The Queen Victoria — Restaurant in Lille

If you're looking for a classic British pub experience in Lille—with limited food options and unlimited charm—Queen Victoria is your spot. The bartender was a gem, smiling through my mangled French and somehow still managing to help me order food. (Bless him. Or maybe he just wanted to see how this would play out.)

I went with the "toasted cheese," which sounded innocent enough. But let me be clear: this is not a grilled cheese. This is toast with cheese. Toasted. Literally. Like a sandwich wandered into a panini press and came out confused, dry, and emotionally distant.

The bread was beautifully grilled, with Instagram-worthy lines... but it was drier than the Queen’s gin cabinet. No butter. No mayo. No sauce. Just you, the toast, and your regrets. When I asked for ketchup or mayo, the bartender laughed—not cruelly, but with the knowing joy of someone who’s seen this scene play out many times. “Non, we don’t have that,” he said, as if confirming, “Yes, this sandwich is meant to test your will to live.”

Portion-wise, it’s generous—two sandwiches cut into four triangles. I bravely powered through one, then smuggled the other three out in an empty bag of crisps like some post-colonial cheese smuggler. A detour to Carrefour for mayo saved the rest. Honestly, once properly sauced, it wasn't half bad.

So if you’re in the mood for a pint, friendly service, and a sandwich that doubles as a survival challenge, Queen Victoria awaits. Just bring your...

The Queen Victoria is s very chilled out bar. Unfortunately I don't drink beer so don't know what it is like, but their cocktails are superb. The staff is very friendly and they speak in English too. I have appreciated that they could tweak classic drinksvto your need and they do so willingly. They're happy to be there for you. The decor and interiors are neither very loud nor grim. I do not like dark interiors and here they've found a good balance of...

Definitely worth a visit.

My first time visiting The Queen Vic and much to my surprise it was a pleasant experience. The bar staff were very friendly, entertaining and they had a good selection of beers, which I was able to try before I committed to a pint. The pub itself has a cosy and homely feel where you can sit and enjoy a pint. I will be definitely returning to enjoy another pint of...