Berkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE LOWDOWN</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/10.jpg" alt="THE VANISTTART ARMS WINDSOR" class="wp-image-44629" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/10.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/10-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/10-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>When you get a flurry of emails from readers telling you to review a pub that&#8217;s been given a new lease of life, I&#8217;m happy to slip into my roomy pants and check it out. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Vansittart Arms (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.vansittartarmswindsor.co.uk/" target="_blank"><strong>The Vansittart Arms</strong></a> reopened in Spring 2022 having given this tired old boozer some much-needed love. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/1-7.jpg" alt="THE VANISTTART ARMS WINDSOR garden" class="wp-image-44638" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/1-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/1-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/1-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/1-7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/1-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/1-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s a smidge out of town on Vansittart Road (obvs) – a bonus if you want to avoid the throng of tourists and inflated prices needed to cover higher rents and rates. From the outside it looks like a regular Fullers pub, but on the inside it&#8217;s inky blue and green walls, Windsor artwork and sunny courtyard garden are a joy to behold. It&#8217;s warm, welcoming and offers a droolworthy menu of pub classics with a twist. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/4-3.jpg" alt="THE VANISTTART ARMS WINDSOR" class="wp-image-44635" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/4-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/4-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/4-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/4-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/4-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/4-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Rather than being a slave to the Farrow &amp; Ball paint chart, the rich Crown Jewels tones, picked out from Morris &amp; Co&#8217;s iconic Strawberry Thief wallpaper create an elegance that I doubt this pub has seen in some time (if ever). The vintage settles, mismatched chairs and worn wood tables add texture and warmth and the Windsor wall art is there to remind you where you are just in case you&#8217;ve had a few too many Sauvignon Blancs. It&#8217;s all true to its pubby roots with a modern country pub vibe that we likey.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-1.jpg" alt="THE VANISTTART ARMS WINDSOR" class="wp-image-44632" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Outside is a sun trap courtyard garden, made for balmy summer nights. It&#8217;s not massive, but there are plenty of tables to catch some rays and a large pergola to find some shade. It&#8217;s popular with local families who pop in after school and dog owners for walkies. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-8.jpg" alt="THE VANISTTART ARMS WINDSOR ham egg and chips starter" class="wp-image-44637" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-8-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-8-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/8-1.jpg" alt="THE VANISTTART ARMS WINDSOR POTTED SHRIMP" class="wp-image-44631" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/8-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/8-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/8-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/8-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/8-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/8-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>As for the food, well it&#8217;s a homage to the classics, but there are few surprises lurking on the menu that will raise a smile. I opted for the ham, egg and chips starter – ham hock terrine, quails egg and crispy sticks of potato. Pretty to look at and lovely to eat. My lunch date&#8217;s potted shrimp was sweet and salty like the sea. My only quibble was that both could have done with more seasoning, but I guess it gives the customer control of the salt and pepper levels. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/3-6.jpg" alt="Vanisttart Arms Windsor Beetroot risotto" class="wp-image-44650" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/3-6.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/3-6-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/3-6-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/3-6-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/3-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/3-6-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/5-4.jpg" alt="Vanisttart Arms Windsor FISH" class="wp-image-44649" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/5-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/5-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/5-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/5-4-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/5-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/5-4-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;ll find a good selection mains. The usual pies, burgers and steaks, but also some great salads and delicious vegan and veggie dishes. I chose the beetroot risotto, with candied walnut and vegan feta cheese. This dish had me at beetroot, but this flavour bomb was heavenly. Lovely for a lightish lunch but packing a punch thanks to the vegan cheese and walnuts.  The Cornish plaice also hit the high notes, buttery new potatoes, seasonal greens and a delicious bit of fresh fish, cooked to perfection. You can&#8217;t ask for more than that on a Fishy Friday lunchtime.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-2.jpg" alt="Vanisttart Arms Windsor QUEEN'S BISCUIT PUDDING" class="wp-image-44647" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-2-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/7-2-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We didn&#8217;t need a pud, god knows we had cleared every morsel off our previous plates, but the Queen&#8217;s Biscuit Cake was an intriguing listing on the dessert menu, so we shared. Apparently, it is the Queen&#8217;s favourite and her people must ensure someone can make it wherever she rocks up. She&#8217;s yet to visit The Vansittart Arms but this pud might just lure her down the road from her castle gaff. Word of warning, it&#8217;s very sweet. The cake has layers of biscuit and caramel inside, which is then smothered in chocolate and served with freshly made honeycomb, chocolate sauce and a salted caramel ice cream. I&#8217;m getting toothache just listing it all. It is tasty. I loved the biscuity cake but personally a milk or vanilla ice cream would freshen it up a bit. Chocoholics will be in heaven.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-7.jpg" alt="CORONATION EXHIBITION WINDSOR CASTLE" class="wp-image-44618" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-7-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-7-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Image: Royal Collection Trust</figcaption></figure>



<p>You&#8217;re a stone&#8217;s throw from Windsor Castle, so it&#8217;s an obvious must-visit. The new <em>Platinum Jubilee: Queen&#8217;s Coronation</em> exhibition is worth a look to see her exquisite gown, robe and jewellery in the flesh. Get your step count in with a mooch along the Long Walk up the Copper Horse or for a more sedate view of Her Maj&#8217;s hometown, hire a boat or join a trip to see this beautiful part of Berkshire from the water. At the opposite end of the road from The Vansittart Arms, you&#8217;ll also find Windsor &amp; Eton Brewery. If you&#8217;re a craft beer fan, take a tour, sample the goods and take a taxi home. For Muddy&#8217;s Insider Guide to Windsor, <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="click here (opens in a new tab)" href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/muddy-guide-to-windsor/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-9.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-44651" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-9.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-9-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/07/2-9-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Drop in drinkies and anyone seeking a delicious yet informal lunch or dinner out with friends and family in a space that feels intimate, welcoming and not too showy. </p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: Dedicated followers of foodie fashion. This is honest pub food, down well and priced to lure you back. Kids and dogs are very welcome, but the garden is bijou, so don&#8217;t expect them to run wild.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> Very reasonable for this neck of the woods. Starters are from £6.50, salads from £9, my risotto was £11, the fish £16.50, and puds flirt around the £6.50 mark. The most expensive thing on the menu is steak at £22.50. </p>



<p><em><a href="https://www.vansittartarmswindsor.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="The Vansittart Arms (opens in a new tab)">The Vansittart Arms</a>, 105 Vansittart Rd, Windsor SL4 5DD. Tel: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?gs_ssp=eJzj4tZP1zcsKa4ssEgqMGC0UjWoMLEwNzNPMkwyNbJMMkk0NLQCChmnmBunJVqap6WaJqYYmHvxlyXmFWeWlCQWlSgkFuUWAwC21RUS&amp;q=vansittart+arms&amp;rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB726GB728&amp;oq=vanisttart+arms&amp;aqs=chrome.1.69i57j46i13i175i199j0i13j0i390l2.8150j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8#">07506 043085</a></em></p>


Review: The Vansittart Arms, Windsor

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