Not already a member?
Join our community and
- Rate & review pubs
- Upload pictures
- Add events
JOIN for free NOW
Chat about:
Random news of the day with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
Victoria Taps, SW1
SW1
SW1V 1HP
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 4½ of 10) see review guidelines
Graham Coombs left this review about Victoria Taps
I was racking my brains as to what this pub was originally called: the Warwick Arms - thank you Tris - then spells as the Elusive Camel and the Brougham. Sadly the interior has been buggered about with as much the name, a black and white tiled frontage does the bar counter no favours, the TV screens are too prominent and the musak is particularly naff. I suppose it might appeal to some types but not me. Ales on were TT Landlord, Doom Bar and London Pride, which proved to be undrinkable. I won't be rushing back.
On 7th April 2024
- rating: 4
[User has posted 3339 recommendations about 3276 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about Victoria Taps
Dating from 1828, this was originally the Warwick Arms, reopened a few days ago in the current form, though given the number of names this place has had, for how long this will remain is anyone’s guess. Either way, what original pub fabric there once was, has long gone.
This is a completely modernised and in some respects, slightly industrial affair. The floor is new, the bar back is fabricated from very rough pine timbers and shiny white glazed tiles, which have been applied to some walls; there’s copper pipework too, which seems linked to brewing paraphernalia on high. A beer wall can be found here too, listing only keg beers along with the legend ‘It’s a Beautiful World at the Victoria Taps’ – hmmm. A suspended steel gantry is above the bar, which is totally modern, with a black and white tiled front, with a black and white patterned bar apron, which looks a bit Bridge Riley (see photo). Some walls are painted orange, white or shades of grey, with a heavily industrial bare brick fireplace, some structural members also being rough brick clad. There’s a raised area to the right, with games machines flashing away. Furniture is high and normal height modern, with some ginger coloured banquettes, looking a bit 1970s futuristic retro; tea lights are to tables. Lighting is of course, the filament variety, some emanating from exposed galvanised trunking to the white Anaglypta ceiling. Customers are twentysomethings and very vocal too.
There were three real ales (of sorts), Doom, Pride and Landlord at £5.00 a pint and on good form, served by bar staff who seemed a bit confused, all wearing ‘Victoria Taps’ monogrammed black shirts.
This isn’t a great place even for the immediate vicinity, so I don’t envisage a return visit.
Rated 3.5.
On 25th November 2021
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1985 recommendations about 1951 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
custodian 42 left this review about The Brougham
No real ale in here, just lagers and cider. Nice open fire at the far end though.
On 18th January 2017
- rating: 4
[User has posted 1693 recommendations about 1691 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
E TA left this review about The Brougham
Previously The Elusive Camel (and originally The Warwick Arms), this traditional Georgian pub, despite the grandeur of its red brick and white rendered facade, is a bit of a farce. There is no real ale, the clientele preferring experimental cocktails to proper beer. It was very crowded and noisy, the staff were brusque and unpleasant, the chesterfield sofas were draped with idiots and the atmosphere reminded me of the Chatham End at Priestfields Stadium when Fulham were visiting. This one can continue to elude me.
On 10th December 2015
- rating: 4
[User has posted 3285 recommendations about 3250 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
john gray left this review about The Brougham
Old traditional looking pub from outside but smart modern interior.Keg only and the Craft beer revolution has passed this pub by.Only mainstream lagers and Guinness.Tragic.
On 12th September 2015
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1023 recommendations about 1009 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Rex Rattus left this review about The Brougham
I used to know this pub when it was the Warwick Arms more than 30 years, before it became the ridiculously named Elusive Camel, and I dropped in the other day to see what had been done to it. The answer is nothing good. It's now very much like a cocktail bar. It's all armchairs and sofas, modern replacement boarding, arty lighting, and black/indigo painted walls.
There's no real ale of course, just the usual fizzy stuff. I can't see me returning.
On 22nd May 2015
- rating: 3
[User has posted 2606 recommendations about 2520 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Elusive Camel
Traditional pub exterior (temporarily masked by scaffolding), but very much a modern bar inside. Rather awkward layout with a narrow bar which widens out a bit at the far end plus a small side room. Not only no real ale but also no keg bitter, so opted for bottled Bombardier from the fridge. With the paucity of decent beer and a lack of atmosphere, it's not the sort of place I would normally choose to visit.
On 18th April 2014
- rating: 4
[User has posted 8117 recommendations about 8117 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about The Elusive Camel
This is a late bar/club with loud music and only Staropramen and Becks on draught, which were both off during my fleeting visit.
One to avoid if looking for decent pint and convivial atmosphere.
On 10th November 2009
- rating: 1
[User has posted 5251 recommendations about 5219 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
adam quigley left this review about The Elusive Camel
The Elusive Camel is a trendy cocktail/dance bar located close to Victoria station. Recently renovated by top designer Sean Clarkson this bar has a trendy contemporary interior with comfy leather sofas and open fire.
With DJ's from Wednesday to Saturday and a happy hour from 4pm - 8pm this venue is popular with the office crowd as well as a starting venue for clubbers, table bookings availble.
On 27th August 2008
- rating: 10
[User has posted 1 recommendations about 1 pubs]