New manager hopes to make historic Windsor pub a hub for locals once more

The new manager of a Windsor pub is hoping to make the venue a hotspot for locals and regulars again.

After nearly six years of working on and off at The Queen Charlotte, Martyna Stankute returned to become general manager at the end of November and said, ‘it’s like a dream’.

The watering hole in Church Lane was the first place that made her feel ‘comfortable’ in pubs, as she previously had panic attacks due to the crowds and noise.

“Back home, we don't really have that, so when I first started working here in 2019, the owner made me feel so comfortable, and I started to learn to have a love for pubs,” she told the Express.

“I don't have that anxious or scared feeling anymore, and it's this place that's made it happen.

“I see so much potential, and I want to see it grow. I want to see people enjoying it as much as I do and as much as I did when I was younger.”

The Windsor College alum moved to Windsor from Lithuania as a child and is keen to rebrand the pub and ‘build it back up into being a local place’.

She started by hiring a small team to ‘build a family’ and then launched events such as live music nights on Fridays and running pub quizzes in the new year.

“At the end of the day, tourists will come and go, but it's the locals that will always be around,” said the 25-year-old.

“They are the main people who will always be around and helping bring Windsor more life.

“We want them to come back. We want them to feel welcomed in our place.

“To see everyone get to know one another is amazing. In a busy franchise pub, you don't really get to experience that.

“You hear stories, you see families grow, and it's one of the most beautiful things because you feel a part of it.”

She said being a regular visitor or showing proof that you live locally, through the Advantage Card, could also get patrons a 10 per cent discount.

“It’s a big thing. Like the Street Angels – they’re welcome to come at any time for a cup of coffee on us, to say thank you for the help for the community,” said Martyna.

“We’re not trying to be crazy expensive because we understand it is a competitive place, but we want to give back to the locals that we used to have here.

“So, we're not trying to overcharge people, but create a community again, like how it used to be.”

Martyna said the ‘spacious’ venue boasts a ‘welcoming’ atmosphere, including a conservatory downstairs and two private dining rooms upstairs with a view of the Castle.

“It’s incredible. The conservatory is beautiful at night, especially when you hear the raindrops or during the day, with the sun shining through,” she added.

“We’re trying to change the food menu and service because we heard that the service has gone downhill over the last couple of months.

“It’s honestly heartbreaking to hear some of the reviews when I know this place has so much potential and so much love.”

The previous food offering was a mix of tapas and traditional English cuisine, but the new management is embracing the concept of Queen Charlotte herself.

“She was German; however, she loved her French food, so we're trying to play along with that,” said Martyna.

“Our food right now is Anglo-French, but we are planning on changing it again in February.

“Everyone keeps going on about how crazy our beef burgers are. We've also got Sunday lunch.

“Every time anyone’s eating, they're always just so shocked about how great the quality is.”