Pennington's, the restaurant inside the recently reopened Castle Hotel Windsor, is challenging expectations of British brasserie dining with masterfully cooked food that combines fine dining with home comforts. A typical three-course meal costs around £60.
A Meal That Feels Like an Experience
The menu offers familiar British favourites with playful twists. Half-shell scallops arrive with rich smoked coral butter and fresh dill, while the aged bone-in sirloin for two is paired with a velvety beef sauce and fragrant tarragon butter. The wine list complements the dishes, and the atmosphere is inviting, with plush burgundy booths, soft lighting, and elegant Georgian details.
Other highlights include ham and melon with pickled chilli and pink peppercorns, free-range chicken with N'duja butter and burnt lime, and a bay leaf panna cotta with raspberry and dill priced at £9. A dessert trolley with petit fours completes the meal.
Location and History
Ensconced in the Castle Hotel Windsor, Pennington's sits opposite Windsor Castle, surrounded by the regal character that makes the town a popular destination. The restaurant takes its name from 17th-century innkeeper George Pennington, who introduced the locally used Pennington Penny currency in 1656. The concept draws on the hotel's history as Windsor's original inn.
The hotel itself has undergone a £9.5 million makeover. The suite featured a queen-sized bed, robes, slippers, a coffee machine, and a living space with plush armchairs and a wall-mounted TV. The bathroom stood out with a large tub and a spacious walk-in shower.
Rooms and Nearby Attractions
Standard rooms start from £179 per night, with suites from £314. An extra £20 adds a hearty buffet breakfast. Outside, Windsor Castle, the Guildhall and Museum, St George's Chapel, and the Crooked House of Windsor—a leaning timber-framed building dating back to 1687—are all within walking distance.
The hotel serves as a base for exploring the area without relying on transport, offering a blend of history, comfort, and a restaurant worth spending the night for.
