Pub suddenly shuts down but still has plans for ‘external refurbishment’

Punters rejoiced when Helen Duckett took over at The Windsor Castle on Shirley Road, a pub which dates back to the 1930s, in October after it was shut for 11 months.

But despite being swamped with customers on its reopening day, the pub’s Facebook page shockingly posted at 11.48am on June 27 that it would be “closing down” at 5pm on the same day.

This is the second time the pub has been vacated in two years, as it closed in November 2023 for 11 months before Helen took over.

READ MORE: Windsor Castle pub reopens in Shirley Road, Southampton

Customers commented online to say that they would miss Helen at the pub, but pub group Admiral Taverns has already advertised online for someone to take over the Tudor-style building.

Tony Brown (left) and Helen Duckett, who formerly ran The Windsor Castle. (Image: Matt Davey) An “external refurbishment” is planned according to the pub’s listing, with starting rent available of £200 per week.

Admiral Taverns’ website said: “Admiral Taverns are looking for a passionate and focused licensee to build on the existing business and further develop the wet and dry income streams.

Inside the pub, a community area boasts a pool table. (Image: Tony Weafer) “You will need to develop the entertainment programme to maximise the trade and with the pub benefitting from a catering kitchen directly to the rear of the bar servery, there is a significant opportunity to launch and grow a good quality pub grub food offer.

“There will be the opportunity to encompass a full external refurbishment at the Windsor with the right licensee on conversion to a Long Term Agreement.”

The pub boasts a “horse shoe style bar surrounding a large bar area”, and Admiral Taverns’ website notes that there is four-bedroom accommodation located on the first floor and accessed independently from the trading areas from the pub.

To the left of the bar, a community area is home to a pool table and darts board.

A “low deposit offer” of £2,500 is required to take over at The Windsor Castle.