The Victoria - Bow - Pub Reviews

The Victoria, an East End pub that’s part rooftop herb garden, part seafood restaurant, all wrapped in a characterful Victorian shell. The Victoria (110 Grove Road, Mile End, London E3 5TH) has undergone a thoughtful transformation under the Yummy Pub Co., emerging as a community hub where kilo-mussel feasts, bespoke no-menu cocktails, and rotating cask ales bring seaside freshness to the heart of East London. It currently enjoys a strong customer rating (around 4.4 out of 5 stars) reflecting widespread praise for its food, atmosphere, and service. Opening hours run from 12:00 PM daily – with closing times at 11:00 PM Monday–Thursday, 11:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, and an earlier 9:00 PM finish on Sundays.

Facilities & Entertainment

In keeping with its Victorian pub architecture, The Victoria provides a cosy, rambling space full of nooks and crannies – but you won’t find some of the typical pub amenities here. There is no dedicated parking lot (hardly surprising in this part of London), though street parking can be found in the vicinity. Inside, traditional pub games like dartboards or pool tables are absent, and big-screen sports are intentionally avoided. Instead of loud match days or arcade machines, The Victoria emphasises conversation, dining, and its own unique brand of entertainment. Patrons can often amuse themselves with classic board games available at tables, reinforcing the relaxed, community living-room vibe rather than a rowdy sports bar atmosphere.

What The Victoria lacks in pub games, it more than makes up for in distinctive features. The venue’s layout spans multiple themed areas: the first floor houses the “Ssshh… Supper Club,” a trio of private dining rooms for hire, including The Kitchen Room (with a window onto the open kitchen so you can watch the chefs at work) and The Board Room (a speakeasy-style lounge hiding a secret stash of aged scotch). These spaces can be booked for private parties or secret suppers, adding an element of fun exclusivity for group gatherings. Tucked away in the basement is another surprise – a hidden cocktail bar accessed through a one-way mirrored wall by the restrooms. Behind this “secret” mirror, dubbed Magri’s Cocktail Bar after a former landlord, awaits a cosy 40-seat speakeasy where there’s no drinks list; instead, a personal mixologist stands ready to craft custom cocktails to your liking. This playful secret bar (simply follow the small “Ssshh!” sign) has become a signature attraction of The Victoria, often delighting newcomers who unwittingly stroll past the mirror while regulars grin knowingly.

The pub also boasts plenty of outdoor and rooftop space that sets it apart. Out back, a spacious walled beer garden has recently been remodelled with heated, covered booths for year-round al fresco seating. Centred in the garden is Charlie’s Cocktail Caravan, a charming vintage caravan-turned-bar (named in homage to ex-owner and boxer Charlie Magri) complete with a picket fence. This quirky caravan bar can even be pre-stocked with beer or cocktails for private use – a great option to kick off summer gatherings. Upstairs, The Victoria’s rooftop is not just for show: it’s a working rooftop herb and vegetable garden. In season, you’ll find everything from climbing runner beans and strawberry planters to marrows and edible flowers thriving up there. They’ve even been known to keep a few hens on the roof, providing fresh eggs for the kitchen. This sustainable rooftop-garden initiative means herbs and produce go straight from roof to plate, and it gives the whole pub an irresistibly wholesome touch. The thought and care put into these facilities – from the secret cocktail hideaway to the urban kitchen garden – show that The Victoria has reimagined the concept of pub “entertainment” to be something a bit out of the ordinary.

Food on Offer

Food is unquestionably a highlight at The Victoria. Billing itself as an “East London pub big on fish,” the kitchen here centres around fresh, sustainable seafood sourced from British shores. The team prides itself on knowing exactly where every ingredient comes from, thanks to local suppliers and even their own rooftop cultivation. The result is a menu of seasonal dishes that celebrate the ocean’s bounty while still offering plenty for landlubbers. In place of the usual pub grub format, The Victoria offers “British tapas” – a selection of small plates and sharing dishes prepared in an open kitchen visible to diners. These might include things like crispy salt cod fritters, grilled prawns, or their signature house-made Scotch eggs, alongside vibrant veggie options. (In fact, the chefs mix those home-grown rooftop herbs and veggies into many recipes, so you might literally taste a bit of Mile End in every bite.) The emphasis is on local, sustainable, and inventive takes on British pub cuisine, and the menu changes with the seasons. There’s also a blackboard of daily specials – often highlighting the catch of the day or whatever came in fresh from the coast that week.

Seafood lovers in particular are in for a treat. Oysters from English waters are a staple on the menu (you might find Atlantic Pembrokeshire oysters or Maldon rock oysters from Essex on offer), and classic fish dishes get creative twists. For example, a recent menu featured a roasted cod fillet served with artichoke purée, clams, samphire and potato gratin, as well as a whole plaice dressed in café de Paris butter with artichoke – not to mention a top-notch rendition of fish and chips for traditionalists. The kitchen isn’t only about fish, though. Meat-eaters will find hearty mains such as a rich beef cheek ragù (served over creamy mash with wild garlic salsa verde) or a succulent confit pork belly with romesco sauce and green beans, providing satisfying alternatives to the seafood spread. Vegetarian and vegan options are available too – think along the lines of seasonal salads (a watermelon and feta salad was a summer special at £7.50) or perhaps a warming chickpea curry or a nut roast on Sundays. The balance of land and sea on the menu means most groups will find something to love, whether carnivore, pescatarian or herbivore.

One standout culinary experience here is the Wednesday Mussel Club, which has become something of a local legend. Every Wednesday, The Victoria offers 1 kilogram of fresh Shetland rope-grown mussels cooked in your choice of flavourful broth, served with crispy fries and baguette on the side – all for a very reasonable £20. This kilo-mussel feast (meant for sharing, though nobody will judge if you tackle it solo!) comes with rotating sauce options, from classic marinère to more inventive weekly specials. It’s a fun, social mid-week event – you’ll see tables of friends diving into steaming mussel pots, mopping up sauce with bread, and generally having a great time. Seafood doesn’t get much fresher or more affordable in London, and the Mussel Club has rightly become a must-try for regulars and visitors alike (if you’re planning a Wednesday visit, definitely come hungry). On weekends, the menu often expands to include Sunday roasts, which many patrons consider a must-have. Come Sunday afternoon, you can tuck into a generous roast lunch with all the trimmings – whether it’s beef, pork, lamb, or a veggie nut roast – complete with crispy roast potatoes, seasonal veg, Yorkshire puds and rich gravy. Given The Victoria’s culinary ethos, the roasts are as well-regarded as the seafood; they draw families and groups of friends looking to cap off the week with a hearty, comforting meal. In short, quality and freshness are the watchwords of The Victoria’s food offering. From the ocean-fresh seafood platters to the rustic small plates and classic Sunday comfort food, this pub’s kitchen punches well above its weight, rivalling bona fide restaurants on flavour and presentation. Little wonder that food alone is reason enough to visit The Victoria – many locals pop in repeatedly just to see what new dishes have appeared on the ever-changing menu.

Beers on Tap

True to its pub roots, The Victoria devotes just as much attention to drinks as to food. In fact, they haven’t forgotten that a “proper East End pub” needs great beer and beverages to round out the experience. There’s an impressive line-up of cask ales on tap – usually around six to eight real ales pouring at any given time, with a rotation of guest brews to keep things interesting. Traditional ale fans will recognise some beloved British names among the pumps. On our visit we spotted Wells Bombardier and Young’s Special (classic amber ales) alongside a Courage Best bitter – solid, mainstream ales that appeal to a broad crowd. But the selection doesn’t stop at the familiar; because The Victoria is an independent pub (part of a small collection rather than tied to a single brewery), they frequently rotate in guest ales from local microbreweries. It’s not unusual to find a new craft IPA or a seasonal specialty beer on tap each week. In other words, ale aficionados will often have something new to sample. The beers are well cared for, too – those hand-pulled cask ales are maintained in prime condition (the pub has garnered praise from CAMRA types for serving a fresh, flavourful pint every time). If you’re unsure what to try, the bartenders are happy to offer a recommendation or even a little taster, as they’re quite knowledgeable about the ever-changing beer line-up.

Beyond the cask ale selection, The Victoria boasts a carefully curated drinks menu across the board. There’s a solid range of lagers and craft beers in bottles or on keg for those who prefer something colder and fizzier than ale. Wine lovers will be pleased to find a surprisingly robust wine list – you can grab a good Malbec or Sauvignon by the glass, or even treat yourself to something like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape as an indulgence (yes, they have some higher-end wines available, which is not the norm at every pub). However, the real star on the drinks side (apart from the ales) has to be the cocktail program. Thanks to that hidden downstairs bar and its dedicated mixologist, cocktails are a big deal here. In the main bar, you’ll find a list of house creations – Pedro’s own recipe house cocktails are highlighted, alongside all the classics – and they often run specials on spritzes or seasonal drinks. If you venture into the secret speakeasy, though, you get the full bespoke treatment: no menu, no limits, just tell the bartender your base spirit or flavour preferences and you’ll receive a custom-crafted cocktail in return. (For example, on one occasion a gin lover in our group was served a beautifully balanced hibiscus and rose spritz, while a whiskey fan got a smoky maple-infused concoction – each totally off-menu and unique to our tastes.) This level of cocktail craftsmanship is rare in a pub setting and really elevates the drinking experience. Even so, The Victoria doesn’t come off as snobby or mixology-exclusive; if you just want a well-poured pint or a simple G&T, you’ll feel just as at home. Happy hour deals make weekdays a good time to drop by: Monday to Friday from 4–6pm you can snag £2 oysters, £7 house cocktails (a steal in London), or 2-for-£12 on certain drinks. All told, whether you’re an ale enthusiast, a wine sipper, or a cocktail adventurer, The Victoria’s bar has you covered with quality and variety.

Price Range & Value

By London standards, The Victoria falls into a moderate price range (££) – pretty reasonable given the quality and location. Expect typical pints to cost around £5–£6, which is standard for a craft-focused pub in East London. Food prices land in the low-to-mid teens for mains and around £6–£8 for small plates, aligning with the pub’s “gastro” status without veering into exorbitant territory. For example, hearty classics like fish and chips or a burger are usually in the £13–£15 range, while more elaborate seafood dishes (say, a dressed crab or that cod fillet with clams) might approach the upper teens. Even the top-end dishes stay under the £20 mark for the most part – a pan-fried Barbary duck breast special, as delicious as it was, came in under £18. Desserts hover around £6 each (with indulgences like sticky toffee apple crumble or a velvety cheesecake frequently gracing the menu).

Most patrons report that they feel they’ve gotten good value for money at The Victoria. Portions are satisfying, ingredients are high-grade and locally sourced, and everything is cooked with care, which justifies the price. There aren’t a lot of gimmicks or hidden charges – gratuity isn’t automatically added for small groups, and tap water is freely offered. The overall consensus is that a meal and drinks here are money well spent. You could certainly find cheaper pints in a no-frills boozer, but you might not get the same quality of food or the unique atmosphere. Compared to central London gastropubs, The Victoria is quite competitively priced. Plus, with deals like the Wednesday Mussel Club (£20 for a mountain of mussels) and the weekday happy hour, there are bargains to be had. In short, The Victoria offers solid mid-range value – it’s not trying to be a budget pub, but you’re getting a rich experience for the price paid. As one review put it, the pub is “well priced considering the fresh and sustainable quality of the ingredients”, and we wholeheartedly agree. Whether you drop in for a quick pint or sit down for a full three-course spread, you’re likely to leave feeling that it was worth every penny.

Customer Service

Walk into The Victoria and you’re likely to be greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. The customer service here has earned high marks across the board – something that’s reflected in its glowing reviews. Patrons frequently mention the friendly, welcoming staff who go out of their way to make guests feel at home. The pub has a bit of a family-run vibe (even though it’s part of a small independent group), with a tight-knit team that clearly takes pride in the place. On any given visit, you might encounter Matt, the hands-on manager/part-owner, or any of the long-standing bartenders who often chat amicably with regulars and newcomers alike. There’s a noticeable focus on creating a relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone; for instance, the staff are attentive without being intrusive, and they seem genuinely happy to offer recommendations – be it a beer you might like or their favourite item on that day’s menu. Little touches stand out, like water bowls brought for dogs in the garden, or staff remembering your last cocktail order when you return to the bar.

Efficiency is another strong suit of the team. Even during busier periods – say a packed Friday evening or right before a big group reservation – the bar staff and servers keep things running smoothly. Food orders are taken with a smile and delivered in a timely manner, and empty glasses don’t linger long on tables before someone clears them. If there’s ever an issue (perhaps a dish isn’t to your taste, or you need a heater turned on for your outdoor table), the crew is quick to address it and ensure you’re satisfied. The consistency of good service is frequently noted in online feedback. To quote one enthusiastic diner, “Cannot rate this pub more highly! Amazing service, amazing hosting, unbelievably attentive and super friendly”. Another patron gave a shout-out saying “10/10 service, big thank you to Danny!”, highlighting a particular staff member’s effort. Of course, like any busy London venue, The Victoria isn’t completely immune to the occasional hiccup – on a jam-packed night you might wait a little longer at the bar, or a new staff member might mix up an order – but these instances are the exception, not the norm. By and large, the pub’s team handles crowds with grace and maintains a personal touch that makes you feel valued as a customer. It’s telling that many first-timers become repeat visitors, and locals treat the staff like old friends. In summary, service at The Victoria is a real asset: genuine, attentive, and tailored to making sure you leave with a smile (and likely planning your next visit).

Events & Special Nights

While The Victoria is a treat on any ordinary day, they also spice things up with a roster of special events and themed nights throughout the year. We’ve already mentioned the ever-popular Wednesday Mussel Club, which effectively turns mid-week into a seafood celebration with its kilo pots of mussels and convivial vibe. But that’s not all – the pub team loves to engage the community with creative events. During the holiday season, for example, The Victoria hosts festive gatherings; one highlight is the annual Christmas Carol Sing-Along. On a December evening, they’ll transform the beer garden into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights and invite a local choir (from St. Barnabas Church in nearby Bethnal Green) to lead patrons in a hearty round of carols. It’s a free, all-welcome event – song sheets provided, mulled wine flowing, and plenty of good cheer. Imagine a chilly night with everyone in coats under the heated canopy, belting out “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” with pints in hand – it’s as fun and wholesome as it sounds, and it has quickly become a neighbourhood tradition for many.

Throughout the year, The Victoria’s calendar stays engaging. They occasionally hold themed supper club nights in the Ssshh… Supper Club rooms upstairs. These might be ticketed events or private bookings where a special multi-course menu is prepared, sometimes in partnership with local brewers or distillers (think along the lines of a gin-pairing dinner or a chef’s tasting menu by candlelight). The pub has even done collaborative pop-ups – for instance, hosting an oyster shucking masterclass, or a barbecue in the garden during summer bank holidays. Given the pub’s emphasis on seafood, they’ve run fish masterclasses and tasting events too, like a showcase of British oysters paired with English sparkling wines. For those interested in mixology, the team has been known to offer cocktail workshops where the speakeasy’s mixologist teaches guests to mix their own concoctions. There is also the fun, ongoing element of surprise: because of the hidden spaces and multiple rooms, you might stumble upon a “secret” event if you explore – perhaps a private party in the caravan or a small birthday gathering in the Board Room, which only adds to the pub’s mystique.

Unlike some pubs, The Victoria doesn’t regularly show sports or run weekly pub quizzes, but they have made occasional exceptions for big communal events that fit their ethos. For example, during a recent football World Cup, they set up a projector in one of the private rooms for locals to watch England games together (with craft beer specials on tap). However, these are infrequent and generally low-key. The focus here is clearly on food and community-centric events rather than nightlife or sports. A quick look at their social media or chalkboard will tell you what’s coming up: it could be a seasonal beer festival weekend, a charity fundraiser barbecue, or a special “Meet the Brewer” night where a local brewery showcases its ales. And on any given evening, even if nothing formal is scheduled, the pub’s lively atmosphere – perhaps boosted by someone’s birthday group in the corner or a crowd of mussel-club regulars – provides its own sense of occasion. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth checking The Victoria’s website or flyers to see if any special events coincide; attending one can be an excellent way to experience the pub’s creative spirit and community focus first-hand.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

The atmosphere at The Victoria strikes a wonderful balance between cosy traditional and quirky modern. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by elements of classic pub charm: dark wooden panelling, a long oak bar, and vintage mirrors and light fixtures that nod to the pub’s Victorian heritage. There’s even talk that the building itself dates back over a century (it certainly looks the part with its high ceilings and original tiled floors). Yet, alongside these old-world touches, you’ll notice playful contemporary décor that sets The Victoria apart. The owners have infused a bit of personality at every turn – for instance, don’t be startled by the boxing memorabilia peppered throughout the pub (a tribute to former owner Charlie Magri, a one-time boxing champ). In one corner you might spot framed vintage boxing posters and a pair of old gloves; elsewhere hangs a punching bag as decoration, and even some of the private rooms take on themes like a ski lodge or a “board room” full of eclectic art. Intermixed with the boxing nods is a veritable forest of hops and herbs adorning the interior – bunches of dried hops dangle from rafters, and fresh potted herbs line windowsills, reinforcing the “hoppy” and herbal motif of the place. The mash-up of striped fairground-style canopies, mismatched wooden furniture, hanging plants, and sporting relics could have been chaotic, but somehow it gels into a look that the Londonist cheekily dubbed “hops with bops” (hops + boxing). In person, it comes off as endearing and full of character – you instantly know you’re in a one-of-a-kind pub, not a bland chain. Every corner has something interesting to catch your eye, whether it’s a shelf of antique books, a quirky lamp, or perhaps a chalkboard noting the day’s catches and chef’s specials.

Despite the eclectic décor, The Victoria feels warm and comfortable. During the day, natural light streams in from the front windows and the back garden, making it a lovely spot for a quiet lunch or coffee. Come evening, the lighting is soft and low, with a gentle buzz of music and conversation filling the air. The pub isn’t massive in size – it’s best described as medium cosiness – so on busy nights it can get quite full and energetic. You might hear the happy clinking of mussel pots on Wednesdays or animated chatter from a birthday group. It’s a buzzy atmosphere without tipping into rowdiness. Most nights, the crowd is mixed and friendly. You’ll see an array of locals: young professionals from around Mile End and Bow unwinding over pints, a contingent of students and staff from nearby Queen Mary University, perhaps, discussing their day, and long-time East End residents having their regular evening out. Add to that the destination diners (folks who have come across town because they heard about the seafood) and the curious first-timers, and you have a wonderfully diverse clientele. Families feel welcome here too – it’s not uncommon to see a couple of kids in tow during weekend lunchtime, or a baby in a pram parked by a table as parents enjoy a roast. And of course, dogs are very much welcome; The Victoria proudly brands itself a dog-friendly pub, and you’ll often find a few good pups lounging under the beer garden tables or being fussed over by staff with treats. This inclusive, come-one-come-all vibe makes the atmosphere especially convivial. Even if you arrive solo, you might end up chatting with a neighbour about the beer selection or the food, as the mood is that open.

Comfort-wise, The Victoria maximises its use of space with a variety of seating options. There are cosy corners with padded benches and throw pillows for intimate catch-ups, as well as large communal tables that encourage mingling or accommodate big groups (a leftover of the pub’s early “social eating” concept when it launched the British tapas style). If you prefer some fresh air, the beer garden is a great extension of the atmosphere – thanks to heaters and shelter, it’s usable most of the year. In cooler months, blankets are sometimes provided for outside seating, and the staff will happily fire up heat lamps to keep you toasty. One thing to note: if you’re visiting at peak times (say a sunny Saturday afternoon or a Friday around 7pm), the pub can get quite crowded and tables fill up fast. At those times it can be a bit of a squeeze moving from the front bar to the garden, as you navigate through people chatting away in the narrow passage. It’s all good fun, but if you absolutely require a seat, try to arrive a bit early to snag a spot, or consider making a reservation for dining. The flip side of the lively buzz is that off-peak, The Victoria is wonderfully laid-back – you might catch a quiet Monday evening with just a handful of regulars, where you can really appreciate the surroundings and have a long talk with the bartender about the latest guest ale.

In terms of accessibility, the pub has made efforts to be accommodating despite being in a historic building. The main entrance on Grove Road is almost level (just a small threshold), and the entire ground floor including the bar and garden is on one level, making it feasible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. There is a disabled-access restroom on the ground floor as well, tucked discreetly near the back – a thoughtful addition during the refurbishment. The staff are very helpful with access needs: if you need assistance carrying drinks to your table or navigating a crowded area, they’re quick to lend a hand. That said, the upper areas (like the private rooms upstairs and the rooftop) are only reachable by stairs, as there is no lift – something to be aware of if you plan to attend an event in those spaces. For most regular visits though, everything you need is on the main floor or garden. As mentioned, families with prams are commonly seen, and the layout can handle a stroller, though at busy times you might fold it to tuck in a corner for space. The ambience is generally pleasant for all ages; it doesn’t get aggressively loud (except maybe a brief cheer if a goal is sneaked onto a screen during a rare sports viewing). The combination of friendly staff, a mix of clientele, and that unique decor means the pub exudes an atmosphere where anyone can feel comfortable – whether you’re a lifelong East Londoner or a visitor from abroad, you’ll be welcomed and quickly feel the character and community that define The Victoria.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Victoria enjoys a prime spot in Mile End, East London – an area that perfectly blends urban hustle with green space and history. Situated at 110 Grove Road, the pub is just a few minutes’ walk from Mile End Tube Station (served by the Central, District, and Hammersmith & City lines). In fact, it’s a stone’s throw from the station, making it extremely easy to reach via public transport. This convenience means you can get here from central London in about 15–20 minutes; it’s only a couple of stops from Liverpool Street and not far from Stratford or Canary Wharf either. Despite being so accessible, the pub’s immediate surroundings feel pleasantly local and relaxed. Grove Road itself is a mainly residential street leading up to Victoria Park, one of London’s most beloved large parks, which lies just north of the pub. Many visitors combine a trip to The Victoria with a stroll in Victoria Park – especially in summer, when the park’s festivals and open-air events are in full swing. The park’s southernmost gate at Old Ford Road is a short walk from the pub’s doorstep, so if you fancy a post-lunch amble by the lakes or a lounge on the grass, you’re in the right place.

Also bordering the area is Mile End Park and the Regents Canal. In fact, just behind The Victoria and across the street, you’ll find the Mile End Park Arts Pavilion and the tranquil canal towpath. A lovely plan for a weekend might be to walk or cycle along the Regent’s Canal (there are Santander cycle hire stations nearby for cyclists), take in the street art and scenery, and then pop into The Victoria for a pint and seafood treat. If you follow the canal westward, it leads toward Bethnal Green and eventually Camden; eastward, it goes to Limehouse Basin where it meets the Thames. The Roman Road Market is another local attraction – about 10 minutes’ walk north-east – offering an authentic East End street market experience with stalls selling food, clothes and bric-a-brac on certain days of the week. For culture vultures, a short journey on the tube or bus can get you to interesting spots: for instance, The Genesis Cinema (a historic independent cinema) is one tube stop away in Stepney, and Whitechapel Gallery is two stops away for contemporary art lovers. Closer to home, just across Mile End Road, you’ll find Queen Mary University of London, whose campus gives the area a youthful vibe and also houses the Mile End Museum (focused on the history of the East End). And if you’re up for exploring pubs, Mile End and Bow have a few other notable ones – The Crown in Victoria Park (a gastropub with a rooftop terrace), The Lord Tredegar on Lichfield Road (a traditional pub), and Morgan Arms near Roman Road all offer different vibes for a potential pub crawl.

As for practicalities, if you’re driving, be aware that parking in this area is limited. The Victoria has no on-site parking lot, and the street parking is mostly for permit holders or paid at certain times. On evenings or weekends you might snag a spot on a side street, but it’s generally easier to rely on public transport. The pub is fortunately very easy to get to without a car – apart from the tube, numerous bus routes (such as the 339, 277, 425) stop near Mile End station or Grove Road, linking to areas like Hackney, Canary Wharf, and the City. Cycling is a great option too, given the canal path and dedicated bike lanes on Mile End Road. The neighbourhood is safe and fairly lively, especially with students around, so walking to and from the station even after dark is typically fine (standard city smarts always apply). In summary, The Victoria’s location offers the best of both worlds: it’s close to central London and easy to reach, yet it anchors a distinctly East London community near parks and markets. Whether you’re coming specifically for the pub or looking for a meal after enjoying Victoria Park, the location makes it a convenient and appealing stop. Many people say that discovering The Victoria feels like stumbling on a hidden gem – one that just happens to be perfectly situated for a day out in the East End.

Overall Impression

The Victoria in Mile End delivers a pub experience that is truly something special. It seamlessly combines the best of a modern gastropub (inventive cuisine, craft drinks, stylish design) with the soul of a community local (friendly faces, historic character, and a welcoming atmosphere). After spending time here, it’s easy to see why this place has become a fast favourite for so many. The pub’s commitment to quality is evident in every aspect: the seafood-forward menu is fresh and ambitious, the pints are well-kept, and even the coffee is barista-grade. At the same time, there’s a playful creativity at work – from the rooftop herb garden and secret cocktail bar to the themed rooms and quirky décor touches – which makes a visit to The Victoria feel like an adventure of its own. Crucially, all of this creativity is anchored by a genuine sense of community. The Victoria doesn’t feel like a pretentious gastropub that forgot it’s a pub; it feels like a true public house that just happens to also serve fantastic food and cocktails. Locals gather here, dogs snooze under tables, and the management’s ethos (as stated by Yummy Pub Co’s founders) is to keep the pub a central, inclusive part of neighbourhood life. In an area where many old pubs have closed in recent years, The Victoria stands out as a revitalised gem, carrying forward East End pub traditions into the 21st century.

No place is perfect, of course, and The Victoria has a few quirks that might not suit everyone. If you’re a die-hard sports fan looking for a pub to watch the big match with pints flying, this isn’t really the spot – the absence of TVs and loud sports nights is a deliberate choice to maintain the ambiance. Similarly, anyone who absolutely needs a game of darts or pool with their beer will not find it here. And simply due to its popularity and Victorian layout, the pub can get a bit crammed at peak times, which might mean a brief wait for a free table or cosying up elbow-to-elbow at the bar. Parking, as mentioned, is a challenge in this part of town. But honestly, these are minor trade-offs for what The Victoria offers. The lack of sports TVs is more than compensated by the lively conversation and unique entertainment (there’s always something else to talk about or explore in the pub’s décor and menu). The bustling crowds are a testament to the pub’s appeal – and even then, the staff handle them so well that you’re unlikely to feel neglected. If we were to wish for anything, perhaps an addition of a classic pub quiz night or some live acoustic music occasionally wouldn’t hurt, just to round out the entertainment for those who miss the traditional pub pastimes. Yet, it’s hard to fault a place that already does so much so well.

The Victoria is absolutely worth a visit – or several. It’s the kind of pub that leaves a lasting impression on both the taste buds and the heart. Whether you come for a casual afternoon pint in the sun, a delicious seafood dinner, or one of their quirky event nights, you’ll likely walk out thinking, “When can I come back?” It offers an experience that feels at once comfortably familiar and excitingly new. From the moment you duck in off Grove Road and see that blend of Victorian charm and modern flair, you know you’ve found somewhere with character. And as you depart (perhaps after thanking the staff for a lovely time, and maybe grabbing some fresh herbs from the rooftop garden as a parting gift – yes, they do that sometimes), you’ll probably agree that The Victoria isn’t just a pub, it’s a Mile End institution in the making. In a city full of pubs, this one manages to carve out its own unique niche – and it’s safe to say it has earned its four-plus star reputation. So, if you’re exploring East London and looking for great food, drink, and atmosphere in one package, make sure The Victoria is on your list. It’s a true East London gastropub gem that showcases what a bit of innovation and lots of love for pub culture can achieve.