The Victoria, W2

This Fullers house, located down the backstreets between Paddington and Lancaster Gate stations, is a fine example of a well preserved Victorian era pub. Consisting of a single room interior in an unusual shape created by the building’s corner position, it’s difficult to pick out the pub’s star attraction. The wood panelled walls, some of which have faded military themed images painted on them, are certainly in with a shout, as are the series of large, elaborately decorated mirrors. The windows have some excellent, intricate etching except for the one in the front corner which has a modern Fullers logo. At one end of the room is another period feature – a fireplace decorated with images of Victoria, Albert and their children, with another large mirror above. For me though, the highlight is the servery, which not only boasts a wonderful bar back with more beautiful glasswork and a clock dating it back to 1864, but a counter with high integral lamps and some wonderful brass water dispensers, the likes of which I can’t recall seeing in any other pub. The room, as might be expected, is bare boarded and has seating areas at either end with a narrow stretch between, running past the servery. Seating comes in the form of banquettes, sturdy benches and low stools and with space at a premium, it’s not unusual to find yourself sharing tables with others. There is some modern floral wallpaper in places which has been partly covered with various pictures of Queen Victoria. Signs pointed upstairs to the Theatre and Library bars, which I didn’t explore, and plenty of customers had spilled out onto the pavement where additional bench seating can be found. Five Fullers ales were available on my visit – London Pride, ESB, Chiswick, Discovery and the seasonal brew, Sticky Wicket (£3.95). Having worked my way past the almost impenetrable line of bar blockers, I was eventually served a lovely pint of the Sticky Wicket by a very friendly barmaid. Plenty of people were enjoying food in the main bar and portions looked pretty good. This pub is well worth seeking out as the interior is a real treat. It was packed both inside and out when I visited and seems rightly popular. It’s not a part of town I find myself in often, but I’d happily make some effort to return.

Situated on a street corner north of Hyde Park, and only a short stroll from Paddington Station, is The Victoria, a pub so named because, allegedly, Queen Victoria dropped in here on her way to opening Paddington Station. An unusual looking curved white washed interior with a slight Art Deco look leads into a smallish single room which is perhaps smaller than we might have expected. It’s a Victorian pub which features a fine ornate wood and mirrored bar back behind a curved bar counter and, on the far wall, further large decorative and gilded mirrors. The bar counter has brass fittings with globe lights and several brass water dispenses for diluting spirits, no longer in use obviously. The area immediately in front of the bar is narrow with room only for bar stools and not tables, but the area opens out at the curved ends of the bar to provide traditionally furnished seating areas and banquettes around the edges. Of particular note is a fine fireplace above which is a framed print of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Opposite the bar, at its narrowest part, are some wooden framed prints of old soldiers which, unfortunately, are now starting to look rather worn and faded. The Victoria features in the CAMRA publication of London Heritage Pubs. A spiral staircase leads to an upstairs Theatre Bar which has some fittings from the Gaiety Theatre. Also upstairs, and opposite is The Library, a smaller room which retains the look and atmosphere of a gentleman’s club. Returning back to ground floor level, the spiral staircase continues downstairs to the gents toilets – do mind your head on the way down. The Victoria is a former Bass Charrington pub, although there’s no remaining features to remind us of this. Now a Fullers pub, it’s been a CAMRA Good Beer Guide regular for many years and has also won Fullers Pub of the Year awards. Well worth seeking out

Well worth dropping into this classic Victorian boozer to see the interior alone and it's a comfortable and pleasant place to be. Beer: Fullers Pride, Chiswick, Discovery and ESB. The Pride was ok but no more than that, slightly disappointing for a Fullers house. Visit to see the building rather than for a session.

The highlight is the classic Victorian interior and it's listed on part 2 of CAMRA's national inventory of heritage pubs.Other posters have described the ground floor accurately,I would add that its worth popping up the ornate stairs to visit the Theatre Bar ,with a single handpump for London Pride and The Library with high backed leather chairs.Both are used for private functions and may not be accesible.The food looked good but we focussed on the ale which was OK without being memorable.Worth a visit to see the interior but not my choice of pub for an evening on the lash despite attractive barmaids.

Almost art deco from the outside, this is a smart corner pub. The bar follows the corner round with seating opposite as you follow it round. Very London interior, bare boards, high ceiling, lots of etched glass and dark panals/wallpaper. Family portrait paintings also on the walls. A Fullers house, the beer is well kept.

Randomness Guide to London - Victoria entry

Randomness Guide to London - Victoria entry

This pub boasts a most spectacular mid-Victorian bar-back, plus numerous other original Victorian features including some stunning etched and decorated mirrorwork. I'm not sure whether the bar-back is improved by being wreathed in hops, but they do add a certain bacchanalian air to the place. This is a Fuller's pub, doing the full range of their beers including their Porter. The Chiswick was good, as usual. Definitely worth paying a visit if you are anywhere near.