The Windsor Castle, Kensington

I have been going to the Windsor Castle for the last couple of years. The outside beer garden is one of the best around and the quirky interior is fantastic. However, something has gone horribly wrong after their recent re-fit.

I have eaten there a couple of times since they have re-fitted and both time have been poor, the last time so much that I feel I need write this review. We initially ordered the Sunday roast off the blackboard and were told how good it was by the bar staff. A couple of minutes later a member of staff came to our table to tell us the roast wasn't on offer any longer and the standard menu was all that was in operation. From the very limited menu we decided on a shepherd's pie and the pork belly. We were apparently unable to be refunded on the price difference as the computer wouldn�t allow it. Instead we were offered desert (see below) as replacement.

The 'shepherd's pie' consisted of large amounts of potato, pees and leaks, and the most miniscule amount of mince. The small amount of mince they decided to sprinkle in the pie was very raw. Our pork belly was initially delicious, until we spotted a black hair nested in the potato. We asked for a replacement and when we eventually got another dish, it appeared the returned the same piece of pork belly and had just kept it in a warming draw, as it was now tough and chewy and a lot smaller than the original portion.

For deserts we went for the �sticky toffee pudding and ice cream�. This came out with the tiniest amount of toffee, a very dry pudding and no ice cream. With no explanation offered when we received the dish we were later told the ice cream had run out (as the toffee must have been close to doing).

The Windsor Castle is a fantastic place to drink, especially on a sunny day, but save yourself the misery and stay well away from anything that isn't alcohol, as you will undoubtedly be disappointed!

15 May 2007 16:53