Victoria, Woolston

Pub that seems to have a number of variations on its name - I've seen Victoria Inn, Victoria Hotel, The Victoria, and simply Victoria - which seems to be its current name. It appears to have been converted from two or three cottages that stood on the boundary of what became the Thornycroft ship building factory. It's a little scruffy and off-putting on the outside. I've only been in once, though intend to go back for another look pretty soon.



Review Jan 2015

Somewhat stranded on the boundary of the redevelopment of the old Thornycroft works, the Victoria is a down to earth locals pub. The pub business appears to have started at the same time as the Thornycroft works were built, though the building may have existed as two residential houses which were then converted into a pub. The entrance to the works were next to the pub, and the wall around the works indented inwards to accommodate the pub. Part of this wall still remains on the street to the left of the pub. The outside appearance is off-putting. There is little sign of activity, and the place often looks closed. Given that a number of shops opposite the pub are closed or struggling, and a cafe building has been part demolished and abandoned, the impression given is that this is a very rough area. The England flag painted on the outside of the pub may give the impression that this is a pub intolerant of those not English, and that, coupled with the scruffy depressed state of the street and the uninviting exterior, may not encourage everyone to visit.

The gravity cask in the Victoria pub

I was surprised when I entered by how packed the place was, how welcoming it is, and that a locally brewed cask ale was on offer. It is rough and ready, and on my visit was predominantly occupied by middle aged to older men loudly watching football. The place is well worn, and is in need of a refurbishment, so is not the place to come for a meal, or bring your wife or children. But it welcomes dogs. On my visit there were several dogs. And other visitors have remarked on that as well.

This is not a pretty pub, but it has a warm vibrancy and it has character. I don't know how welcoming it would be to everyone, and I prefer pubs that are open, liberal, and cosmopolitan, but I saw no evidence that this pub would be unwelcoming. It's a down to earth working class, mainly male orientated pub. It's walking distance from my house, so I may well find myself in here from time to time to check out what cask beer they have on.

A more attractive Victoria before the paint job

Sept 2016

I have been back inside for a drink - again there was a gravity cask beer available, this one from Marston's - Salted Caramel. I sat near the back, and noted there is a small beer garden at the rear. It's an OK place once you're inside.


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Pubs in Woolston