The Victoria, Durham

The Victoria is an unspoiled gem not too far from Durham city centre and near to the university. Nevertheless, it had no students in for my late Thursday afternoon visit. Customers all appeared to be locals who knew one another. The pub's coal fires were in full working order and supplying the heat needed to ward off the chill of a late autumn day. I managed to grab a seat in the main bar and didn't explore the other two rooms. But they both looked quite quaint when observed from the bar. Big Lamp Bitter is the regular beer here. Also on were Big Lamp Prince Bishop Ale, Maxim Swedish Blonde, Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted & Durham Moana. They also had a real cider, which was Weston's Rosie's Pig.

Unspoiled Multi roomed Victorian Pub. Busy front bar. Quiet Snug. Walls covered with pub paraphernalia. Friendly staff and locals. Good Beer Guide 2021 and the Big Lamp Bitter was in perfect condition. At least 4 other handpulls on.

Multi roomed historic pub that has been perfectly described below. Unspoilt in every way, the kind of gem that you don’t find too often. Five ales on and lots of whiskies if you’re into that kind of thing. No music, just the sound of the regulars in the bar chatting away to the landlady. One to return to again and again, I think.

Pretty good pub this, with a decent selection of ales, Irish and Scottish whisk(e)ys and a roaring fire. Definitely worth a revisit.