Best Shepherd's pie I have ever had. Crust was very flaky, this place is a must go if you are in the area. Perfect meal after a cold day of sightseeing. Great atmosphere, I will be back for another pie. Steak and mushroom pie is also delicious. read more

The Windmill lays claim to the best pies in Central London; thus far I haven't tried anywhere good enough to be even close to disputing this. Their pies ARE top-notch, and the setting really compliments the traditional English pub fare. Pubs in Mayfair (and indeed the surrounding areas of Piccadilly and Soho) tend to be in the same mould: traditional old English style; smaller places on narrow streets, decked in wood panelling, somewhat dark, offering real ales and "traditional pub food". Ask anyone what that latter part means, and they'll say one of two things: fish & chips, or pies. Given that proper steak or chicken pies are clearly a staple attraction of a traditional pub & grub establishment, competition for "the best" is fierce, and many claim to have it. From what I've experienced, The Windmill does it better than most. It is a favourite here in the office; special occasions and company lunch outings tend to be in this direction; especially to treat out-of-town guests to a good steak pie. Or chicken pie. Or whatever else happens to be on the menu at that time. There is a good selection of pie, and often the specials further add to the list, along with other classic pub menu options such as the aforementioned fish & chips, burgers, and so on. But the pie is their main event; they even call their back restaurant area "The Pie Room" and upstairs "The Pie Room 2". These settings are typical of the area, far removed from bright windows and drinkers squeezing into the limited outside space - there's a new roof terrace offering a handful of drinkers a little bit of extra room to enjoy sunshine; but big groups are seated indoors. I've had one less-than-ideal experience, owing to a nasty smell emanating from the toilets upstairs, but my other visits have shown that this was a rare accident. Said bigger groups, as we are used to dining in, are well catered for by excellent waiting staff who never miss a beat in terms of being attentive and receiving (and delivering) your order quickly. Bar staff are friendly and will recommend the pick of the week's ales to match your order. If you're only here to drink, it's likely standing room only, and unfortunately it's a tiny street so perhaps is only recommended if there are a handful of folk in your group. The food itself is delicious. I am a huge fan of the steak and mushroom pie; many colleagues prefer the chicken and leek. On our last visit, there was a spicy chicken and chorizo pie on the specials menu, with flaky pastry and humous. Those who tried it, loved it. The pies are generously sized and full of meat; the mash nice and creamy. My order also arrived with a side pot of gravy, which made the mash even nicer. A recommended addition to your pie dish are the "greens" - cooked in and served with bacon bits. Deliciously addictive. The only negative I can give on the food side is that it can taste quite salty. Not the healthiest of choices, but if you're not here often it shouldn't do you any harm - it certainly doesn't make it taste bad, unlike some places where the food has been so salty it is inedible. Overall, I like the Windmill. I love having a drink there when it's quiet, though at busy times it's a squeeze. But I love their food, and I think if you do come here for the best pie in London, and get a nice seat, you probably won't be disappointed. read more

Yes, pies are good, but on a slow Saturday afternoon we waited over 20 minutes for them (in fairness, we were warned by the staff regarding wait time). The service was weak - despite the small crowd and ample, bored staff, no one made an effort to clear our table for a half hour after we were done - we ended up doing it ourselves so we could enjoy our drinks before leaving. Not impressed. read more

The Windmill Pub prides itself on its meat pies and for very good reason. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the staff are friendly, if a bit overtaxed. But the meat pies are the stars of the show and they shine brightly. You might find a better meat pie elsewhere, but I doubt it. read more

Came here because I read that they were voted best pies in London. The best part of the pie was the crust, nice and flakey, the steak and mushrooms inside was ok. I also ordered three other side dishes and they were not worth mentioning. Service was not the best, but they do have a nice garden seating upstairs and the place is quite cozy. read more

Amazing Food and Amazing service. The gentleman that helped us a few days ago that sat my wife, myself and my four year old deserves an award in customer service. Absolutely amazing and the Steak and Kidney Pie was the best I've ever had! Very well done! read more

On my recent visit to London, I was naturally craving a traditional meat pie. My friend and I did a quick search and found The Windmill. I was impressed with the selection of pies and the food was absolutely delicious. We were able to sit outside on the rooftop patio, and enjoy some drinks in the sun. read more

I was looking for authentic Shepherd's pie which I've never had before as a silly American whose diet consists mostly of in-n-out and umami burger, and found this place on yelp/tripadvisor, boasting it's national awards for 3 separate years. I'm not a huge fan of English food, but this is one of the best things I've ever tasted in my life. They have several different pies that change everyday, but the traditional shepherd's pie was simply fantastic. And for under 10 pounds, I found it to be quite the bargain (considering it's fantastic service, true and authentic crowd, admirable decor, and the simple fact that it's in a city as expensive as London). Washing it down with a pint or 10 of their fantastic award-winning selection of beer before pairing it with a delicious toffee pudding was just a fantastic start to our London trip. I would recommend to any and everyone visiting, and would love to go there again soon. read more

Good place to visit if you like Ales and Pies. The shepherd's pie is the best I have tried in London. We went after Christmas and they were running short of food options. It was a pity because we were looking to have some beers and eat some shepherd pies again. Maybe next time we will be with more luck. Cheers mate! read more

Amazing roasts and pies!! The greens and carrots in the roast are incredible! The potatoes and gravy amazing! Must go!!

When we travel as a family part of our experience is to try the local fare. We like to try good eateries away from the hustle and the bustle of tourist traps. This trip took us 2 buses from Waterloo but it was an adorable place. I was a little disappointed as the night we were there the only "pie" available was a chicken and leek pie and I so badly wanted a real British pie for dinner but the Cottage/Shepards Pie was delicious. The dessert of sticky toffee pudding was also delicious. We live in California and I grew up in South Africa. We do not get meat pies in California. I was hoping to have at least one pie in England. The closest I got was a M&S sausage roll from Waterloo Station. The dinner however was delicious and the place is so adorable and full of locals. read more

There is a pie of the month video on their site. This is my favorite pie place in London that I have to visit every time I get to. Decent selection of real ales too. Pies and pints, who could ask for anything more! read more

This is a great pub. I liked the London beer on tap, the good customer service, and the roof terrace where we enjoyed our meal. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the meals we ordered were as well. The Shepherd's Pie was the favourite, but we were all happy with what we ordered. In the evenings, one can find parking on the streets nearby. read more

I will keep this short. Some of the best steak pies in London. We were here for a week and we ate there twice both times the food was excellent!. read more

Very good meat pies! We were so underdressed compared to all the businessmen but it didn't matter because we were in meat pie heaven.

Great atmosphere, closed at weird hours, but the shepherds pie is delicious, a bit over seasoned but if you are looking for a good pie, you can find it here! A nice place, nothing amazing. read more

Awesome place. Pub culture in UK unfortunately just can't be recreated back home in CA. Great vibe andenergy on weeknights, businessmen, locals, groups of girls having cider, shoppers. Loved the local ales - London and Cornwall based. Had steak and kidney pie with mash, and fish (haddock) and chips. Sticky toffee pudding for dessert. Love the classic old decor. read more

Three of us showed up to try this establishment without reservations early this evening and were able to be seated upstairs. It's a lovely old-time looking pub with traditional atmosphere. The upstairs room is small, but we had no distractions. The downstairs pub area was lively and looked like fun to have a beer. Our waitress was Lisa and she was absolutely fantastic! I wasn't sure what type of beer on tap to order and she offered me samples of 4 different types before I made my selection. Such a fabulous employee. We ordered various pies and all three were delicious, as we sampled each other's dishes. We were so happy to have enjoyed a relaxed meal at this pub. If I get back to London again, I will definitely return. Thank you, Lisa! You made our meal special! read more

Good beer selection (both ale and lager), very comforting pie. A bit pricy with 5.3 a pint but that's the location taking its toll.

We had the lamb shank pie and fish and chips. Had to wait over 30 minutes due to our server just taking off but the food was worth the wait. My pie was hot, creamy and hearty. Loved the side of veggies. Partners fish was well battered and seasoned well. Had a lovely meal. Pale ale was tasty. Nice spot. read more

excellent meat pies, burger and fries. Great local beers and a nice, casual atmosphere where local business people go for lunch. Friendly service and all around great place to eat. read more

I ordered the seasonal special Game Pie, and the staff suggested I have a side of gravy, which was spot on. Very good food, friendly service, which made for a nice Christmas Eve dinner. read more

Sadly I can't review this place because despite making a reservation they did not have a table. When I asked for the purpose of a reservation I was told that "we do not have a table". I walked around the corner to Goodman and would highly recommend it! To those who like herring - they have the best! read more

Loved their outdoor patio upstairs and the various pot pies were pretty tasty. They also provided a taster of their beer choices in cute little beer shaped shot glasses! read more

Don't believe the other reviews this place is terrible. Over cooked food and absolutely terrible service. Spend your money elsewhere.

Told they had the best pie in the City. I can't validate that, but I can say it was amazing!

We stopped by here on the recommendation that they were the best place to grab a steak and kidney pie in all of London. They do boast several large signs over the bar bragging on their multiple awards. We found this spot cozy, friendly and with good food and drink. We weren't starving, but picked up a steak and mushroom pie that came with chips and mushy peas. Everything was delicious. A good selection of beers. Fair prices. It was busy for a short time right after work hours, but cleared out quickly after the businessmen finished their pints. Some colorful neighborhood old codgers completely rounded out this experience for us. read more

After a recommendation, decided to try the windmill based on the steak and kidney pie.... OH MY! It doesn't disappoint! Perfect combination of tender, flavorsome mean and delicious flaky pastry, so its no surprise they have won an award for it. read more

Great atmosphere up on top with the rooftop terrace. The pies were exceptional and service was great but would love to write home about the atmosphere!! read more

Food was pretty decent with large portions, but they don't give take out containers for unfinished food! What a waste, I wish I knew beforehand. read more

Steak and kidney pie was delicious. I read a lot of reviews and it lived up to all of them. The pie room offers a relaxed environment and has 7 beers on tap at the time of this review. Would definitely recommend. read more

We were visiting from the states and hell bent on trying some local British fare. This far exceeded our exceptions. We ordered Shepard's pie, fish and chips and some kind of dessert. Everything was insanely good! Service was nice and fast and 3 months later, I'm still craving those fish n chips. I will absolutely go back if I'm ever in the area again. read more

Wouldn't let my group in on a a Monday night at 7:00. Restaurant was clearly not full. I suspect because of our two young children.

Best meat pie I have ever had! We spent our London trip eating meat pies all over the city and the ones at Windmill were definitely the best. This is an unassuming pub right behind the main shopping street of Piccadilly Circus so it is an ideal place to stop by after a long day of shopping. The place is filled with locals and I felt like the only tourist there. I hope this Yelp review doesn't ruin that. There is plenty of seating but we sat in the main room. The terrace and meat pie rooms also looked great. We ordered the steak and ale pie and the steak and kidney pie. Both were amazing. Don't ruin them with gravy, the gravy inside was incredible and even better spread on the mash that comes on the side. The tap selection was typical for London pubs and the prices quite reasonable. I will definitely be recommending this place to all my friends when they visit London and I can't wait to go back! read more

Really good food and it's so lovely inside! Very generous pours of wine! The staff was very friendly and the pies were top notch!

The kidney pie was great. My companions and I had a good time there in early August 2014. My complaint is that somehow they got my email address. I don't remember giving it to them. Since then (over 3 months) I have been getting newsletters and promotions emailed to me. I live in Canada so it makes no sense for me to get these. I have on numerous occasions opted out of further communications using their online tool. I have sent an email to their reservation address, and yet I keep getting their promotions. Businesses who have an online presence MUST respect the most basic of consumer rights and etiquette. The WindMill does not. read more

A quaint and cute pub tucked into a relatively quiet street just off Regent Street. The pub has pretty standard drinks and beer, with a good selection of English ales. The food is a bit pricey, and takes a while to prepare, but it's good quality. The pies are the go-to dish, which are served hot and savory. I tried my first steak and kidney pie here; it was good and flakey, though you should prepare for how kidney tastes. Friendly servers too, but then again it was a quiet weekday afternoon when I popped in. read more

Found this place on Yelp while shopping when we were starving. This place was so cute and the food was great! We ordered a shepard's pie and steak and mushroom pie and they were both delicious. I liked the shepard's pie a little bit more though. They have a good selection of seasonal beer but if you don't know the beers, you'll be blindly picking - although if you ask, they will let you try a little before you choose. Overall, this was a great first meal in London and if I ever go back, will return! read more

Perfect establishment for our last meal in London before heading home. It was very, very crowded. We were lucky to get a table in the back room where we could order food. I had a pie and my husband had the fish and chips. There is an upstairs 'pie room' and rooftop terrace (with smoking). The staff was friendly if a little stressed. Drinks and food came fast. Overall I would recommend. read more