Victoria Tavern, Isleworth

Corner pub in the backstreets of Isleworth/St Margarets. It doesn't open until 3pm early in the week. I arrived a little before 3pm on a Monday, but didn't have to wait long before the barmaid arrived to open up. I didn't venture far from the entrance door, but saw enough to establish that this is a big music/rugby venue. There were plenty of Harlequins items dotted around. The barmaid was chatty, whilst struggling to cope with the wind blowing various doors open. St Austell Tribute is the regular beer. In addition, she also had Hardy & Hanson's Kimberley Bitter, which was my choice. I remained the only customer throughout my visit, making it clear why they don't need to open early doors.

2 roomed back street boozer ( 1 open during my visit). 2 real ales. Walking distance to twickenham.

They had St Austell Tribute and Sharp’s Doom Bar on. A bit of a Cornish theme then, but unfortunately no pasties. In fact I didn’t see any sign of food on Wednesday afternoon, but I was in during the afternoon after the normal lunchtime. The Tribute was in good shape, and I noticed the laudable practice of a top up being provided before it was necessary to ask for one. This pub still consists of two separate rooms, with what I guess should be regarded as the saloon bar on the left as it was furnished entirely with sofas and low chairs – except for a few stools at the bar occupied what seemed to be regulars. This room was attractively furnished (as long as you like sitting on sofas in a pub) with a brick fireplace bearing a vase of gladioli on the mantelpiece, and a narrow shelf running around the room at dado level bearing an assortment of bottles, jugs and the like. There was even a tapestry above the sofas at the back of the room, and other attractive decor such as framed cigarette cards on the wall. The room on the right can be reached through a doorway behind the servery, and seemed to be furnished more traditionally (by pub standards anyway) with normal tables and chairs. In some ways this room is more comfortable than the “saloon”, but it was unused during my visit, so I spent my visit in the other room with the rest of the customers. I reckon that this is a clean and comfortable pub, and is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area. But make the effort to choose the room in which you’re going to be most comfortable.

Two bar old fashioned back street local that had 2 real ales on with the Bombardier being in good form.