The Victoria, Barking

Official site of The Victoria - brakspear.co.uk

Official site of The Victoria - brakspear.co.uk

This is a Brakspear’s pub if the pub sign is anything to go by; supported by the fact that I had an excellent pint of Brakspear’s bitter in here. The only other bitter was keg John Smith’s – so not much of a contest there between the two available bitters. I saw no sign of a menu, but they did have some classic and traditional clingfilm covered rolls. The cheese roll I had was only £1.30, and of course the clingfilm dispenses with the need for a plate. This is obviously a basic and traditional locals’ pub. A sign on the saloon bar door said that it was under new management, but that the same rules applied and those who had been banned under the previous regime remained banned. Another sign said that travellers are allowed by appointment only. This pub still retains its traditional two bar format. The saloon bar on the left is carpeted, has some very basic normal tables and chairs, some banquettes, and some original (inter-war possibly) wood panelled walls. The bar counter looks original as well, although the padded frontages look like later embellishments to me. The public bar on the right is where the Brakspear’s pump can be found. The flag of St George is well represented all over the pub, but the logo for the Danish lager sponsor (Carlsberg of course) in the centre of the flags looks a bit incongruous. This is a real old fashioned pub, and you will like this one if your preference is for unpretentious down to earth pubs. The presence of a decent ale (even if only one) is a plus. I would be happy to visit again.