The Victoria is in one of those sleepy zones you often find in London and is certainly worth making a diversion to. Perhaps after a stiff walk from Knightsbridge or Kensington across Hyde Park - maybe taking in the Serpentine Gallery along the way. Ordinarily If you hit the Bayswater Road, thick with traffic you might skirt along it back to Marble Arch - but cross over and a few streets away you'll find the Victoria.

At once an aesthetically pleasing interior, interesting authentic fittings, prints and etchings - you know that this is a proper pub and somewhere you can spend a few lost hours, rather than snatch a drink and move on. The beautiful panelling, fluted wooden bar, sturdy bar stools and superb detailing and fret work complement a healthy dose of polished brass. Victorian glass-orb lightshades fit the bill perfectly and the Victoria feels comfy from first sight. It's likely that conversation will be murmering rather than raucous and a few people may well be browsing through a newspaper. It has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that's natural, rather than contrived.

A favourite with Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Charles Dickens, but then I don't think I've reviewed a pub in London where Charles Dickens doesn't feature. Chiswick, London Pride and Discovery are all well kept and it was a Fuller's pub of the year in 2009. Upstairs there are some smart rooms for hire - wood panelled, wingbacked racing green leather armchairs give one a gentlemens' club feel, without the snootyness.

Nothing fancy about the Victoria's food, but it is done well and served promptly - Fish and Chips, Sausage and Mash, Steak pie and the like. Hanging baskets of flowers outside make it alluring during the Summer, but it's equally as appealing in winter with a generous smattering of fireplaces and a reassuringly solid feel to the building.
Has a pub quiz on Tuesdays at 9pm that's well attended,  so you might struggle to get a seat unless you set out early.

A number of pubs on the Inside Guide to London are recommended for their quirkiness, many for the atmosphere and the crowd which they draw. The Victoria fits into the 'cultured retreat' division. Somewhere comfortable, civilised, genuine and reliable - in which to recharge your batteries.

11am-11pm Mon-Sat, 12pm-10:30pm Sun

Food 12pm-9:30pm - every day.

The Victoria Pub, 10a Strathearn Place, Bayswater, London W2 2NH.

Lancaster Gate or Paddington Tube.

Call:    020 7724 1191

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