Home > London > W9 > Windsor Castle Windsor Castle

Picture source: Darkstar

The Windsor Castle was situated at 309 Harrow Road. This pub closed in 2009.

Source: T C

The Windsor Castle Harrow Road. was an integral part of a music scene in this area with many groups playing there including Hawkwind, Dr Feelgood, The Jam and The Clash. The Stiff record label warehouse and Virgin Exports were round the back of the Windsor Castle on Woodfield Road. Other performers included The Rolling Stones, The Who, U2, Iron Maiden (were banned from the venue after an argument with the management), The Cure, 101ers, Madness, Psychedelic Fur, The Stranglers, Dexys Midnight Runners (played their debut London gig), The Ruts, The Incredible Kidda Band and Tubeway Army

Margaret Pringle (May 2019)

I was born in Paddington and lived all of my early life there. I was introduced to the Windsor Castle by a sort-of-school friend who was in the same year but not in my class at secondary school. (I won’t name the school but let’s just say that Catholic war criminals send their children there.) I saw the band Scarecrow there many, many times. They were simply brilliant and Billy the guitarist made me sick with jealousy; he was absolutely brilliant. It was like he had ten fingers on each hand. (Swine!!) I followed Scarecrow everywhere; My mate Simon (may he rest in peace) and I went to see them at The Brecknock and in South London (Simon drove; I was too poor to afford bus fares, let alone a car!) and we must have seen them about 300 times. Absolutely brilliant. PS; no need to bring your own drugs; the cannabis smoke in the air was all you needed…) Of course, Scarecrow were too non-mainstream to ever make it; they were too heavy and ‘rocky’ and ‘non-pop’ but the joy they brought into my life-and that of many others-every Friday and Saturday night was beyond compare, and the memories sustain me now, even though I’m officially an old fart with my very own old-age pension!!! God Gave Rock and Roll to us and long may it last…although the ‘woke’ generation will probably ban it for hurting someone’s feelings…) It is important to recognise the role that 'pub rock' played in the formation of today's music; many bands cut their teeth in places like the Windsor Castle. It may not have been as big and famous as the Hammersmith Odeon or the Rainbow, but it certainly helped bring music to the masses and the pure joy of rock'n'roll can never be understated. I have memories that I will treasure forever.

Brian Meehan (December 2024)

Do you have any anecdotes, historical information, updates or photos of this pub? Become a contributor by submitting them here. Like this site? Follow us on Make email contact with other ex-customers and landlords of this pub by adding your details to this page.

Other Photos

Picture source: T C

Picture source: Jen Lindsay