please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Historic Nicholsons pub in a cobbled narrow street close to the exit from the castle but surprisingly not full of tourists. Had a decent pint of Berkshire Brewery's Good Old Boy, rather than the more common options of Doom Bar or London Pride; Nicholsons own ale was off. We also chose a couple of their sandwiches - prices aren't cheap but neither were they stupidly over-priced to fleece the tourist market. A good town centre choice for those not wishing to go to Wetherspooons further down the hill.
|
Another 2019 Good Beer Guide Entry.
A nicholsons pub over three floors. Classic Nicholsons decor - with the Ashbys Ales tiling on the front step pointing to a different history.
Friendly regulars amongst the tourist and friendly bar staff. London Pride was best pint of 3 in the town.
|
Large pub, ouside smoking areas to front & rear, friendly staff. 8 ales on when we visited, I had Nicholson's 'Pale Ale' [4.0% abv] a decent pint
|
Good range of ales and excellent food. Given the location right opposite the castle this place was surprisingly quiet on a day when there were lots of tourists around - perhaps this isn't their kind of place but it certainly was ours!
|
Choice of ale isn't amazing but not overly expensive nor overly crowded. Nice location and friendly staff. I like coming here and regularly do so. Would recommend.
|
I've often thought that the Carpenters Arms is the best pub in Windsor. So I suggested it for our office Christmas meal and it was chosen. It is a Nicholsons pub hidden away in an alleyway near the Castle and the Guildhall. The alleyway is on the beaten path for tourists. But it is also popular with the local trade, making it a popular place. 8 ales were on - Fullers London Pride, Wadworth 6X, St Austell Nicholson's Pale Ale, Trumans Yule Star & Three Wise Hops, Cotleigh Uncle Sam, Roosters Fort Smith & Sharps Doom Bar. I had a couple of pints of the Yule Star which was fine. The meal itself was not the best quality. But it still represented good value and there was plenty of it. Staff were friendly and our party seemed satisfied. Still a good pub.
|
it's behind the 'crazy house' on the High St. It's okay, does a few reasonable ales but not somewhere I'd rave about.
anonymous - 23 Aug 2015 19:53 |
A Nicholson’s pub which is just a stone's throw from the castle & was pub number 2 of the day.
An older style pub that is carpeted throughout. 3 split levels to the rear of the pub and apparently the lower level has an now unused tunnel that runs into the Castle!
Masonic symbols on the windows are interesting and well preserved, there’s also several other original features including a corner fireplace.
Ale wise there are 8 hand pumps that offered a mix of pale ale and stouts. I opted for a pint of Alchemy Starlaw @ 3.5%...a decent pint & more than drinkable.
It was around 12.30pm and was already pretty busy inside.
A decent enough pub for a pint, not too expensive or touristy on my visit.
|
Probably the best of the bunch as at least it tries with a choice of ales and styles.
|
despite being in litterally THE most touristy place in england, this tradiotnal pub still is an actual real pub. and a very good one at that.
almost unbeatable for its setting, the beer choice is fantastic at least 5 or so beers and ales, including local windsor and eaton brewery.
wonderfull
|
Nestling in the shadow of the venerable old pile, this establishment could easily cash in on a skewed version of a traditional English pub, what with the continuous flow of foreign tourists. That it doesn't is to its immense credit. A choice of eight well-kept ales, good food and service, and a clean and tidy interior exemplify pride in a peculiarly English tradition, and even if £3.70 for a pint of GK XX Mild (what with it being only 3.0% ABV) seems on the steep side, as this is Windsor, I'll let them off.
|
Popped in the ol' Carpenter the other night to watch the football game. Barman informed me they no longer have a Sky Tv licence as the annual fee was doubled from £7k to £14k....!!! :o( Had a nice little drinky with some locals from Dedworth (or as they like to call it "West Windsor"...!) V. pleasant evening :o)
|
Great ambience, beer and food when I've been here.
As others have said, best out-of-season (whenever that might be).
|
Having been to most of the London Nicholsons Pubs, I gave the Carpenters Arms a try last night (Saturday). Quite Quiet for 10pm of a SAturday, but has a good range of beers but sadley several were off. I wanted London Pride but it went as my pint was being poured so I opted for the Nicholsons own labelled bitted. not bad but have had better in other pubs in the chain. Would pay a return visit as this chain has a good name for quality food at the right price. Very near to the Caastle, Train Stations and High Street, also several other pubs in close proximity if you are doing a pub crawl. Give it a Try.
|
Great pub, visited there today for lunch. Lovely food and a wonderful pint of, Knight Of The Garter. Good staff, clean, good clientele, the sort of pub you feel at home in.
|
Very pleasant Friday night beer. Decent crowd in but no problem being served straight away and could sit at the bar without being in everyone's way.
|
Superb location,good beer, friendly barman and a very pleasant atmosphere - what more do you need. A Nicholson's pub in the little cobbled area by the castle gates. (Note the old Ashby's Ales - Staines Brewery - sign on the floor of the entrance porch). Good selection of ales with a couple of rare beers for the area. Only gripe - no local beer - there is a brewery now in Windsor and plenty of others nearby.
However,well worth visiting - it can of course get very busy with tourists and you may have to wait a couple of minutes while they sort out their food orders!!
|
Top notch real ale served here. The barman was very knowledgeable and friendly. I had several pints of their porter while my husband enjoyed some pale ale and unfined beer (odd stuff).
Lunch was good value and hearty, just the right accompanyment to a decent pint.
A must if you are in windsor.
|
My previous (positive) review was possibly a bit too lukewarm. Plenty of visits later I�m happy to confirm this is a cracking pub � great beer selection, nice staff. Toilets much improved.
Well worth a visit if you are in the area.
|
After an 8.5 mile walk around the local area we had a pre-train trip home visit to the Carpenters Arms.
And very pleasant it was too. I've always found Nicholson's pubs to be fine and this was no exception. Many, many real ales and lots of nooks and crannies to sit in. Pretty busy with tourists unsurprisingly but still maintains an identifiable character.
I think we'll come back, possibly in the winter as other posters have suggested.
|
After an 8.5 mile walk around the local area we had a pre-train trip home visit to the Carpenters Arms.
And very pleasant it was too. I've always found Nicholson's pubs to be fine and this was no exception. Many, many real ales and lots of nooks and crannies to sit in. Pretty busy with tourists unsurprisingly but still maintains an identifiable character.
I think we'll come back, possibly in the winter as other posters have suggested.
|
Best selection of beer in Windsor, generally has an excellent choice with Doombar at �2.80 usually has pale/blonde ales such Sharps Coaster, Harvest Pale, Liberation Blonde, all at around �3,00, which is very refreshing considering the pub is only yards from the castle. The beers are always well kept and service is good. Also, very reasonable., good quality food, recommend the 10oz rib-eye steak at less than �11.
|
Great pub, always an excellent selection of very well kept beers, reasonable prices and some of the best bar staff around, my favourite Windsor pub.
If you ever find yourself in Windsor and appreciate great beer, this is the place to go.
|
Decent pub. Stopped off before my train back to London. Steady trade with seats available outside. I enjoyed a well kept Doom Bar which was very reasonable at �2.75.
I will return.
|
Situated in a cobbled, pedestrianised side street close to Windsor Castle ( which is, in this case, a Royal Residence and not a pub ) is The Carpenters Arms, a Nicholson's pub that is split over three floors.
We learn that the pub was built in 1518 and that the pub cellars, which are now bricked up, apparently lead to Windsor Castle. The downstairs drinking area contains evidence of this, in the form of a gated brick cellar. Note also the etched windows which feature tools, reflecting the fact that tradesmen used to frequent the pub and the Ashby Ales ( of Staines ) floor mosaic in the right hand entrance. It's a comfortable well appointed pub with a number of different interconnecting areas. There's some rather rickety wobbly chairs on the cobblestones outside.
On my recent early morning visit, the 6 pumps were serving 5 beers - Fraoch Heather Ale, Brew Dog Alpha, Davenports Heatwave, Black Sheep plus gcb ( good cheer beer ) from Roosters. A mini beer festival was being held and 3 barrels on stillage were due to come on stream shortly. The Heather Ale - � 2.95p - was disappointing, but the Alpha Dog - � 3.15p - was much better. The pub has been a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular in recent years and proudly displays the yearly stickers in the front windows.
Perhaps not surprisingly, the pub makes a big play for the passing tourist food trade, but this is a fine pub. You should try and get to this one when you're next in Windsor.
|
Proper traditional town-centre pub, it hasn't been ruined to pander exclusively to tourists, although it was fairly crowded when we visited. Beer distinctly better than average and an interesting selection. Definitely one to revisit, preferably out of peak season.
|
Its amazing that a pub that is within crawling distance of Windsor Castle can be unpretentious and with prices which don't match the tourist trap. Step forward the Carpenters and the usual excellent fare that a Nicholson pub so often produces, though admittedly I did at one point think that I was in a pub in the West End because of these facts. Nevertheless the staff were very friendly, food looked good and beer selection excellent. Oh, another thing that does make it a tad close to a West End pub - the route to the toilets - it's downstairs, and it's steep!
Very good all round though and will return.
|
The best pub in Windsor in my opinion.
Good staff, good food and great beer. Always a good selection. On my most recent visit had a very good pint of Thornbridge Jaipur.
Thouroughly recommend visiting, whether it's during the day or on a Friday night, it's rarely packed and free of the local Chav element.
|
Interesting Nicholson's pub with a reputed tunnel entrance to the Castle. Also is in the Good Beer Guide and seems to be a regular local branch winner from the certificates proudly displayed behind the bar.
A good selection of beer at reasonable prices (around �3 a pint) was available from what seemed to be the national Nicholson's guest selection. Beers sampled were well kept. Pub itself was cosy and atmospheric.
Overall a charming historic pub in the centre of Windsor with reasonable prices. Seemed good to me.
|
Was working at Heathrow for a few days and was guided to this pub by this BITE site. Good range of well kept beers, including a topical set of 'electoral' choices. My colleague and I chose Spitfire and were not disappointed.
Friendly and efficient staff exuded quiet pride in what they were doing and the establishment in general. Leaflets describe a promising and interesting range of guest beers to be available across the summer.
Definitely worth a visit and, despite being just yards from the castle wall in the heart of Planet Tourist, prices are not unreasonable (�2.75 per pint).
We didn't eat, but the menu looked 'pub heritage' style with the odd twist.
|
A Nicholsons pub. Pretty. Busy on a Sunday afternoon/evening. Had a good pint of Pride here and a decent Doom Bar. What was a little disapointing was that the guest beer during my visit was Abbot Ale- looking at their ale menu and previous comments they do get some more exciting and less common beers on, I think I just got unlucky. Was a little surprised they don't sell chocolate bars- probably don't want to eat into their dessert sales I suppose. The prices are reasonable for Windsor.
|
Second visit to this enclave situated on a cobbled street. 6 beers on tap - I had Workie Ticket (really, really good) and Dutch Wink (so-so flavour, good condition though) and partner had Otley Blonde (that was incredibly tasty). Food was 6 out of 10 for the ham and pea suet pie (veg not great, crust on pie a bit tough), 7 out of 10 for the fish and chips (and a thimble of mushy peas - why?) - certainly couldn't fault the portions. Despite trying to appeal to the tourists with the food, their beer is pretty damn good.
|
Close to Windsor Castle, right by the crooked house. An excellent pub, a good choice of beers, I think it was 6 handpumps, the Brewdog Blonde was particularly tasty. The food looked really good, particularly the pies, and the �5 menu was impressive, not what you would expect to find so near a major tourist attraction. Really nice interior, smart, but still a 'proper pub', and the staff were really friendly and welcoming.
|
A pleasant surprise - a pub this close to a major tourist attraction that is old, with tables outside for warmer days and food/drink that are remarkably cheap for the location. The interior is a bit scuffed, but that does not detract from the atmosphere. Interesting range of well-kept real ales - I tried Thornbridge "Kipling" and Cropton "Dangleberry" during my visit. The food is generally in the �5-10 bracket and focusses on being tasty and filling, if not especially adventurous - the range of pies is impressive however. I was there with a group of friends from central and eastern Europe, and they were favourably impressed with food and drink. The staff were also helpful. This must be the best pub for the casual visitor to Windsor Castle, and would make a good local too
|
Nice old pub. Went here with a group on a fine Sunday lunchtime, was expecting a full pub but it was virtually empty. Food pretty good and surprisingly cheap considering the location. Very good pint of Doombar, Everards tiger, 6X, London Pride and a couple of others also on pump.
|
Very decent pub at a very decent price and a good location. Gets very busy in the evenings though, and have had problems there on a Friday for not being over 21 despite the rest of Windsor being over 21 only on a Saturday.
|
"Beer range varies" means just that, the range of ales changes on a regular basis (ie: they do not stock one or two particular ales all of the time). This pub is a Nicholsons, so has a list from which to buy, which is even more reason to praise the work of the publican. There are not many pubs with 6 ales on, all in good nick, hence the aknowledgement from CAMRA. Windsor had improved over the last few years on the ale front and the Carps is one of the best Windsor has to offer. If you think Windsor is bad, go to Slough!
Beer and a pie - the best staple diet and the best place to get it!
|
Popped in after a tour round the castle.Had a nice pint (well 2 actually) of Landlord. Staff friendly and the food was not bad and good value for money. The only criticim on the day was my wife went to use the toilets and they were totally disgusting, bit off putting to say the least!
|
CARPENTERS ARMS - Popped in the other day for a beer with the Squire, there were no seats free out the front (on the cobbled street...note the "Crooked House" opposite..!) but the barman kindly referred us to the back entrance (up the stairs) where we did find a free table in the sunshine in the parallel street! Brilliant! We had an excellent view up the cobbled street directly to the main gate of Windsor Castle! Amazing! You can check on who's coming in and out! And if you're really lucky, get your photo taken with Anne Boleyn, or Henry XIII, or some other fancily-clad local! Now you don't get that in Feltham..!! Luvvit! Teejay
|
Visited because it was in the Good Beer Guide and was a bit disappointed as it said "beer range varies" but all they had was Doom Bar, 6X, Pride, Thwaites Wainwright and Everards Tiger, none of which are particularly unusual. Not surprising for a Nicholsons. They had a real cider but it had gone when I ordered it. Pub itself is quite pleasant, plenty of room at the back and downstairs. Just a bit worrying if this is the best Windsor has to offer.
|
Attractive interior ,especially the bow window area by the bar at the front and a friendly welcome.Pub trying hard to be a real ale outlet but missing the plot.Extoling London Pride as a "guest" somewhat laughable this close to London and my Robinsons Nosey Parker was none too crisp.GK Abbott was OK but typical of a dull selection .Forthcoming ales list also looks uninspiring and I can only conclude that this pub is tied to a pubcos beer list.Local CAMRA pub of the year award in 2008 surprising but relative to a lot of poor real ale pubs in the town.At least this is a real pub.....
|
Decent enough boozer with good range of ales which I am led to understand change over on a seasonal basis. Not especially touristy despite location and sensible prices. Well kept pints certainly.
|
Nice ordinary pub. Bloke behind the bar professional and friendly...greeted as soon as we went in. Good Beer...Springhead Polar Bear & Hydes Insulation. Not touristy.
|
Great! My hubby and I have tried many pubs and restaurants around Windsor and this is one of our favorites for typical British pub food. Try the pies (Steak & ale, etc) always good, you won't be disappointed. We didn't expect it to be as good as it was due to it's location in a very touristy area.
|
Surprisingly good - could be awful given the 'tourist trap' location near the castle. Interesting beers, friendly bar staff, relaxed atmosphere. Managed to avoid overdoing the 'Olde Englishe Traditional Pubbe' crap
Downsides ? - looks a bit tatty in some areas, and the toilets smell of damp/decay, which is noticeable even at tables near the stairs !!
They sell a whisky called 'Dadwhinnie' apparently.
Overall a good place which could be brilliant ! 7/10
|
Went in here after an unfreindly welcome in the Two Brewers - much better. Good food, great real ale, freindly staff and lunchtime office workers
|
Great pub. IMO the best in Windsor.
Ok. It's not always the liveliest of places but the ales are in good condition and the Guinness is the best pint for miles and at �2.85 a pint it's probably the cheapest.
The barstaff are courteous and welcoming. A very chilled out and relaxing pub with no riff raff. 10/10
|
Nice location and pleasant pub to be in. Beer prices were perfectly reasonable, i.e. on the right side of �3. Amongst the beers was Highgate Bee-zone and Batemans Summer Swallow. Would come again.
|
A chain pub, but forgivable in this exceptional location. Doom Bar was pretty good and I liked the different levels and characters of the place. Decent.
|
Characterful pub down a narrow lane in prime location close to the castle. Some evidence of pandering to the tourist dollar with Ye Olde Worlde Signes around the bar but not exclusively so. London Pride, Spitfire, Brains Rev James and Skinners Ginger Tosser on yesterday, the Doombar and A.N.Other..someone's Gold..were both off, signs indicating the lines were being cleaned. Tasting notes are provided above the pump clips. Coming soon are York Brewery Guzzler and Okells Summer Storm.
A wooden island bar, fireplace with the option of a real fire, lots of mirrors and clocks sum up the ambience. A raised seating area looks to be predominantly for dining. Signs advertise speciality pies from Dunkley's of Northampton, together with a description informing our American visitors what a pie is!
First pub of yesterday's stroll around Windsor and probably the best. "Ashby's Ales" picked out in mosaic on the rear entrance step.
|
We liked this pub every visit to Windsor. Cozy atmosphere, right near the castle, good range of ales during our stop there. Friendly staff was attentive too.
|
My favourite pub in the centre of Windsor, right near the actual castle, down a little cobbled street, just up from Queen Victoria's statue..! Tourists will love it! "Gee, does the majesty her Queen come in here for a beer..? Really..!"
Nice old-fashioned walk-around bar, different floor levels, plenty of nooks & grannies, so long as a bus-load of tourists hasn't just arrived you should be ok for a seat. Or sit outside on the cobbled street, and admire 'The Crooked House' opposite (now a well used little cafe) which just happens to be in the SMALLEST street in Britain!! (Thats official, according to the plaque on the wall). Nice pub though. 7/10 TJ
|
Visited last weekend on a nice sunny Sunday. Decent Sunday roast, all the trimmings, slightly on the oily side though, but nothing was left on my plate. Real treat is a selection of unusual and great tasting real ales. Staff were slightly challenged on the language front, but on the whole friendly and helpful. Nice place, and great location. Recommend it.
anonymous - 2 Nov 2007 14:24 |
Visited this Pub a couple of weeks ago. Beer was under �3 a pint, which i'm told for Windsor is good value. It was also well kept. Food was nice as well. Worth a look.
|
There has been a change of management at this local CAMRA pub of the year. Dave is keen on his beer and the six that were available on our visit were in good condition. The pub does need a lick of paint, but don't let this put you off a pub with good beer and decent pub grub.
|
Visited this pub 3 nights ago. Staff not too keen to change a murky 6X and the second one was also as bad! The third pint - a different cask ale - was also cloudy and past its best. Unfriendly and no sign of the management.
|
I'd like to revoke what I said previously. I think my prejudice about being asked for ID in a rude way got in the way of a sensible rating for this pub. It is lovely, and the drinks seem flawless-good wine selection.
|
Definately worth a visit if you like good beer. Guest Ales vary and are consistantly in good nik.
|
A recent trip to Windsor, and I find myself at the Carpenters. Ok, nothing flash, probably better than most of the tourist/`trev n tracy`/squaddie type of venues that are all over Windsor. 4 Ales on, Sting was fine, refreshing and the Everards Cambridge Bitter did the job but was nothing special. Chicken and Mushroom pie was filling and piping hot (though suspect it was just thrown in a microwave considering it took just 5 mins to serve up !) brought out by a refugee from a soviet gulag, nevertheless,this was tasty and hit the spot after a hard days trekking and supping the ale. Decor, refreshingly tired, and the cellar gaol thing looked interesting. Polish bar staff could surprisingly converse in English and served with a smile. Would visit again.
|
Decent pub, but don't touch the Old Tom, it's absolutely lethal!
|
They seem to revel in only accepting passports from those 'Under 21', which is slightly annoying as so many more ID's should be accepted, but whatever! It's a nice pub, nice bar set-up, just don't ask for a top on your lager, they frown and don't get you. I forget which country the bar staff are from.
|
Visited last week and had good Adnams, nice fire and welcoming attitude.
anonymous - 28 Nov 2005 16:07 |
Had a nice steak and kidney pie. Found plenty of tourists inside but a decent crowd. Rather large establishment but broken up some so not overwhelming. Had a surprisingly good pint of Cain Bitter. Okay bar staff.
|
Finally found a place in Windsor that's not full of squaddies, chavs and Vicki Pollards. Nice one Carpenters Arms, you're a saviour. Great pub.
|
Surprisingly good (read: not very touristy) pub so close to the castle. Excellent food and five well-kept ales on hand pump. Attentive service as well, and as pointed out by others, a pub that is welcoming to children--when not crowded.
|
That's virtually NO tourists/chavs of course!
|
Best place I've been to in Windsor so far, real ale well kept and frequently changed and a lovely atmosphere inside, with clean well-lit toilets (though watch your head on the stairs going down!). Food of good quality and virtually tourists/chavs to be seen. Heaven!
|
Very enjoyable real ale, good value food and very welcoming staff. One of the very few pubs in Windsor and Slough that allows children in (to the non-smoking areas)during the evening. I know that children and pubs do not really mix - but we beer drinkers sometimes have no option but to take them along. We have lessons to learn from the Continent in this respect.
|
Has made it in to the 2005 Good Beer Guide and rightly so.Ever changing selection of real ales to choose from and polite, friendly staff.
|
The Carpenters always has a good selection of real ales and depite the location near the Castle is not overrun by tourists.
|
I rate this as one of the few decent pubs left in Windsor. The location is nice being just off the main tourist drag, the beer (ale & lager) is generally well served and reasonably priced for the location.
Watch out for the quiz machine nearest the bar. It speaks fluent Engrish and you don't win anything.
Rich - 5 Jul 2004 21:08 |
Plesent pub with circular layout, having a few quiet areas of seating in outcrops.
Big bonus being the regularly changing three real ales, and the quiz machine in the back where you'll often find myself and a friend battling the film quiz.
7/10 surely!?
Hal Richards - 31 Mar 2004 12:31 |
