread local controversy when they chose to restore the pub to its original name.

The ground floor space is divided into four or five small intimate drinking rooms divided by ornate wood paneling and exquisitely etched, brilliantly cut glass screens. There is also a larger lounge area to the back. Upstairs is an elegant function room styled to look like a historic gentleman's drawing room. Throughout the pub there are high corniced ceilings, magnificent stained glass skylights, and brass ornamentation. A curious bearskin soldier's hat sits on top of the bar. I always enjoy visiting a beautiful Samuel Smith's pub, as do I a pint of an Old Brewery Bitter.