The Carpenters Arms, Windsor

Situated in a cobbled, pedestrianised side street close to Windsor Castle ( which is, in this case, a Royal Residence and not a pub ) is The Carpenters Arms, a Nicholson's pub that is split over three floors. We learn that the pub was built in 1518 and that the pub cellars, which are now bricked up, apparently lead to Windsor Castle. The downstairs drinking area contains evidence of this, in the form of a gated brick cellar. Note also the etched windows which feature tools, reflecting the fact that tradesmen used to frequent the pub and the Ashby Ales ( of Staines ) floor mosaic in the right hand entrance. It's a comfortable well appointed pub with a number of different interconnecting areas. There's some rather rickety wobbly chairs on the cobblestones outside. On my recent early morning visit, the 6 pumps were serving 5 beers - Fraoch Heather Ale, Brew Dog Alpha, Davenports Heatwave, Black Sheep plus gcb ( good cheer beer ) from Roosters. A mini beer festival was being held and 3 barrels on stillage were due to come on stream shortly. The Heather Ale - £ 2.95p - was disappointing, but the Alpha Dog - £ 3.15p - was much better. The pub has been a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular in recent years and proudly displays the yearly stickers in the front windows. Perhaps not surprisingly, the pub makes a big play for the passing tourist food trade, but this is a fine pub. You should try and get to this one when you're next in Windsor.

Official pages of the Carpenters Arms, containing menu and cask ale details - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Official pages of the Carpenters Arms, containing menu and cask ale details - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Interesting Nicholson's Pub in the old market area opposite Windsor Castle. Set over three split levels, the pub clearly dates back quite some way and the menus make mention of passages running from the pub's cellar to the castle. Etched windows on either side of the pub show pictures of carpentry tools although this apparently began life as a pub for the local butchers from the nearby Crooked House. Large blackboards both inside and outside of the pub list around 20 ales, with ticks next to those that are currently on. There were six available on my visit - London Pride (£2.60), Sharp's Doom Bar and 6 Hop, Mordue Workie Ticket (£2.95), Otley O1 and Cropton Dutch Wink - a beer brewed exclusively for Nicholson’s and which I found to be in great shape when I tried a pint. The extensive and reasonably priced menu attracted quite a few tourists in for lunch, but there was still enough seating to go round. Certainly one of the better beer selections in Windsor - I'd definitely return again.

Characterful pub down a narrow lane in prime location close to the castle. Some evidence of pandering to the tourist dollar with Ye Olde Worlde Signes around the bar but not exclusively so. London Pride, Spitfire, Brains Rev James and Skinners Ginger Tosser on yesterday, the Doombar and A.N.Other..someone's Gold..were both off, signs indicating the lines were being cleaned. Tasting notes are provided above the pump clips. Coming soon are York Brewery Guzzler and Okells Summer Storm. A wooden island bar, fireplace with the option of a real fire, lots of mirrors and clocks sum up the ambience. A raised seating area looks to be predominantly for dining. Signs advertise speciality pies from Dunkley's of Northampton, together with a description informing our American visitors what a pie is! First pub of yesterday's stroll around Windsor and probably the best. "Ashby's Ales" picked out in mosaic on the rear entrance step.