The Victoria, Walsall

CAMRA page of The Victoria - camra.org.uk

CAMRA page of The Victoria - camra.org.uk

This is a former work's working men's club now turned pub, with a rear patio area. Originally a part of the Excelsior Works (built 1888, and long since gone), which made brushes, the club was to eventually become Wilkes' Club before turning into a pub recently. It is somewhat univiting to look at, being in modern brick and concrete. The interior has a couple of rooms, once the passageway has been navigated (past the old stewards counter). The lounge area has a stage, and a rock band were tuning-up for a performance, but as it was fairly loud, we disappeared into the bar. This, like the lounge, is in green and grey wood panel. The bar has a couple of dart boards and a pool table. There are a few TVs, which were showing footy and no real pictures on the walls. There is red perimeter seating. The service was functional and the clientele were locals, likely the former members, and it was very mixed. Beer; no rela ale, just the usual tap stuff with a decent Sam Smith's MILD. Happy enough to pop in for a MILD (Sam Smith's isn't available anywhere else in Bloko) and a possible game of pool, or darts. Nothing for the real ale fan.