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Imposing pub with wood-panelled interior and a narrow central section. The pub, with its white painted stucco exterior, dates from 1837/8 and is grade II listed. This is one of Britain's Real Heritage Pubs with ornately gilded mirrors above a crescent-shaped bar, painted tiles in wall niches and numerous portraits of Queen Victoria. The fittings from the mid-Victorian period are now very rare as so many pubs were renovated at the end of the nineteenth century. The multiple outside doors hint at the bar separation that would have been in place in Victorian times.
The walls now display cartoons, paperweights and a Silver Jubilee plate. A recessed area at the back is furnished with a leather bench seat. Upstairs, via a spiral staircase, there is a library and theatre bar available for public use; the fittings were imported from the Gaiety Theatre in the 1950s. A few years later in 1966 David Bowie had a live gig here to launch a record.
The Ladies WC is upstairs. but the Gents is downstairs and, in quiet moments, the rumble of Elizabeth Line trains may be heard in the tunnels beneath as they swing east towards Bond Street.
Tuesday is quiz night. This was Fuller's Pub of the Year in 2007 & 2009, and since 2016 had been five times voted runner-up in the CAMRA West London branch Pub of the Year competition, before finally winning 1st place in 2024. Our photo shows Chris Cochran, manager, receiving the certificate from branch chair Wanda Piontek.
Historic Interest
Grade II listed, Historic England entry 1109949. One story has it that the pub opened on the same day as Queen Victoria's accession to the throne on 20 June 1837 and was visited by her after the opening of the rebuilt Paddington Station in 1854. Ten or so years later, Charles Dickens is thought to have written sections of "Our Mutual Friend"in the pub
Three star - A pub interior of outstanding national historic importance
Listed status: II
Dating from 1864, this pub has possibly the earliest back fittings of any London pub, as well as numerous other spectacular Victorian features.
Between Paddington Station and Hyde Park, this Fuller’s-owned corner-site pub has some very early and spectacular fittings. Such was the amount of pub renovation at the end of the 19th century and since, that any fittings before the late-Victorian era are incredibly rare. Those at the Victoria are stylistically mid-Victorian and a precise date – 1864 – is suggested by the date on a clock in the bar-back fitting. This, and a side wall, have large mirrors with intricate gilding and coloured decoration, each panel being separated from the others by detached columns with lozenge and Fleur-de-Lys decoration. This may be the oldest surviving bar back in the country, with the other possible contenders being the Kings Head, Bristol dating from c. 1865 and the Red Cow, Richmond.
In the angle of the building is a delicate Regency-style fireplace containing a print of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their numerous progeny.
The counter dates from 1864 with panelled bays divided by fluted pilasters. It still retains a brass water-dispenser for diluting spirits – still fully functioning. Mounted on the long wall are coloured prints of soldiers in wooden frames but these are most probably a relatively modern (though now smoke-stained) addition. There are several outside doors and these would have led originally to a series of internal drinking areas, separated by screenwork. Upstairs the Theatre Bar has ornate fittings imported from the Gaiety Theatre about 1958.
Between Paddington Station and Hyde Park, this Fuller’s-owned corner-site pub has some very early and spectacular fittings. Such was the amount of pub renovation at the end of the 19th century and since, that any fittings before the late-Victorian era are incredibly rare. Those at the Victoria are stylistically mid-Victorian and a precise date – 1864 – is suggested by the date on a clock in the bar-back fitting. This, and a side wall, have large mirrors with intricate gilding and coloured decoration, each panel being separated from the others by detached columns with lozenge and Fleur-de-Lys decoration. This may be the oldest surviving bar back in the country, with the other possible contenders being the Kings Head, Bristol dating from c. 1865 and the Red Cow, Richmond
In the angle of the building is a delicate Regency-style fireplace containing a print of Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their numerous progeny.
The counter is no doubt a piece from 1864 with panelled bays divided by fluted pilasters. It still retains a brass water-dispenser for diluting spirits – still fully functioning. Mounted on the long wall are coloured prints of soldiers in wooden frames but these are most probably a relatively modern (though now smoke-stained) addition. There are several outside doors and these would have led originally to a series of internal drinking areas, separated by screenwork. Upstairs the Theatre Bar has ornate fittings imported from the Gaiety Theatre about 1958.
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This Pub serves 3 changing beers and 3 regular beers.
Victoria, Paddington
Changing beers typically include: Thornbridge - Jaipur , Tiny Rebel (varies) , Twickenham - Summer Sun
Source: National
Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals
Garden
Family Friendly
Dog Friendly
Events
Function Room
Newspapers
Real Fire
Restaurant
Smoking
Wi Fi
Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub
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