Mock period features, proper beer and cheap prices. It may be no-frills but it’s good for a pint if you happen to be on St John’s Hill.

The Venue
Windsor Castle has a pretty frontage with a mock-Tudor style in bold black and white, dominating an entire corner of St John’s Hill. The appeal, however, is spoilt somewhat by the garish blackboards and colour signs showcasing special deals and happy hours. Still, it gets its point across. Inside, the space is split into two but both bar areas are pretty simple. Dark woods dominate, of course, and the bar is the centrepiece to the action – as well it should be. That said, when a big game is on all eyes remain firmly glued to the big screen TVs. Otherwise, dart boards keep the punters entertained. There is an alfresco drinking area if the weather is nice and you want to escape the dark interior.

The Atmosphere
Windsor Castle attracts a plethora of locals but at the weekend it does pull in people from further afield seeking out the watering holes of Clapham Junction and the surrounding areas – party people looking for drink and lots of it. When a big game’s on the atmosphere also cranks up a notch and they occasionally host events like karaoke, which quickly descends into cackling laughter. Low key and laid back is definitely the overriding feeling whenever you visit.

The Drink
As a pub recommended by CAMRA, Windsor Castle has a pretty bog standard choice of lagers and stout, with Guinness and Carlsberg making their usual appearances. However, they do offer some well kept ales including Fuller’s London Pride and Well’s Bombardier, alongside a rotating guest ale. However, their wine deserves special mention for its sheer cheapness. A glass of wine for less than three quid? We kid you not. In fact, eight of their wines are priced at this level. Sure, it may not be the best you’ve ever tasted but that doesn’t seem to trouble the weekend party crowd.

The Last Word
Windsor Castle gets the job done, and you’ll even have change left in your wallet at the end of the night. Bonus.

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