The Victoria, Paddington

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#408 of 21,695 Restaurants in LondonBar, British, $$ - $$$

What is Travelers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

The Victoria, Paddington

Review

At a glance

Open until 11:00 PM

See all hours

Website

+44 20 7724 1191Improve this listing

About

Travelers' Choice

2024

Known as one of Paddington's best pubs, The Victoria has won Fuller's Pub of the Year in both 2007 and 2009 as well as winning best City pub in 2019. Steeped in history, it offers a fabulous atmosphere, premium beer and delicious fresh food.

Features

CUISINES

Bar, British, Pub, Gastropub

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

American Express

Digital Payments

Discover

Free Wifi

Full Bar

Mastercard

Non-smoking restaurants

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Private Dining

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Street Parking

Table Service

Visa

Wine and Beer

Location

10a Strathearn Place Paddington, London W2 2NH England

Paddington

Parking Available, Street Parking

Save this restaurant

Hours

Suggest an edit

Open until 11:00 PM

Sunday

12:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Monday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 11:00 PM

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4.5

1,267 reviews

Excellent

817

Good

356

Average

Poor

Terrible

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Yes

hiker570

87 contributions

Great experience, good food, friendly staff, nice atmosphere. You should go.

May 2024 • couples

Had an afternoon and evening to kill while traveling through the Paddington station area. Had read nice things about the food here, so we dropped by to set up a reservation for a later dinner on our way to a walk around Hyde park. The interior was quintessential old British pub. A gentleman who may (?) have been a manager said, sorry, we book up a couple days in advance. But then he offered up, drop by around 8, I'll try to get something for you. So after a nice long walk around Hyde park and surrounding areas, we found ourselves back at about 7, and the place was just PACKED out to the street people with having drinks and/or waiting. No way were we gonna get it in. So we thought, hey, we'll have a beer out here and then go find somewhere else. Standing at the bar waiting to get a couple pints, the manager (?) guy spots me and says I will take care of you in a bit. As luck would have it, a local couple right behind me says would you like our table? We have a nice chat with them, they say the food here is great, we come here alot. We sit & enjoy our pints, and then we are whisked to the upstairs dining room and have a great pub meal (a chicken pie and a beef pie as the mains), along with a couple more London Prides. Staff was wonderful, food was great, customers (we spoke to several different groups) all friendly and welcoming us to their local. An experience that can't be beat, I would highly recommend. The way we were treated as (clearly) American tourists speaks volumes about the friendliness and quality people of London. Thank you.

Written June 23, 2024

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris Cochran

That's really great to hear. We do have some lovely regulars who are always happy to help out with the dynamics of the pub when it gets busy.

Written September 5, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

47Jane

Chester55 contributions

Excellent venue

Aug 2024 • family

Family group called in for a drink on a hot August afternoon and found a table outdoors . The drinks were good so we stayed on and ordered Sunday roast dinners: superb! It’s not often you get a meal as tasty as the ones you make at home , but these were. The meats were all tender and the wonderful selection of vegetables tasted as if fresh cooked : well done , the chefs at the Victoria . Five star.

Written August 21, 2024

Chris Cochran

Thanks Jane. Good to hear.

Written September 5, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lesley B

Isle of Sheppey145 contributions

Great Experience

Feb 2024 • friends

I booked The Victoria for a lunch with friends before we attended a fashion show nearby at St John’s Church. It is a lovely old characterful place, we loved the dining areas upstairs. We ate in the theatre room, but took a peak at the library room too, both fabulous and cosy. The staff were very friendly and efficient. Service was great, nothing too much trouble when we a couple of friends wanted to change things up a bit. All of the food was delicious, cooked perfectly and presented beautifully. Everyone in our party of seven, were more than happy. We like the idea of mini puds with a choice of hot drink as sometimes a large dessert is just too much after a starter and a main. They were just perfect. Two of us actually shared a crumble and ice-cream dessert, which was great. Pricing is very reasonable for London, even the wine. On leaving, downstairs was very busy with a mixture of diners and drinkers. There seemed to be a lovely atmosphere. To dine upstairs, you have to use a spiral staircase which is quite steep for anyone with mobility issues. One of our group needed assistance but was fine with help. We would definitely recommend visiting and eating there if you find your self in the area. So glad we chose The Victoria

Written February 18, 2024

Chris Cochran

Thanks Little B of Kent.

Written September 5, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

doden

Piedmont16 contributions

80 minutes to wait for dinnner? And the pub wasn’t even busy.

Sep 2024 • couples

We had a 5 pm dinner reservation and was seated at the same time as a family of 4. Drinks and a salad appeared shortly after we ordered but entrees did not. An hour and twenty minutes later our entrees finally arrived, long after the family of 4 who were seated at the same time had finished eating their multi-course meal. Another couple arrived 30 minutes after we sat down and also received and ate their entrees before we got ours. Our polite complaint was met with a cursory explanation and the offer of a free drink. Food was good but 80 minutes to wait for pub food was not.

Written September 18, 2024

City girl

10 contributions

Poor Service

Sep 2024 • friends

This is a pub I go to regularly with family and friends and usually there is nothing to complain about however,my last visit with friends was a real disappointment. The food was good but the Service was Terrible. For example,they brought the mains without having cleared the starters plates,Oh and we had to ask for plates to eat our sharer starter. We also had to ask for spoons to eat our desserts. There were 2 girls waiting and they weren’t particularly busy. All I can say is they were not conscientious and if this is the future God help us. Management please take this seriously.We refused to pay service charge which is something I have never done.

Written October 1, 2024

Ian G

London28 contributions

Nice old boozer, crazy food prices.

Mar 2024 • friends

Went to meet a mate for a couple of pints and Sunday roast. It’s a lovely old pub, and in fairness it’s probably geared up more to the tourists, especially as Paddington Station is just down the road. Beer was fine, bar service was slow. Roast beef dinner was £22, which felt expensive for what it was. Wouldn’t recommend.

Written March 17, 2024

Chris Cochran

Yes, like to think we are a nice old boozer, not cheap, but everything has gone up. We like to think the overall experience is worth it. Sorry if you thought the service was not up to scratch

Written September 5, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Serena F

2 contributions

A delicious Pie

Jan 2024 • solo

I chose this place because it seemed promising and in the end I was still amazed by the goodness of what I ate, so much so that I plan to return in the future. The person who served me was very kind and welcoming and the service was quick and impeccable, so I had a very good time. If you're in the area, try this place because it's worth it, it's located not far from Paddington station

Written January 1, 2024

Chris Cochran

Very kind, thank you.

Written January 24, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jennifer F

Denver126 contributions

The Victoria

Jun 2024 • family

Great spot in London/Paddington, with so much history, very charming. The food was really good, so I'm giving it five stars, but the service was one of the slowest we have ever had. That being said, I felt sorry for the waitstaff who tried their hardest with steep, narrow steps to serve us upstairs and it was so busy that night. The fish and chips were delicious, and the bar was a true hot spot!

Written July 13, 2024

Chris Cochran

Thanks Jennifer. Those stairs. The kitchen is two flights down, so not the easiest with the logistics. Glad you saw the value in the place and the hard work that goes in too.

Written September 5, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

CKCCCK

London12 contributions

Top food; great team

Jan 2024 • friends

Visited for Sunday lunch with two friends and my little white dog. The entire team were very friendly, helpful and cheerful. The food was excellent. We were unable to sit upstairs as dogs are not allowed upstairs but the team created a lovely space downstairs for us to enjoy our meal. I can tell you the food tasted as good downstairs as upstairs! We would all highly recommend this spot for a Sunday roast!

Written January 8, 2024

Chris Cochran

Thanks very much for the kind words

Written January 24, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alessio G

Pisa1042 contributions

Great!

Dec 2024 • friends

🇮🇹 When you enter the upper floor it seems to enter a real house in full Victorian style. A truly magical atmosphere. Very typical menu, I highly recommend the pie stuffed with meat... really delicious. Good beers. Normal prices. Fast and friendly service. 🇬🇧 When you enter upstairs it feels like entering a real Victorian style house. Truly a magical atmosphere. Very typical menu, I highly recommend the meat-filled pie... really delicious. Good beers. Normal prices. Fast and friendly service.

Automatically translated

Written December 15, 2024

Henry B

1 contribution

Overpriced Roast

Oct 2021 • none

I went to The Victoria based on a recommendation of someone who went there a few years ago - I can only assume there has been a steep decline in quality in the last couple of years. We ordered our drinks and whilst my Guiness arrived in around 5 minutes, my partners small soft drink took 25 minutes to arrive after multiple prompts from us towards the staff. I then ordered the Pork Roast. Now I understand that roast dinners in London are expensive but to spend £15 to receive a couple of slices of pork, no crackling, 1 quarter of a carrot, 2 quarters of a parsnip is unacceptable. When I prompted our server about the amount of food I was answered with 'You'll manage'. I then asked about the crackling to which I was brought (10 minutes later after I'd finished most of my food) a bowl of what seemed to be pre-bought pork scratchings from a bag. This has to be one of the worst roasts I've had in London, mainly because of the patronising staff and the price paid compared to quality/amount of food.

Written November 3, 2021

The Victoria

Dear Henry, I am really sorry to hear that you had such a disappointing visit recently. We have not had any obvious change other than a very recent move to our Autumn / Winter menu however we are very understaffed and struggling, along with most of the hospitality sector, to find good staff. Having run this pub for almost 25 years we have always striven to give excellent service & provide equally great food, its upsetting therfore to hear when we fail to do that and I can only apologise for your personal experience. I have spoken with chef & it seems that there was probably a misunderstanding with the specs on some of the new roasts & this may have been what you ordered. Our food is home made & not bought in but its clear from your review that there were mistakes made. I do not know who you spoke with & cannot think of any of the team who would talk like that but I have spent time today discussing your review with the team & reminding them that however hard a shift is or however under staffed, they need to continue to put our customers first & this doesnt appear to be what happened with yourselves. If you look over our Tripadvisor / Google / Facebook history you will see that we usually get our service spot on...these are challenging times indeed & I am really sorry that on this occasion we really didnt get it right for you.

Written November 8, 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

wortleydeanna

Province of Milan13 contributions

My favourite pub in London

Nov 2023 • couples

We always ask to eat upstairs in the library, it is so cosy and characteristic. This time we both had fish and chips which were delicious, with a glass of good wine. The staff are quick to serve and courteous. Will definitely return asap.

Written December 4, 2023

Wilyfox68

Brisbane189 contributions

Catching up with old friends

Dec 2023 • friends

We visited for dinner and a catchup with friends we hadn't seen for about 10 years. We were seated in one of the upper rooms which could have been a squeeze but turned out to have plenty of room. The food was excellent and arrived as quickly as you would expect, something for everyone including a couple of fussy eaters. The staff looked after us very well.

Written January 15, 2024

Chris Cochran

Appreciate your review Wily Fox. Glad your fussy eaters were assuaged with what was on offer.

Written January 24, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jane W

Norfolk41 contributions

Delightful meal after a long day of touring

Feb 2023 • none

I was able to book a reservation two hours before we wanted to eat, which was a pleasant surprise. When we arrived, we were greeted promptly and after a minute shown to a table in the Theater room. It was lovely and cozy and quite full which is a good sign. It was clear that it also is a local as the pub was also crowded and lively. We ordered a cheese board which was presented beautifully and was delicious! The Barman made sure we had more bread to joy with the cheese without our asking. We then had fish & chips which was piping hot and fresh. As we finished, the barman indicated that we were welcome to sit and enjoy our drinks without having to rush off which was nice. I would highly recommend this place for someone looking for a nice meal, relaxing atmosphere and a true Pub feel. I'll be back next time I'm in London!

Written February 21, 2023

The Victoria

Thanks very much for leaving your lovely review. Chris

Written March 24, 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rob J

61 contributions

Excellent in every way.

Apr 2024 • couples

Historic pub with upstairs dining. Hard to say anything but great things. We had Wild Mushroom Bourguignon, Chicken Supreme, Apple and Blackberry Crumble and Sticky Toffee pudding. All were excellent and the staff were friendly and helpful. Downstairs has a lively pub atmosphere, upstairs everyone was enjoying their food and having fun (but not too noisy). I will definitely go again.

Written April 14, 2024

Chris Cochran

Thanks for that Rob.

Written September 5, 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.