Victoria

High up on a wall, behind the counter of this opulent, smart Victorian pub is a clock dated 1864. A framed copy of the Sun newspaper dated 28th June 1838 offering an account of the coronation of the young Queen Victoria adorns an opposing wall. Patterned wall paper, brightly coloured mirrors etched with intricate fleur-de-lys detail, wood panelling and intricate tile work, sepia-tinted, smoky brown prints of British Army regiments and a window inscribed with the royal motto capture the emotion of a time when the Empire was all important. This pub is pure patriotic Victoriana. Regally located on the corner of a terrace of smart cream houses, the Victoria provides a truly fascinating insight into a potent part of English history as well as offering a very pleasant drinking and eating venue. At one time divided into separate Public and Saloon bars, as was the custom, the downstairs area is now one big bar with fireplaces, unusual artefacts and a comfortingly local feel. The room upstairs with its open fires, comfy sofas and leather armchairs captures the mellow, respectable feel of the library of a Gentleman's Club. Just across the road from Hyde Park this is an off-the-beaten-track delight that combines old-fashioned charm with history and colour. If that's not enough Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill used to drink here - the pub was even Churchill's local for a time. What more excuse do you need?