LET'S talk about pub etiquette after one pub in the Vale, once again heralded in the prestigious CAMRA Good Pub Guide, really is a stronghold of times that seem to be ebbing away.
The Windsor, on Windsor Road, Penarth, doesn’t have many fancy bells and whistles to force itself to stand out over pub competitors.
It doesn’t have a live band every night, it doesn’t turn into a disco after 10pm (turning the floor into a swamp) and it doesn’t offer trays of vodka cokes at 50p a go (shame, but never mind…)
When you walk into the Windsor, what will happen is, you’ll walk into somewhere that is calm, welcoming and warm, walk up to the bar where a barman – maybe owner Dean Jomanis or legendary barman Poz Diamond, will serve you, and be prepared for this, they’re going to speak to you, and they’re going to make eye contact, and they’ll pour a crisp clean ale or lager or whatever you need to rehydrate.
You want to go to a pub and relax – the Windsor does exactly what it says on the tin.
That’s why it's back on the renowned Campaign for Real Ales (CAMRA) Good Pub guide.
The campaign releases their sought-after guide to pubs across the UK every year in September and in Penarth two pubs made the list, The Golden Lion on Glebe Street, and the Windsor.
CAMRA described the Windsor as: “A comfortable environment with a variety of seating to accommodate groups of different sizes.
“It’s a perfect place for a good conversation over the superbly kept ales chosen from the range of Marston’s beers.”
And it’s Windsor's answers to that age of question, “does this pint taste funny?” that makes it stand out.
Poz, who’s been a barman for over 30 years, is proud of the way the Windsor takes care of its lines, and it's that care that produces a pint that is crisp and refreshing to the taste.
Owner Dean is unassuming, down to earth and Newcastle Utd mad (good time to be a fan).
When I told him, over my excellent pint of SA Gold, that he was back in the CAMRA guide he looked at me, smiled and said, “that’s good”.
’An industry under pressure’ The Good Beer Guide 2024
This year’s Guide contains 910 newly featured pubs - a fantastic prospect for the pub trade which has been struggling to stay afloat in recent years following the pandemic and rising costs.
CAMRA chairman Nik Antona said: “The last few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry, and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation’s pubs and breweries open and thriving.
“I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s guide to visit the very best pubs and breweries across the UK and support them for generations to come.”
The Windsor is open seven days 3pm to 10pm, 11pm on weekends. Food is served Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There’s a comedy night once a month and a pub quiz.
Find out where the best pubs in the UK really are. CAMRA's Good Beer Guide 2024 can be purchased, here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here