History of The Cardinal Pub

There has been a pub on this site since 1837. The present building dates back to 1897. Originally it was called the Windsor Castle, but for many years - even before Westminster Cathedral was built in 1907, the popular name for it was 'The Cardinals' - possibly because Cardinal Manning's house was nearby.

 It was a wise business decision of the pub owners, sometime the 1960s, to change the name The Cardinal officially. Through the years this quiet backstreet pub has gathered a good deal of Catholic memorabilia, including paintings and photographs. It was used for meetings for many church groups and organisations. It was also popular with office workers and local residents.

It seems a great shame that the brewers have now decided to abandon this long history and ignore the views of their old customers.

I do hope they rethink their decision. I'm sure it would make more business sense to keep the old name. It is not many pubs in the country that get mentioned by MPs and church leaders on prime time television!

Gordon Bell
Pimlico

Note: To sign our on line SAVE THE CARDINAL petition, please go to: www.ipetitions.com/petition/cardinal/