Historical version 4 of Victoria, SE1 4HL (view current version)
- 68-70 Pages Walk, Bermondsey, SE1 4HL
The Victoria is an old-fashioned pub tucked away between an industrial estate and housing estate in Bermondsey. Inside, the pub resembles a 1960s pub museum; it's been well maintained but unmodernised for many years. One wall bears a blue plaque declaring it the 1972 Evening Standard pub of the year.
Laura visited on a Saturday afternoon when the pub was very quiet, and had a long chat with the landlord, Pat. Pat told us that the pub is often used for filming due to its authentic appearance, and is heavily featured in the 2009 "reimagining" of the classic London series "Minder". Pat invited us to a Minder party that Wednesday, to watch the show and have a beer (he was hoping one or two of the stars might show up!).
The pub serves food Monday - Fridays, and weekend lunchtimes. It also has a late licence until 2am on Fridays & Saturdays, and there is often a DJ.
There is selection of cask ales available, but only London Pride on the day we visited. Pat told us that the previous night (a Friday late licence) had been particularly busy and that all the other ales had run out! There is also the usual selection of lagers - Stella, Carlsberg etc. There is a very large selection of spirits behind the bar, especially whiskies.
Laura was impressed by the ladies loos, not least because there were fresh flowers! There is also a big screen showing sports.
Overall this is a lovely unreconstructed pub, with a very friendly landlord and a strong regular clientele. It has the feel of a "proper" old East-end boozer. Worth a visit if you're in the area.