SHEPHERD NEAME MARKS THE OFFICIAL REOPENING OF THE WINDSOR CASTLE IN CARSHALTON

A community celebration marked the official reopening of Shepherd Neame’s Windsor Castle in Carshalton on Wednesday, June 21.

The traditional pub, which has been serving locals since 1860, has just undergone a £300,000 refurbishment, and regulars and supporters gathered to raise a glass to its continued success.

The pub in Carshalton High Street has been fully redecorated inside and out, including its spacious bar and restaurant, and the beer garden has also enjoyed a refresh ahead of what is likely to be a busy summer season.

The pub has also re-introduced food, offering a fresh new menu to complement its selection of great ales and beers.

Shepherd Neame’s Chief Executive, Jonathan Neame, joined the pub team, led by new General Manager Isabelle Hendley, in raising a glass to the latest chapter in the Windsor Castle’s long history.

He was joined by regular Den Forster, who has been a regular at the pub for 25 years, who pulled the first official pint - which was also the first time he had ever pulled a pint himself!

Den, who attended with his wife Sandie, said: “There are an awful lot of pubs in Carshalton and I pass four to get to this one from my house. I used to walk here but these days I have to get the bus.”

During the evening, Dave Hobday, Chief Executive of Sutton Mencap, who attended with members of staff and service users, was presented with a cheque for £1,000 to help support the group’s work to improve the lives of local people with a learning disability, and their carers.

Jonathan Neame said: “Pubs like the Windsor Castle are at the very heart of what we do at Shepherd Neame – offering a great experience for our customers, with great surroundings, service, and, above all, great beer.

“We are proud to have been associated with the Windsor Castle for more than a decade and we look forward to many more years serving the community of Carshalton.”

Live music during the evening was provided by local singer Tom Johnson.

The pub now offers a delicious selection of light bites such as house nachos and a Ploughman’s Plate, and classic dishes with a contemporary and vibrant twist, using locally sourced produce, and pizzas using dough freshly proved and individually hand stretched to order.  

There is also an extensive range of drinks also on offer, from Shepherd Neame’s award-winning range of ales and lagers to premium wines and spirits.

It has a courtyard area and garden which Isabelle expects to be in full use this summer, and also boasts a popular function space, the Cottage Room, which can accommodate up to 60 guests, with its own bar and facilities.

Isabelle, who joined as General Manager last month, is almost a local herself, having started her hospitality career at Shepherd Neame’s Woolpack pub in Banstead, just four miles away, where she met her fiancé, Arturs Peksejevs, who is also leading the kitchen team at the Windsor Castle as Head Chef. The couple are due to wed next year.

She said: “It is a really traditional pub, with a loyal customer base. We want to build on that.”

You can find the Windsor Castle at 378 Carshalton Road, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PT. Visit www.windsorcastlepub.com to find out more or call 020 8669 1191.