The Victoria
90 Walton Street, Oxford, OX2 6EB, GB
Rating: 4.5 ★ (1001 ratings)
Details
The Victoria, a beloved local establishment in the vibrant Jericho area of Oxford, offers a distinctive character with its recently refurbished interiors, blending smart style with a cosy atmosphere. An early Victorian building, it boasts a unique Victorian-retro theme, featuring elegant wood panelling, ornate mirrors, and whimsical touches such as a classical fresco on the ceiling and a model aeroplane suspended within. Beyond its inviting indoor spaces, including a tiny lower snug bar perfect for intimate moments, the pub also presents a large, sunny beer garden equipped with heaters for cooler evenings, alongside street-side seating ideal for watching the world go by. This charming setting, combined with its reputation as Jericho's favourite pub, makes it a welcoming spot for all.
The culinary offerings at The Victoria focus on fresh British cuisine, celebrating hearty seasonal dishes and elevated pub classics. The kitchen takes great pride in its hot pies, crafted with golden shortcrust pastry and filled with rich flavours such as steak & ale or butternut squash, including a delicious vegan option. For those who enjoy a lighter bite, a selection of small plates like crispy calamari and mozzarella sticks are available, perfect for sharing. Accompanying the delightful food is an impressive array of beverages, notably an extensive whisky collection boasting over 100 whiskies from across the globe, alongside craft beers, a carefully curated wine list, and expertly mixed classic cocktails.
This versatile venue truly caters to a broad range of visitors and occasions, serving as a perfect spot for any gathering. It's an excellent choice for casual after-work drinks, a relaxed weekday lunch, or lively evening get-togethers with friends, further enhanced by its friendly and chatty staff. The Victoria is particularly well-suited for socialising, with options for booking sections of the pub for events, and even offers pub games in its Clubhouse area. Furthermore, it extends a warm welcome to families, being both pet-friendly and child-friendly, providing kids' menus and colouring activities in its fantastic beer garden.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM; Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Contact
+44 1865 511516
Comments
inside & out. Food is good, and fairly quick despite lots of persons. The staff are always lovely. Good variety of drink options. A classic Oxford pub!
We both had a pie and shared some halloumi fries. £19 a pie. Honestly? The food was rather poor. The pies were a 6/10 at best, definitely didn't live up to the hype we’d read online. You also have to order at the bar, which gives it more of a "drinker's pub" feel than a proper dining experience.
It’s a lovely spot for a pint, especially with the atmosphere they’ve got going on, but I wouldn't go back for the food. If you’re looking for a great meal, I’d probably look elsewhere, but for a casual drink in a nice setting, it hits the mark.
It took almost 40min for the food to be served and I got the wrong side. But it’s okay as we’ve still enjoyed our meal.
The staff is wondeful and they surely meant well but some decor tweaks need to be made to recover its previously magnificent, warm, and timeless appeal. I think a change in lighting would make a tremendous difference because it's now glaringly bright.
Unfortunately with the remodel, instead of genuine old timeless charm, the Vic is starting to look like the oldness is just a theme. It's starting to look like when chain pubs have a kitschy old theme. An old style is very different than having a theme of oldness. The wood panelling has been covered up by snakeskin and blond wood trim; the glass lamps replaced with modern brass ones; and the beautiful candlelit ambiance is drowned out by bright lighting. Much might be forgiven or overlooked if the lighting wasn't so distractingly bright. Even the outdoor string lights are very bright essentially putting the porch on a spotlight for the whole street. Some of the bulbs are also far too cool like office lighting. I miss the warm, cosy atmosphere it had before.
On the positive side, the traditional wood games are a nice touch.
One of the standout features of The Victoria is its heated garden, which becomes an ideal retreat during the summer months, especially after 4 pm. The garden's comfortable seating and pleasant ambiance provide a relaxing setting to enjoy a drink outdoors.
The pub's interior is well-decorated, enhancing its inviting and homely feel. With a large selection of beers available, beer enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate. Overall, The Victoria Pub is a wonderful spot to unwind, offering great ales, good food, and a perfect mix of indoor and outdoor spaces.