Windsor Castle pub Kensington

There's a great deal of character and genuine old-fashioned charm here, with a wealth of dark oak furnishings, sturdy high-backed built-in elm benches, time-smoked ceilings, soft lighting and a coal-effect fire. Three of the tiny unspoilt rooms have their own entrance from the street, but it's much more fun trying to navigate through the minuscule doors between them inside. Usually fairly quiet at lunchtime, it tends to be packed most evenings. The panelled and wood-floored dining room at the back overlooks the garden. Brains Rev James, Hop Back Summer Lightning, Robinsons Trooper, Timothy Taylors Landlord and Boltmaker and Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter on handpump, decent house wines, farm ciders, malt whiskies and jugs of Pimms. The garden, on several levels, has tables and chairs on flagstones and feels secluded thanks to the high ivy-covered walls; heaters for cooler evenings.