The Victoria, Durham

Still one of my favourite pubs in Durham. Called in after a gap of a couple of years and it's still fantastic. It just seems to improve with age. A main bar with a small snug reached through the bar and another small room reached through another door. Roaring real fires, William Morris wallpaper, no jukebox, staff that are as old as the hills with lots of character. Five handpumps serving Big Lamp Bitter and 4 changing guests all well kept, plus a massive selection of whisky. It's a great pub. Be aware that the pub keeps olde worlde hours as well. It's closed from 3 - 7 every afternoon. I can also recommend the Spanish restaurant across the road, El Coto, it's a great double header with this place.

I thought that I'd make my 250th posting here one of my all time favourites that I visited late in 2008 Splendidly traditional pub with an unusual interconnecting three bar layout which comprises a popular front bar and 2 quieter "sitting rooms" - as per the etched windows. The pub is adorned throughout with memorabilia of Queen Victoria - posters, paintings etc - which contribute towards a splendid old fashioned atmosphere.There is a piano in one of the sitting rooms. As well as the 3 rooms, there is a screened "family department" for off-sales. The pub is listed in CAMRA's National Inventory of Unspoilt Interiors. On the ale front, the pub is a keen supporter of local micros - Big Lamp Bitter, Durham White Gem and Hadrian Pioneer were just 3 of the beers on offer during my mid-September visit. There is no background music to disturb the peaceful tranquillity throughout the pub. This is a "must-visit" pub - make no mistake. Go there !