Walk into some London pubs and you’ll find yourself surrounded by neon signs, overpriced craft ales that taste like pine needles, and generic industrial lighting. It’s fine. But it isn't the real thing. Then there’s The Victoria pub London Paddington, which is a whole different beast entirely. It’s on Strathearn Place. If you’ve ever found yourself wandering around the backstreets of W2 looking for a spot that feels less like a tourist trap and more like a set from a Victorian period drama, this is your place.
Honestly, it’s gorgeous.
I’m talking about dark wood that’s been polished by millions of elbows since the 1830s. Ornate mirrors. Elaborate plasterwork on the ceiling that makes you wonder how long it took some craftsman 180 years ago to get it just right. It’s a Fuller’s pub, which means it has a certain level of reliability, but it’s managed to keep a soul that a lot of corporate-owned boozers have lost over the decades. People often stumble in here because they have an hour to kill before a train at Paddington Station, but they usually end up wishing they’d missed their departure.
The History is Actually Real (No, Seriously)
Most pubs claim to have "history." Usually, that means they changed the carpet in 1994 and found a dusty coin. The Victoria pub London Paddington is different because it actually sits on the site of an old leper hospital from the 1400s—though the current building is "only" from the mid-19th century.
Queen Victoria supposedly stopped here once.
Whether she actually had a pint or just pulled up in her carriage is a bit of a local debate, but the name stuck for a reason. Charles Dickens used to hang out in the area too. You can almost see him sitting in one of the leather booths, scribbling away about the "best of times and the worst of times" while nursing a stout. The pub even won the "National Pub of the Year" award from CAMRA back in the late 2000s, and it hasn't really let its standards slip since.
It’s built on a bit of a weird angle, which gives it that classic corner-pub vibe. Inside, you've got two main areas. The downstairs is where the action is—busy, noisy, and smelling vaguely of hops and history. Upstairs is the "Theatre Bar." It’s a bit more refined. It features pieces from the old Gaiety Theatre, which was demolished years ago. If you want to feel like a sophisticated 19th-century aristocrat without having to wear a corset or catch cholera, go upstairs.
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What You’re Actually Eating and Drinking
Fuller’s pubs are known for London Pride. If you don't like London Pride, you might be in the wrong city. But at The Victoria pub London Paddington, the cellar management is top-tier. The beer is crisp. It’s cold. It doesn't have that weird metallic aftertaste you get in pubs that don't clean their pipes often enough.
- The ESB: It’s a classic. Strong, malty, and will probably make you want to stay for three more.
- Seasonal Ales: They usually have something rotating. Ask the bartender; they actually know their stuff here.
- Wine List: Surprisingly decent. It’s not just "red or white" anymore. They’ve got some actually drinkable Malbecs and Sauvignon Blancs.
Now, let’s talk food. Pub grub is a minefield in London. You’re often stuck choosing between a microwave lasagne and a £25 burger that’s mostly brioche. The Victoria pub London Paddington leans into the classics but does them with a bit of actual effort.
The fish and chips is the big seller. The batter is thick and crunchy, not soggy. They use sustainable Atlantic cod. The chips are chunky. It’s exactly what you want when it’s raining outside and you’re feeling a bit sorry for yourself. They also do a Sunday Roast that is legitimately famous in the Paddington/Bayswater area. You have to book. Seriously. If you turn up at 2:00 PM on a Sunday hoping for a table for four, you’re going to be disappointed and hungry.
The scotch eggs are also a thing. They serve them warm. The yolk is still a bit runny. It’s basically a hug in snack form.
Why Locals and Tourists Actually Get Along Here
Usually, there’s a divide. You have the "local" pubs where outsiders get stared at until they leave, and the "tourist" pubs where no Londoner would ever set foot. The Victoria pub London Paddington manages to bridge that gap.
Maybe it’s the location. It’s just far enough from the station to lose the frantic "I’m late for the Heathrow Express" crowd, but close enough to be convenient. You’ll see guys in suits from the nearby offices rubbing shoulders with backpackers who are confused by the currency, and old-school Paddington residents who have been coming here since the 70s.
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It’s cozy. That’s the best word for it.
In the winter, it’s one of the best places in London. The light reflects off the etched glass and the gold-leaf lettering. It feels safe. In the summer, people spill out onto the pavement. There’s a tiny bit of outdoor seating, but mostly people just stand around the entrance with a pint, enjoying the fact that for five minutes, it isn't raining.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- It gets crowded. Very crowded. If you’re looking for a quiet place to write your novel on a Friday night, this isn’t it.
- The stairs to the Theatre Bar are a bit steep. Watch yourself after a couple of those ESBs.
- Prices are "London prices." You aren't in a village in Yorkshire. Expect to pay for the privilege of sitting in a Grade II listed building.
- The service is usually fast, but when the post-work rush hits at 6:00 PM, give the staff a break. They’re working hard.
Beyond the Beer: The Architecture
You have to look up. Most people don't. The ceiling at The Victoria pub London Paddington is a masterpiece of Victorian design. It’s got these deep coffers and ornate mouldings that are painted in rich creams and golds. It’s opulent. It’s flashy. It was designed to make the working-class people of the 1800s feel like they were in a palace for the price of a beer.
The bar itself is a curved mahogany beauty. It acts as the anchor for the whole room. You’ll notice the partitions too—etched glass screens that provide a tiny bit of privacy between the different "sections" of the bar. Back in the day, these were used to keep the different social classes separate. Now, they just look cool and stop you from accidentally elbowing the stranger next to you.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit
If you want the full experience, don't just grab a pint and leave.
Start by checking out the memorabilia on the walls. There’s a lot of theatre history tucked away in the corners, especially upstairs. Look for the old playbills and photos. It tells a story of a London that doesn't really exist anymore—a world of music halls and Vaudeville.
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Then, try to snag the corner booth downstairs. It’s the best seat in the house. You can watch the entire pub move around you while you’re tucked away in your own little wood-panelled sanctuary.
If you’re a fan of Peaky Blinders or that general aesthetic, you’re going to love this place. It hasn't been "Disney-fied." The wear and tear on the floorboards is real. The patina on the brass is from decades of hands touching it. It’s authentic in a way that modern "concept" pubs just can’t replicate.
Dealing With the Paddington Crowds
Paddington is a weird area. It’s a transit hub, which means it’s always moving. It can feel soul-less if you stay on the main roads. But places like The Victoria pub London Paddington give the neighborhood its character.
If you’re coming from the station:
- Take the Praed Street exit.
- Walk away from the hospital towards Sussex Gardens.
- Turn onto Strathearn Place.
- Look for the green hanging signs.
It’s a five-minute walk, but it feels like you’ve traveled five miles away from the chaos.
Actionable Advice for Your Trip
- Book a Table: If you want to eat, specifically on a Sunday or a Thursday/Friday evening, use their website to book. Don't wing it.
- Check the Upstairs: Even if you’re just there for one drink, walk up the stairs. The Theatre Bar is genuinely one of the most beautiful rooms in W2.
- Order the Pie: Fuller’s takes their pies seriously. They usually have a "Pie of the Day." It’s almost always better than the burger.
- Visit Mid-Afternoon: If you want to actually see the architecture and talk to the staff, go at 3:00 PM on a Tuesday. It’s quiet, the light hits the glass perfectly, and you can breathe.
- Don't Rush: This is not a "quick drink" pub. It’s a "settle in and forget about your train" pub. Give yourself at least 90 minutes.
The Victoria pub London Paddington isn't just a place to get drunk. It’s a survivor. In a city that is constantly tearing things down to build glass towers, this pub stands as a reminder that some things were built right the first time. Whether you’re a history nerd, a beer lover, or just someone who needs a break from the London Underground, it’s a mandatory stop. Pull up a stool, order a pint of Pride, and just take it in. You’re sitting in a piece of living history, and it tastes pretty good.