From a cappuccino in the iconic “Crooked House”, to an espresso in the tudor house where Oliver Cromwell signed Charles I’s death warrant, to a latte in the old train station ticket hall, coffee in Windsor can be a history lesson in itself. Whether you need a jumpstart after the trainride, or a midday pick me up after trudging the Long Walk, Windsor isn’t just a tea culture. We love our coffee.
You’ll find the familiar global chains, but grabbing a cup of java from one of Windsor’s many independent cafes can be part of the exploration. Here’s our top 5 independent cafes in Windsor.
Shambles Bar
The “Crooked House” next to the Guildhall is probably the most photographed structure in Windsor aside from the castle. After you’ve snapped your obligatory pic, wander inside. Have a cocktail or glass of wine if the time is right, as it’s primarily a bar and bottle shop, but they make some of the best coffee in Windsor.
Local tip: If you are watching the changing of the guard, the upstairs window table is the best view of the parade.
51 High Street, Windsor, SL4 1Lcu
Closed Tuesdays.
Cup of Rosie
It made our list of top 5 spots for teas, but it also is a favourite for coffee in Windsor. This woman owned, independent café and bakery uses locally roasted coffee beans and all their pastries are freshly made on site.
The building dates to 1628 and is rumored to be the spot where Oliver Cromwell signed Charles I death warrant. And if the local ghost tour guide is to be believed, his ghost has been seen in upstairs windows.
2 Curfew Yard, Windsor, SL4 1PL
Closed Tuesdays.
Cinnamon Café
If you’ve arrived at Central station, and getting coffee in Windsor is the top priority, Cinnamon Café is in the station’s old ticket hall, a minute’s walk from the platform. Sit inside on comfy leather sofas under lofty wood beamed ceiling, or at bistro tables at the station’s front or back covered courtyards.
Windsor Royal Station, Jubilee Arch, Windsor, SL4 1PJ
Open every day.
Clairmont
If it’s a local experience you are after for coffee in Windsor, head to Clairmont. Bistro tables will likely be packed with boisterous locals and expect to step over dogs lazing on the floor. It lays claim to being Windsor’s oldest cafe. This will transport you not to the time Tudors and candlelight but to jolly old 1993.
It’s not pretentious or precious: it’s just a good cup of joe in a warm atmosphere.
And if you’ve never experienced a de Nata with cafe, here is the place.
The cafe is steps away from the 702 bus shelter. If you are headed back into London. If you are short on time, consider taking your coffee to takeaway and try to snag the front row of the upper deck of the bus for the scenic tour back to the city.
5 High Street, Windsor SL4 1LD
Open every day
Enigma
If you’ve wandered across the Eton bridge toward the college, and exhausted yourself perusing antique bookstores and print shops, pop in to Enigma. The atmosphere cozy and the cakes homemade. Locals tend to linger long after they’ve finished their coffee and cake, so if you can’t find a table, consider taking your coffee to take away. About 200 yards up the High Street toward the college you’ll hit Baldwin’s Bridge. Underneath the bridge is picturesque Barnes Pool. Enjoy your coffee stream side under the shade of a willow tree.
Local note: Under Baldwin’s Bridge is where Harry used to sneak out for a smoke while a student at Eton, according to his memoir Spare.
Closed Mondays.
Our picks are in no particular order, but we hope you’ll make time to experience Windsor’s history while enjoying your coffee.