Windsor Buffet

The 2012 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the 2011 edition.

The Windsor Buffet, a short stroll from the city centre, is an unpretentious bar that works hard to serve its loyal customers. Nevertheless, it is also striving to appeal to a wider audience, with events such as its ‘booze school’ tastings which are promoted on the pub’s Facebook page. The wooden bar runs almost the length of a downstairs section dominated by posters advertising forthcoming shows at venues in the city. There is a homely feel, with exposed brickwork, stools, benches, and tables downstairs, as well as comfy seats beside the feature fireplace in the mezzanine area. A good selection of standard beers is supplemented by three guest ales which are likely to feature something from a local micro brewery, and there is an extensive choice of rums and whiskies. Food is restricted to a range of three panini – served more to appease the hunger of the drinkers than any notion of culinary excellence. But for a good pint in traditional surroundings, this establishment has been hitting the mark for more than a century – and it continues to do so.

• High point: Traditional pub serving good beer
• Low point: Limited food on offer