• Howick and Pakuranga Times
 

HISTORIC: Built in 1847, the Windsor Castle and Juice Bar melds old and new.Photos supplied.

Eating out has never been a hardship and now with Grab One and Livingsocial .com sending dining offers my way virtually daily I am in foodie heaven.

I can’t say I’ve been disappointed yet and while a few places have been on the mediocre side, when paying around $40 for two mains and two glasses of wine, it’s hard to complain.

But one venue of which I have no complaints is the Windsor Castle in Parnell.

I’ve twice ‘grabbed’ dining vouchers for this sociable pub with its great semi-covered Cabana Bar out back and ambient interior dining.

Offering easy-on-the-eye urban style and a menu which I judged to be fairly priced at any time of the day, Windsor Castle is a great place to eat with or without an incentive.

We tend to keep it simple –  the flying pig pizza with pepperoni, ham, bacon, cranberry and mozzarella is a favourite, I’m okay with the Cajun chicken salad and the kitchen has even obliged us with a half size pasta meal for wee grandson – just love their attitude.

Hubby, of course, always goes for the biggest and best – the scotch fillet topped with mushroom sauce normally $28 (and excellent value at that).

I am so impressed by the pub, its menu and its team. On Tuesday night you can score two mains for $30 (now that’s great value too) and on week days there is a $20 express lunch which includes a glass of beer or wine. What’s more, pasta of the day is just $17 anytime.

So, if you are wandering toward the city then veer into Parnell and try Windsor Castle for size.

The relaxed environment and easy eating options at this historic pub with a contemporary mood will hopefully be to your liking!