The Victory — Restaurant in London

🚇Cambridge Heath 🍺 £6.00 Carlsberg

The Victory is tucked away down a cobbled side street in Cambridge Heath. The nearest Tube is Bethnal Green, Cambridge Heath Overground station is close by.

This pub was built in 1843 and was remodelled at some point in the 1930’s much like the adjacent warehouses. The pub’s exterior features in an episode of Minder, Utterly Unchanged.

This one bar pub is set out in an L-shape and is traditionally decorated. The servery follows the line of the bar and has a rare to see tiled counter. To the left of the servery is an old Joanna surrounded by trinkets. At the other end of the bar is a pool table with dimpled banquettes either side. The seating consists of tables and chairs by the corner window plus a few stools to prop up the bar. For the warmer months, there are a few benches out the front.

The beer selection was all keg with a choice of well known standard tipples. I decided on a Carlsberg, my pint was great, price point was average. This pub doesn’t have a food menu but there are plenty of bar snacks to choose from.

I arrived just before 1pm on a mild Saturday lunchtime in June. The pub was quiet with one other friendly punter in attendance. We got chatting and it turns out he was from where some of my family live in Ireland. He was also telling loads of stories about his escapades drinking in pubs in London which had me in fits of laughter. I was served by the landlady who was courteous and welcoming.

The Victory is a proper oldschool East End pub that hasn’t changed in a generation. I love the fact this pub hasn’t changed but fear for its survival at the same time. I had the most enjoyable time talking to a lovely chap who has used this pub for years, his “second home” he called it. There are not many of these establishments left and would wholeheartedly recommend a visit.

ℹ️ Info correct on...

Me and my mate walked half an hour to this place thought it looked quite nice, walked in with a lot of hope, only to be turned away by the pillock behind the bar. We were perfectly polite talking to him and when he asked for our I.D. No problem, we both had provisional licence on us. The man spent 5 minutes looking at my I.D as I practically told him my life story per request, only to refuse service. Horrible man and terrible service, what a shame, me and my mate love finding new pubs, should have been a lovely experience with repeat visits. No need to worry, we’re happy now, both pint in hand at a much better establishment. Do not go to...

You'll either love it or hate it. Don't come here expecting great customer service, cracking vibe and a group of young attractive patrons. Appreciate it for what it is, a relic from the past, an east London pubs that has survived gentrification and a reminder what a pub used to be, a focal point for the surrounding community to gather.

My favourite pub because of the characters that frequent it and I hope it...