57 Cricklewood Broadway,
Cricklewood,
London,
NW2 3JX
(020) 8450 4370
The ViewLondon Review
The Windmill is a reinvented pub with a very good selection of drinks and premium food.
The Venue
This pub closed after a fire and the subsequent refurb has done wonders, giving the venue a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere. The same operator is behind both this venue and the Black Lion in Kilburn, and it shows.
They share a similar tasteful decor, the same choice of good wines, and they offer a similar standard of gastropub dining.
The Atmosphere
The inside of the pub is very inviting, with fireplaces, leather sofas and vintage armchairs as well as several Art Deco lamps hanging over the counter. The biggest plus of this place, however, is the outdoor courtyard, with decking and white-painted iron
tables surrounded by luxurious foliage. Staff are friendly and always up for a chat – this pub is seldom full to its large capacity, and you will soon be on familiar terms with the staff.
The Food
The Windmill offers both typical British gastropub dishes and less traditional options such as halloumi on toast (£3.75). Prices are higher than average, especially if you compare them to the Wetherspoon’s across the street, but it is better quality. Their
fish and chips (£8.50) is remarkably tasty and comes with a hearty portion of chips and a delicious tartar dip. The Sunday Roast (£9-£11) is one of the restaurant's signature dishes and almost a compulsory choice, literally, since it is the only dish on
the menu on Sundays.
The Drink
A good range of lagers – Stella, Staropramen etc – are very reasonably priced at around the £3 per pint mark. Other brews pouring from the taps include IPA, Hoegaarden, Bulmers and Guinness. If you are familiar with the Black Lion in Kilburn, you will
find no surprises on the wine list here. There is a cracking Grenache-Merlot as the house red (£13.95), and an outstanding full-bodied Malbec.
The Last Word
In an area that lacks quality pubs, The Windmill is a saving grace. Good food and drink, a lively atmosphere, and special offers and events make this a great spot for residents of NW2.
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