In our quest to explore different neighborhoods within London we’ve been finding new pubs as well. I call that a win-win. Last Sunday, we left the Mile End Tube station and made our way to Victoria Park. Along the way, we spotted The Victoria. Granted we hadn’t been walking all that long, but I still wanted to hop in and try it. Does one really need a reason to go to a pub? I think not.
This pub is much bigger than the typical pubs I’ve visited. And it has character. Actually, I’m not sure how to describe the inside. It’s a hodgepodge of artwork, stuffed animals (I’m assuming real), and a plethora of leather couches and chairs.
If you forgot to bring a book, no worries. There’s plenty to read in the bathroom. At least in the women’s bathroom. I did snap a photo of the men’s bathroom from the hallway since I thought the Horror sign was funny.
We visited a little after 1 p.m. and it had just opened. The staff was friendly and completely relaxed. After they served us drinks, they played ping pong. I love that the pub has a ping pong table. Only two other patrons were present. Some people may be put off by the relaxed attitude of the bartenders. Personally, I don’t care. As long as they are available when I order my drink and are nice that’s all that matters to me.
I noticed a stage in the pub and I wonder how lively it gets on Friday and Saturday nights. We had just had breakfast so I didn’t order anything for lunch. However, the Jalapen’Oh! Shit burger with a beef burger patti stuffed with cream cheese and jalapenos did sound tasty. And just so you know, everything is served in paper bags. As I said, this is not a posh pub.
Overall, I liked this pub. It isn’t the cleanest place I’ve been too. Many of the leather couches have seen better days. But I liked the feel of it. If I lived closer I have a feeling I would go occasionally. I give the pub 3.5 stars our of 5.
50 Year Project 
Boy, somebody had an imagination when they put that place together. It looks like a fun place :).
As for decor anything goes. Half-naked woman, stuffed fox, paintings–no problem!
It sounds really fun and quirky!
quirky is the perfect word for it. And I love quirky and beer. Good combo.
Nice lady in the grass skirt! .. That burger seems a bit too hot for my taste …. so how was the beer?
BTW – Last wee a friend and I went to get a burger at one of my fav spots … which I think you would love. I had a particular burger in mind, and to my dismay, the menu changed thus it was no more.
The beer was tasty. Unfortunately I lost my scrap of paper that I scribbled the name on (this wasn’t the only pub stop that day). Tonight, I’ll ask the Better Half which type I sampled and will report back. The Better Half never forgets the name of a beer. If I’m ever in your area I’ll ask for the name of the burger joint. Did you ask the restaurant if it was possible to conjure up the one you had your heart set on? Sometimes that works for me, but only sometimes.
A place with a lot of character, I can see why it is hard to keep clean.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
I wouldn’t want to dust all of it. I have a hard time keeping up with my bookshelves and knick-knacks and trust me, I don’t have nearly as many as this place.
Another hard day at the office…lol
It’s the never ending task.
Another fun-packed Friday night! Have one for me. 🙂
gotcha covered 😉
Oh my goodness…..what a hotch potch of stuff. Someone really should tell that lady that her bikini top is a few sizes too small. I’m sure the ‘HORROR’ sign on the men’s door is very appropriate. 😆
The sign persuaded me not to run in to take a quick peak.
😆
How awesome… I loved the photos.
Thanks, Tania.
Nice pub review, TBM! It is nice to know that though the pub wasn’t sophisticated, you still liked it. One of my favourite pubs was like that – not very sophisticated but it had a warm atmosphere and I liked it. The reading material in the bathroom door / wall is quite interesting!
I think pubs should be welcoming and that’s how this one felt.
A pub with a ping-pong table? Yes, please. There’s a bar in my neighborhood that has a bocce court inside. It’s random and fun for NYC where space is a premium.
Now I don’t think I’ve ever played bocce. Maybe I should pop into the bar and learn.
Exciting place! You get to drink and discover new , interesting stuff.
It was a fun pub to pop into.
You’re right. You never need a reason to visit a pub. The existence of one is reason enough, especially one with all that character. I hadn’t seen a ping pong table in any bars/pubs I’ve been to, that definitely would have been cool.
I was a little bummed the staff was using it, but I didn’t want to kick them off. bad pub etiquette.