Windsor landlord recognised by CAMRA for 28 years of loyal service to the community

In a ceremony on Wednesday, August 14, members of the local Campaign for Real Ale, punters, and the team at the Two Brewers pub gathered to celebrate the contribution of Robert Gillespie.

The established Windsor landmark is located on Park Street in Windsor town centre and dates back to 1792.

Helmed by Robert Gillespie, the venue to known for its original inter-war layout which has attracted attention from the members of the Campaign for Real Ale as a building of national interest.

After 28 years of successful stewardship, Gillespie was presented with the Keith Smith Award by Allan Willoughby – the chairman of the branch.

A spokesperson for the Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead CAMRA branch, Kevin Phillips said: “It was fantastic being able to present the award to Robert last night.

“We had to recognise his devotion throughout the many years he has dedicated himself to taking great care of the building and preserving the interior so well.”

CAMRA has marvelled at the attention to detail put into the interior by Robert since he took over the pub in 1996.

“The night went incredibly well and we are incredibly appreciative of his contribution to the local community and to real ale,” Kevin added.

Robert works in tandem with Stuart O’Brian, who has been the general manager of the Two Brewers pub for 11 years.

Speaking to Stuart on behalf of Robert, he said: “Robert is absolutely amazing and it was a great recognition for the time and dedication that he has given to his customers and the attention to detail he has put into the pub.

“The interior has been designed by different pieces of memorabilia that we have collected through the years, including pictures of the Royals out and about in the town.

“Robert and I have a great relationship after 11 years of working together.”

The established Windsor pub currently has six full time employees and 15 part time employees, including student and air stewards who are given the opportunity to maintain flexible working hours.

“I just appreciate that the members of CAMRA have taken the time to recognise the hard work that is being put into pubs around the country and thus are keeping pubs like this thriving and alive,” Stuart added.

The Two Brewers have also recently been awarded a rare two-star status for historical interest by a National Pub Heritage Group in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead CAMRA

A spokesperson for CAMRA said: “Although the pub itself is very old, it is the remarkably intact inter-war interior which has attracted attention and has been designated as having very special national historic interest.

“It has a very well preserved two bar interior with an intact serving hatch for off-sales.”

Slough Observer | News