Windmill Inn, Carrington

Pub re-opened (again) on 14th February 2025. The advertised opening hours could change as the new licensees settle in.

Draught real ale has not been available for several years because of poor sales but some of the bottled beers may be conditioned in the bottle ("real ale in a bottle").

Like many other Sam Smith’s pubs, the Windmill is almost anonymous externally, with only a traditional swinging pub sign to indicate that these are licensed premises.

The building is thought to date back to the 18th century when it was a series of cottages. Over the years it has been sympathetically extended to give the feel of a traditional multi-roomed pub. Entrance is usually from the car park at the east side. On entering you pass through a small snug before arriving in the main bar area. This is where most of the regulars tend to congregate. Off to your right is a larger snug. To the left of the bar is a large dining room.

At the rear of the pub there is a smokers’ shelter (unheated) and beyond that is a small beer garden.

The main rooms feature low ceilings, chintzy carpets and curtains and a number of old photographs of local scenes, of which the ones showing the construction of the nearby Manchester Ship Canal may be the most interesting.

The kitchen has also re-opened but check the availability of meals with the pub before making a special journey. Expect the typical Samuel Smith menu (pies, bangers and mash, lasagne). On Sundays the only food is roast dinners. "Nibbles" are restricted to crisps - no nuts or pork scratchings.

Although buses pass the door, the pub is awkwardly located between stops so allow a few minutes to reach them. The nearest are those to the west of the pub, in the centre of Carrington village.

The pub now accepts payment in cash or by card, and even by mobile phone. Please don't use phones for any other purpose as this is not in keeping with the atmosphere that Samuel Smith's wish to maintain.