CAMPAIGN FOR REAL ALE

LONDON, GREATER - London W2, Bayswater, Victoria

National Inventory of Historic Pub Interiors Part Two

10A Strathearn Place, London W2, W2 2NH

Tel: 020 7724 1191

Email: thevictoria@fullers.co.uk

Web site: www.victoriaw2.co.uk

Opening Hours: Mon to Sat 11 to 11; Sun 12 to 10.30

Draught Beer & Cider: Fullers Chiswick, London Pride, Discovery, ESB and a seasonal beer

Public Transport: Underground: Lancaster Gate, Paddington. Railway station: Paddington.

Pub Food: 11 to 9.30 (9 Sun)

Accomodation: None

Listed Status: Grade II

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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. 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.