please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Popped into this favourite local of mine recently, and was delighted to see that they have had the outside all done up it looks great, and great to see a lanlord so committed to his pub,he tells me that he intends doing a refurb on the inside soon, so look forward to seeing the results, but as always great beer and food on offer, and the athmosphere welcoming as always
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visited here a few time during december the pub looked great with multi xmas trees it seemed like every night the pub was very busy serving great food in a very warm and friendly athnosphere, well recommended
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Made a visit to 'The Duke' last weekend, having been away from Windsor for a while.
The Thai food is still very popular and seems to be a big hit with both locals and people coming from further afield. I had a chat with two of the ladies who work in the kitchen and you can tell that they care and are passionate about their food. Always a good sign. Certainly the 'Massaman curry' i had was the best I had tried outside of Thailand.
Another good thing about this pub is that it continues to have a good rotation of different real beers, with 3 guestbeers as well as the Greene King IPA on tap.
I did note the comments about the new IPA pump. However, the two friends who were with me didn't notice any difference in taste from the previous pump. i can see how some traditionalists might not care for the pumps appearance though, but it certainly didn't appear to be a problem with those who were drinking it.
The local 'Guardsman', from the brewery along the road seems very popular too.
I must admit I do miss the Saturday night live music, but I cant really see Live music and Thai food going hand in hand. I can understand why it is no longer a feature of Saturday nights.
The 'Duke' is still well worth a visit, particularly for the food, and it is a pub i would highly reccomend.
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Change of hands since last visit, but stilll good little pub. Friendly staff, few odd locals but hey...
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Having no wish to enter into a slagging match with "Bitterman" regarding his last posting, if his comments were not directed at the pub ,staff,or landlord, why did he open his comments with " this pub has been spoilt by the current landlord" equally if he is so familiar with the Vanisttart, then he should know that on occassions Landlords let their hair down and celebrate various events with their customers,its called "cutomer relations" and accordingly should not be critised for one isolated incidence, how can he rate a pub as one of the best in the area,and then slate the Landlord in such a manner, fortuately most pub goers, can decide for themselves the merits of one pub from another,so does not need to rely on derisory comments from anorak websites.
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It is noted that both "notsobitterman" and "Westycabs" are new members to this site, Welcome.
Regarding the Barcardi incident it was the barmaid who told me that the pub did not have another bottle in the pub!
Regarding the "New Style" GK IPA pump. This is the only pub in the area serving the IPA through this type of Tap and I am sorry but the taste has changed from a normal Beer Engine style pump, this is no reflection on the Pub, staff or Landlord, but GK.
As for the comment on the Vansitart, I happen to rate the pub as being one of the best in the area, but spoke honestly about the visit made on that day. I note "Westycabs" did not comment on the negative feedback from others (only me).
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I have to agree with 'not so bitterman', the Duke Is the best pub in the area. The service the locals get is second to none. For example, before I even get through the door the bar staff have a ice bucket with my favroite bottled beer ready! The new landlord is a great bloke who can't do enough for his customers. The food is out of this world and as for the music - it is better without. I also noticed Bitterman wrote badly about the Vanisttart Arms, what a complete nob! He obviously has no understanding of beer, pubs, women, fashion or hygiene :)
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Just read the recent report from "bitterman" , as a local to this pub I have to comment on his views, if he was a true regular to this pub he would know that the music attendence in this pub had been sliding for some time,indeed before the current landlord took over, as indeed was the overall business at this pub, the current landlord is to be congratulated for bringing new and inspiring ideas to the Duke, he introduced a fantastic new Thai menu, was has been getting rave reviews not locally but from further afield, and I know that his decision to give up on the music in favour of food was purely a business descision,which has proved right, and as a local i for one am happy that tranquility has returned to our street on a Saturday night, as for his comments regarding IPA in a pressurised tap he clearly does not know what he is talking about, this is just a new stlye pump from Greene King and serves up traditional beer just like any other pump, is he also that pathetic to be concerned that the bacardi bottle was empty,did he not think that perhaps the barstaff would get a new bottle if needed, our pub do need or want comments of this nature from someone who visits once every six months, perhaps he should recognise that the pub industry is under massive threats and identify good points from inspiring landlords rather that be supe critical all the time, at least he has his name correct in " bitterman " he sounds just like one
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This once vibrant Pub has been spoilt by the new (current) Landlord.
Gone are the Saturday night live bands which were excellent. The Pub was always heaving with a great atmoshphere.
Now the pub is almost empty after 10pm on a Saturday.
The Greene King IPA (once excellent) is now on a pressurised High Tap and is almost undrinkable.
The range of Spirits is also limited (on a Bank Holiday Saturady night they only had a half a Shot of Barcardi left at 22:00). Sadly I do not feel the need to return
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Greene King pub on a corner, which hosts a Thai restaurant. The Windsor & Eton brewery is just along the side road and Guardsmen was on in addition to four Greene King beers - IPA, Abbot, Gangly Ghoul & Olde Trip. Aspalls was the cider. The pub is L-shaped and the Thai food seemed fairly popular. Live music is advertised and seemed to be on weekly. A couple of trick or treaters were given short shrift by the staff as they tried to collect money. Admittedly, the one did seem a touch too old for that sort of thing.
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In recent months there have been two good reasons to visit this pub, the Thai food is excellent, authentic, and amongst the best that you will find this side of London, and it was also one of the few remaining venues in Windsor that actively promoted live music.
My visit on Saturday was enjoyable, yet tinged with a hint of sadness,
No complaints about the wonderful food, or the excellent band that were playing (The Steve Young Band, from Portsmouth, Google them), but the number of people attending the live music on a Saturday has dwindled off to just a hand full.
It seems that bands on a Saturday night are no longer a viable proposition, and that next Saturday�s visit of �The Bullfrogs� will surely be one of the last music nights at �The Duke of Connaught�.
This will still be one of my favorite pubs in the town, particularly because of the great food, but I think I will always be sitting in the bar reminiscing about the bands that have played here over the years, Lee Ryder, Grapevine Blues, Irony, Nigel Bagge. . . .
Things in life change, but I will be back on Saturday, enjoying a good curry and listening to �The Bullfrogs�, for what might be one of the last music nights at �The Duke�
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Living in Windsor, we are blessed with many good pubs, and I have to admit that 'The Duke' continues to be one of my favourites.
This pub has something to appeal to everyone, with a good choice of beers, wonderful Thai cuisine, and live music on a saturday night.
For real ale lovers, as well as the normal Geeene King choice of ales, there are beers from the local Windsor Brewery, just around the corner, as well as many regularly rotating guest beers.
As a Thai food lover, it is nice to find somewhere that you can eat authentic Thai cuisine, rather than the bland fare that is so often on offer in this country.
I would highly reccomend any Thai curry lovers, like myself, to work their way through the extensive choices that are on offer.
For me, most appealing of all, is that the management continues to promote live music within the area, alongside it's drive to provide a good dining experience and a community pub.
'Grapevine Blues' were great on Saturday night, and I will certainly be making a point of catching 'The Bullfrogs' and 'Lee Ryder' over the next two weekends.
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Paid a return visit here last Saturday, what a change! this Pub used to be rocking on a Saturday night but since the new Landlord came in 80% of the punters seem to have vanished, maybe it is because of the Holiday season or maybe it was the unknow Duo that were playing called Fully Twisted. Sorry Guys you were awful. The male Guitar player managed to play the whole set (2Hrs 30min incl break) without any emotion or commitment and you murdered most songs and had NO audience interaction (except from your followers) at all. You need to speak to the Punters!. Will head back to see Grapevine Blues (with the Brilliant Dr IKA) on 27th August, but if things do not improve will cross this pub off my Windsor Haunts. Which would be a shame.
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Excellent pint of guardsmen. nice pub, would like to point out that this was a pub and not Wembley Arena why in such a pub does the band have to play so loud (with amps) it made your ears hurt and made it impossible to have any sort conversation(also seated as far away as possible) .would have spent a lot more time and money there otherwise. Nothing against music I enjoy live music in a pub but does it have to be so LOUD.
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Great Group on last Saturday called "Grapevine Blues". Had a Guitaar player Dr IKA (Google him) who in my opinion was Better than Brian May (and that is something coming from a Queen fan). Nice pints of Greene King but a tad expensive at �3.45. Even Central London charges �3.25 for London Pride!! Well worth a visit if in the area. New landlord recently taken over and they now do Thai Dishes on the menu that look very appealing.
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A decent Greene King pub because they are selling non GK beers. Abbot, IPA, Abbot Reserve with Hydes Jekylls Gold and Windsor & Eton Conqueror. This pub is next door to the Windsor & Eton Brewery and has been given permission to sell their beers. Only problem will be if it outsells GK which it will! Evidently if the pump clip is turned around it might just be to ration it so it's worth asking for a pint anyway. Dodgy Greek Sky showing 3pm Saturday football. Food not bad either and reasonably priced.
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Popped in as it's in the Good Beer Guide on a Saturday afternoon on an amble round Windsor. The guest ales were very good (obviously the slightly boring Greene King standard selection is available with it being a Greene King house) and seemed reasonably priced for the area. Band was on but we didn't stay for the start - looked like a good country and blues band, though.
Landlords seem to care very much for the pub as it was a really nice place to be and didn't feel knocked about at all. The other half also commented that complimentary ladies products were available in the loo, which apparently is a 'nice touch'.
Overall seems to be a really decent local, can't really fault the place.
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Went there last Night 8/5/10 had a great night the Greene King IPA and Abbott were on top Form as was the Live Music. The place was packed and Buzzin, but not too over crowded. The only critisisim was that there were (at times) not enough Bar Staff on. During the night only one Bar Staff was on an they did Not scan the Room as to tell who was next. I waited nearly 15 mins to be served when it was clear that waiting Regulars were served first, over "Walk-ins". At one stage the Landlord went behind the Bar to help but ignored me and went straight to a regular waiting at the Bar who had just walked in. Visitors be warned please go there but expect a wait if Busy.
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Stayed here for Two nights in June. The room was only �50 a night (no breakfast) which I thought was very reasonable for Windsor. There was nothing wrong with the room that a good clean wouldn't have solved.
They are at least trying to have a go in the bar. The food was good quality bar foodand the music(buskers) seemed varied, free and well attended (if a bit self gratifying) There was a decent range of ales on for a Greene King pub all of which were very drinkable
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Nice Back Street "Locals" pub away from the Tourist Zone. Large (mainly covered) seating area hidden out the back with outdoor dart board. On the Saturday Night I was there a Blues ban d was playing and were very good. Looking at the Forthcomming Events they seem to have Live Music most weekends at no extra charge. I normally drink Real Ales of which there was a good selection, but it was a Hot summers night (yes we did get some) so I stayed on cold Lager but will be returning ASAP to sample the Ales. Friendly Staff (english) and enough of them so as you did not have to wait to be served. Did not try the food as it had finished but the menu looked good and reasonably priced.
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This is a great pub. I like the atmosphere and the friendly staff. Usually has a guest other then the Greene King beers. Mr B_F should be thankful for any selection at all in a Greene King pub! I quite liked the St Edmunds, so its a shame its gone (even as a CAMRA-minded non lager drinker!) At least there was a choice of whether to have your beer with a creamy head or not.
The burgers are great - cooked exactly as they should be!
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the only good thing about this place is the food. staff are up there own bums, manager even further.
rating only comes in for the food at 5/10
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Street corner boozer which has been "upgraded" with pine flooring and two Sky Sports TV's.Lacking traditional pub features and more of a sports bar feel but the welcome is friendly and this is an excellent place to catch sports events.Lots of Rugby fans in on saturday lunchtime created a good atmosphere.Beer selection a little dull but reasonable quality.
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Pub located in a 'sea' of terraced housing but within half mile of the town centre. Plenty of chalk boards around with food and entertainment offers. Greene King pub with IPA, Abbott and Titanic White Star, the latter was Ok but passed it's best. The friendly bartender gave us samples of the 'north' and 'south' St Edmunds ale - quite 'quaffable' and colder but clearly aimed at lager drinkers which perhaps isn't a bad thing, but not really for CAMRA-minded people.
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Typical Windsor back street pub, but very cosy and with a particularly good GK IPA - worth a trip.
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Pleasant enough and livelier late afternoon yesterday than other nearby hostelries, a nice feel to the place with log fires, trendy French film flyers for B-movie horror flics. A tiled passage leads to a paved rear garden.
The four ales suggested in the write up above were only three, sadly all GK, IPA, Abbot and XX Mild. A guest would've been good. The XX Mild was in top nick it must be said.
A pub of great potential and clearly well run, I'd just prefer a better range of cask ales.
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Been there twice recently , fantastic atmosphere like the vanni used to be years ago , friendly staff who are enthusiattic about their beer (which is very good) and great food, best pub out of the four at this end of town well worth a visit .
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A Pub moving with the times?? Now serving Breakfast Mon - Sat 10-12.
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the landlord is a bit of a nutter. beer just about passable though. out of ten? oi'll give it three.
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An excellent pub. The landlord, Mel, is a top man (despite being a Man City supporter). The Duke has a great atmosphere, the service is top-quality (particularly from Aidan) and the food is very good indeed (the tuna sandwich is outstanding!). Well worth a visit!
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Comfy sofas are back!!
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Standards remain very high in this classic English pub. Excellent food, beer and staff. They now have a heated marquee for smokers complete with flat screen TV. Looking forward to Winter and their log fires again!
anonymous - 14 Sep 2007 16:40 |
Nice pub with friendly locals and their dogs. Decent beer and usually a nice atmosphere but it would be even better if they put the comfy sofas back. Sunday pub quiz can be a bit intrusive, but it gets the punters in I guess!
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Cracking pub with a great atmosphere!
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Good pub for the winter. Nice open fires, genuinely friendly staff and plenty of sport on the screen. Also decent food and a wide selection of beers.
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Great pub with good food and friendly staff.well worth a visit.
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Great live music on a Monday night. Nice pub, good set up. No complaints!
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I can't believe how much this pub has improved. Food excellent, drinks fantastic (Abbot is superb!) staff brilliant. A 'proper'pub with ambience and one you should visit soon.
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Good pub. Work just down the road and often go there for lunch. Soup and crusty bread with pint of well kept ale is always a winner in the winter.
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well recommended speedy service nice selection of beers comfy seat you must visit asap
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Lovely pub. Nice staff. Landlord and landlady very friendly. Food and beer excellent. Top pub
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Great place. After living in Windsor for just over a year we visited this pub for the first time a few weeks ago and only wish we had done so sooner. It's a great pub with very friendly and welcoming atmosphere, good beer and the food is delicious too (proper home cooked hearty meals).
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Paid another visit to this pub. Went in there on St Patricks night. Amazing atmosphere and surprisingly it wasn't to packed so perhaps the freezing wind kept people away. As ever the beer was great. Didn't try the nosh but from what I heard it was very good.
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Interesting pub - friendly staff and a good atmosphere. Saturday lucnhtime menu was good - including smoked haddock with poached eggs and bread - a rare treat.
The only drawback was the dreadful commercial radio station (Heart FM?) with lousy music and too many adverts. Would have rated the place higher than 8 if the music had been either a. better or b. not there at all.
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GREAT PUB!!!!!!!! great landlord & landlady, great staff, can't fault it! This pub has a heart of gold, its friendly and has great sofa's log fires and good home cooked food! Lovely to be close to town but far away from tourists, a local with a heart! Give this one a go and avoid the Vannsitart Arms especially if Tim is still in charge there!
anonymous - 6 Feb 2006 21:41 |
REALLY comfortable and homely inside. Came here for lunch in the summer so had to sit outside, nice small beer garden out back but wouldn't mind going back in the cold winter just to sit by the fire or in one of the sofas! Food excellent, well deserving of its rating.
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Great pub. Very friendly warm atmosphere with great seating, top beer garden and open fires for the winter. Highly recommended.
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What a nice friendly pub. Music last friday of the month. Worth a visit. Green King ales kept very well.
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Great pub with very friendly staff who knew what my order was so I didn't have to keep repeating myself. Been here several times so I know what I am talking about. It is also away from the town centre so you are not bugged by tourist types.
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Great lively pub. Poped into it not too long back with some girlfriends of mine. Nice bar and barman. Sue
Sue Chandler - 13 May 2004 15:07 |
Y'all come back now ya hear!? Now you know that it's got to be a great pub when an American recomends it! But then again, what do we know? So pop in, and say hello to Uncle Melvin for me!
Jennifer - 23 Apr 2004 23:52 |
Excellent pub. Celebrated my engagement there. Good food and a warm and friendly welcome awaits for all who enter.Thoroughly recommended.
Clare H - 19 Mar 2004 22:47 |
Good selection of beers
Excellent food
Great atmosphere
Gary - 18 Mar 2004 16:02 |
Top Pub. Nice and friendly bar. Old style bar with modern manners. You cannot go far wrong with this place. Also one of the only places in Windsor for a game of darts. Pop quiz on Sunday is a major laugh too.
Regards Webby
Webby - 15 Mar 2004 14:58 |
A great pub now it is under new ownership. A friendly welcome awaits one and all by Mel & Jan
John Simpson - 15 Mar 2004 14:30 |
All the way from the USA - great place to have fun and enjoy a freindly welcoming evening. Best of Luck to proprieters Mel, Jan, Nina and Paul.
janice - 7 Mar 2004 17:44 |
Friendly pub, celebrated my birthday there a couple of days ago.
Nice people. GMP
Top Cat - 12 Feb 2004 13:10 |
Best pub away from the tourist spots!
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Slightly out of the way, but friendly staff and the best burger and chips (the BLT burger stack) I have ever tasted.
Matt Le Ross - 28 Apr 2003 09:02 |
