The Windsor Castle, Kensington

I went to this pub with a group of people (some of whom had come from as far away as Holland, Belgium & Italy), who had booked a reservation for us which would include a meal there. On arrival, we were told we were not welcome because our party contained a couple of minors (who would not of course be drinking alcohol) - a fact which had been discussed at the time of booking, & were told it would not be a problem. The reality was, the Landlord, as surly a piece of work that could have stepped from the pages of a Dickens novel, insisted that he would not honour the reservation. His reason? He claimed that this was a completely inappropriate pub for minors, as the Saturday night client�le were loud, drunk & aggressive, & there could be bottles or glasses smashed & fights breaking out. Really! Some recommendation! Given his desperately unpleasant demeanor, we decided to leave, but not before the landlord had engaged in a furious argument with members of our group who had had the temerity to buy soft drinks for the minors who had been waiting outside.
The pub itself indeed has a very 'cosy' & traditional feel to it, very comfortable surroundings, if a little small (cosy=small) & has a decent selection of drinks available, but is seriously let down by its surly & unhelpful staff.
Having read these reviews before posting this one, I see that this is a recurring theme, & one that could seriously impair the standing of a pub that once had a very good reputation.

12 Feb 2008 05:11