Fox And Castle Pub Old Windsor

Right, let’s talk about the Fox and Castle Pub in Old Windsor. This isn’t just any old boozer with sticky carpets and a jukebox that’s stuck on Bon Jovi. No, this place has history—the kind where you half-expect a ghost to order a pint of ale and complain about the Wi-Fi.

A Royal Neighbour (Who Doesn’t Pay His Tab)

First, the location is bananas. This pub is basically in Windsor Castle’s backyard. I’m talking a stone’s throw from where the King sleeps, probably in silk pyjamas. You could theoretically shout “Oi, Charles! Fancy a round?” and he might hear you—though security would taser you before you finished the sentence.

The pub itself dates back to the 17th century, which means it was already serving grog when people thought witch trials were a fun weekend activity. That’s older than America, and it’s seen more drama than a reality TV reunion. Imagine the bar arguments: “I say, Cromwell was a right git!” “Calm down, Geoffrey, have another mead.”

The Beer, The Food, and The Ghost with Bad Timing

Let’s get to the good stuff: the beer. They serve proper real ale, the kind that tastes like it was brewed by a bearded wizard in a shed. You’ll find guest ales that change faster than British weather, so don’t get attached to that “Hoppy Goblin’s Revenge.” It might be gone by Tuesday.

The food is classic pub grub, but with a twist. Think beef and ale pie so rich it should pay taxes. And the chips? Crispy on the outside, fluffy inside—like they were personally blessed by the potato gods. But here’s the wild bit: they have a resident ghost. Locals swear it’s a woman in a grey dress who drifts through the fireplace. Not exactly terrifying—more like she’s looking for the ladies’ room and getting frustrated.

Carta del pub y bar The Fox & Castle, Old Windsor

One regular told me she once tapped him on the shoulder while he was mid-bite of a scotch egg. He nearly choked. The ghost apparently apologised, then vanished. That’s British hospitality: even the spirits say sorry for interrupting your lunch.

The Garden That Thinks It’s a Park

Out back, there’s a beer garden that will make you weep with joy. It’s massive—like someone accidentally bought too much land and just rolled with it. You can sit under vintage parasols and watch the world go by, which mostly means kids on scooters and old men arguing about cricket. On a sunny day, it’s basically heaven with a pint of lager.

THE FOX AND CASTLE, Old Windsor - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone

They also host live music on weekends. And by “live music,” I mean a bloke with an acoustic guitar who knows exactly three Oasis songs. But he plays them with passion, and by the third chorus, everyone’s crying into their ale because it’s “Wonderwall” again. Magical.

The Verdict (And a Warning)

Honestly, the Fox and Castle is a gem. It’s got the cosy vibes of a country pub but the proximity to a bloody castle. You can get a proper curry, watch the sunset, and maybe get haunted—all in one visit. Just don’t mention the ghost’s outfit. She’s sensitive.

If you go, order the sticky toffee pudding. It’s so good you’ll forget your own name. And if you see a grey lady near the fireplace, just nod politely. She’s been a regular since 1650, and she’s probably better behaved than some of the tourists.