Fancy relaxing in a cosy pub with a pint of delicious, locally-brewed beer after a hard day’s sightseeing?
Looking for a great bar to catch up with your friends over a nice bottle of wine or some freshly mixed cocktails?
Come rain or shine, the pub is a big part of English culture and whatever you are looking for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has a great choice of pubs, inns and bars just waiting to be discovered.
Most pubs in Windsor and Maidenhead offer a range of food too and an opportunity to mix with local people in a friendly atmosphere.
There might even be a chance to experience live music or a quiz night!
Historic Pubs
Windsor’s Two Brewers, located by the entrance to the Long Walk on beautiful and traditional Park Street, is one of the favourite pubs in Windsor.
Small but perfectly formed – there are only nine tables inside and wooden benches outside – it serves good English beer and old-world wines. Dogs are very welcome here too.
There is nothing nicer than an evening stroll down the Long Walk followed by a pint at the Two Brewers as the sun goes down.
Venture a little out of Windsor town centre and you’ll come across some great locals such as the Prince Arthur, a down-to-earth pub dating from 1898, and The Alma, a traditional British pub with the largest beer garden in Windsor. The Swan in Clewer, Windsor, is an 18th-century pub which reopened in 2019 having been bought by the local community and lovingly renovated.
The Boatman has been an historical drinking and eating establishment since 1829 (although it has changed owners and names over the years from The Kings Head to The Donkey House to The River House) and it is Windsor’s only proper pub by the river. You can’t sit in a pub by the river in central Windsor anywhere else!
It’s the perfect location to soak up the glorious riverside views over Eton and the wonderful wildlife whilst enjoying a coffee, a drink or their classic British cuisine.
You’ll find heaps of history and character in the Olde Bell Inn, Hurley, which first opened its doors in 1135 and was an important staging point for those travelling between London and Oxford. The Sanctus Bell – which once rung to let monks at the local priory know that an important visitor had come to the village – still hangs over the Olde Bell’s door as a sign of welcome and refreshment to visitors.
Or how about the Bell in Waltham St Lawrence? This relaxed village pub dates back to the 14th century and supports CAMRA’s LocAle campaign and the campaign for real cider.
Most of the beers stocked are sourced from within a 30-mile radius and up to eight real perries and ciders are there to sample, straight from the cellar.
Wine Bars
Gilbey’s Wine Bar is located just over the footbridge into Eton High Street. The Gilbey family are passionate about wine and deal direct with individual growers throughout France so expect to find a fantastic list full of very personally-chosen wine. Gilbey’s also grow grapes themselves at their vineyard in the Hambleden valley so you can also enjoy great English wine that is refreshing and uniquely flavoured.
Climb the steps, pull back the curtain and discover the intimate and cosy setting of The Cobbles in Windsor's cobbled streets in Guildhall Island. Their in-house infused liqueurs and syrups are used to create cocktails of the highest standard, alongside a selection of fine wine accompanied by charcuterie assembled using locally-sourced cheese and meats.
Vibrant bars
If you’re looking for a bustling bar, try All Bar One in Windsor Royal, Station Shopping, where cocktails are a serious business!
Or try the friendly Duchess of Cambridge, right opposite Windsor Castle, a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike with its real log fire in the winter and sun terrace in the warmer months.
Make your way down to the Arches, Goswell Hill, where you'll discover Windsor's late-night bars including The Scotch, Vanilla and Bar Yello located within the Victorian railway arches.
Windsor and Eton Brewery
The Windsor and Eton Brewery revived a brewing tradition in Windsor when they created their new brewery in town in 2010. In 2018 the brewery was granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment as Brewer to Queen Elizabeth II. Real enthusiasts can enjoy one of their regular Brewery Tours or a special event such as a comedy night or music bingo!
Don’t miss out on sampling their beers in pubs, bars and restaurants in and around Windsor and Eton. They run the bar in The Old Court, Windsor's buzzing art centre, and own the George Inn, Eton and the Swan, Clewer.
So what are you waiting for? With pubs, inns and bars for every occasion, you’re spoiled for choice.