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The Windsor Castle (ex-The Cardinal), Victoria
Our rating: 
User rating: 
(7 reviews)
User rating: (7 reviews)
FancyaPint?'s review...
Brewer Sam Smith's caused a bit of a stir with their refurbishment of this pub, hidden behind Westminster Cathedral. Considering that they usually do an excellent job of restoring pubs (such as with the beautiful Princess Louise in Holborn), this was a bit of a surprise. It actually turns out a few people were upset with the name change, to one which predates the current (already very old) one. Even Archbishops (who should've been grateful it wasn't bought by Nandos) waded into the non-event. More important things were afoot inside however and the interior has now been brought back - using the cliché – to its former glory. Wooden partitions have made a comeback, as has a parquet floor and lots of brass. The old gloomy rear eating area has been turned onto a more open, loungey affair - which looks like a cross between a gentleman’s club and a hotel foyer. As a Sam Smith’s pub, you know what to expect on the food and drinks side of things - a reasonable selection of their own ales and wines, plus some cheap pub grub. The clientele is identical to that pre-refurb: officer workers, lost tourists and a smattering of lucky older residents. Overall, it’s hard not to like such a handsome pub.
Review: 11 out of 12 people found this review helpful
User reviews
16 Dec 2011
@JonnyB--Not to be contentious, but the features which you've pointed out (etched glass, ornate partitionis, etc) are all contemporary, not antique, and in fact are characteristic of ALL Sam Smiths pubs. I think they all get the furnishings from the same supplier, sort of like a Victorian themed fast food chain, if you like. Also, the previous incarnation of this pub, the Cardinal, was also a Sam Smiths. Not sure whether the management has changed.
So, it's a Sam Smiths, and you get exactly what you expect from a Sam Smiths: proprietary brand booze at reasonable prices and a subdued, perhaps slightly drowsy atmosphere. I actually kind of like what they've done with the back room personally. Anyway, didn't mean this as a detraction from the previous comment, but, facts and facts, y'know...
So, it's a Sam Smiths, and you get exactly what you expect from a Sam Smiths: proprietary brand booze at reasonable prices and a subdued, perhaps slightly drowsy atmosphere. I actually kind of like what they've done with the back room personally. Anyway, didn't mean this as a detraction from the previous comment, but, facts and facts, y'know...
14 Sep 2011
This must have been a great boozer once: etched glass partitions and several rooms including an upstairs lounge (which could be great with a few reading lamps and books and newspapers). However, like most pubs in Victoria this one has had its soul sucked out of it by one of the big chains; Sam Smith in this case, which does at least mean well kept bitter at a well kept price, and the two barmaids on duty were friendly enough (perhaps someone's taken note of previous reviews). To be fair I did visit mid-afternoon on a Tuesday, so perhaps it has more character in the evenings. (I can't understand though why they saw fit to change the name!! Sam Smiths must have had their reasons, but I can't imagine what they were - can anybody enlighten me? Is it something to do with chain pub branding?) If you're waiting for a train, it's worth a visit for the historic interior and reliable, well priced beer - particularly given most of the alternatives in this area - but not a destination pub.
31 Jul 2011
Truly dreadful - went on 31 July 2011 and it was cavernous and almost empty, except for a barmaid who was so incredibly rude that we were left dazed and speechless. It was like being shouted at in a prison camp. Don't you dare take a glass outside or you will be shot (they claim there is a sign - none of us saw it). Not sure why it's down as The Cardinal - it is now "The Windsor Castle" and has been open under that name for several months now. Avoid like the plague, under any name.
02 Aug 2008
In the very early 70's, was this pub run by Joe "Dazzler" Cornelius, a retired pro wrestler? I remember being in Joe's pub one night - very quiet - and not far from my work in Artillery Row? It wouls have been '71 or '72 - anyone help?
Contact details
23 Francis Street, Victoria, London, SW1P 1DN
020 7834 7260
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How to find the The Windsor Castle (ex-The Cardinal) pub
From Victoria Station head out of the main entrance, cross the Little Ben traffic island and head up Victoria Street. When you see the Cathedral, turn right and walk down the left hand side of it (Ambrosden Street), then left into Francis Street.
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History
20 Dec 11 Updated by redcat
20 Dec 11 Updated by redcat