Tucked away on a rooftop in East London chickens are laying fresh eggs; runner beans are climbing the walls; tomato plants are sprouting; marrows are growing; strawberry plants and edible flowers are blooming.
All destined to appear on the plates of diners at the newly refurbished Victoria in Grove Road.
Now if this all sounds a bit wholesome, it is. (However there is more to the eye then first appears but we’ll come to that later.)
These lovely people have thought of everything. Literally everything. You’ll feel so virtuous supping that pint knowing all the good that goes into, and therefore comes out of, The Victoria in Mile End.
This traditional, iconic building has been styled by the team behind the Somers Town Coffee House, and for those that like to hit the pub early, you can here!
Start the morning with a freshly ground coffee served by the charismatic Aussie, Toby, at the newly created artisan coffee bar accessible both inside and out (if it’s the kind of morning you need to grab & go, i.e, hungover, running late for work, these guys will help you out).
Full of cosy corners and big social sharing tables you’ll be tempted to stay to sample “British Tapas”, which you can watch being prepared from the open kitchen. Ingredients are all sourced from local suppliers, mixing up the rooftop delights to create a tasty, colourful array of dishes to share, with bespoke dishes offered to satisfy the most delicate of palates. With the food proudly stamped as UK sourced the team at the Victoria know where every single morsel on your plate has been farmed. Bring the family, friends and pets too – it’s dog friendly.
The first floor houses Ssshh… Supper Club, a trio of themed rooms including ‘The Kitchen Room’ where you can view the chefs creating the meals of the day. The Board Room, perfect for parties and secret gatherings, it hides a secret stash of aged and oaked scotch!
We were impressed to find some really decent wines (chateauneuf du pape anyone?) offered by the glass. The range of beers is decent too with a guest appearing each week. (think beer, not Bieber.)
Although our favourite spot is Magri’s Cocktail Bar, tucked away behind a mirrored wall just in front of the toilets, we never got bored of the posing spotted from the one-way mirror! You have been warned (and you’ll still forget!)
No drinks list exists here, just tons of artistry coupled with an apple crate of spirits and magical ingredients. Your personal mixologist will conjure up whatever you fancy. With seating for 40 people, we want our xmas party here!
Tucked away in the pub garden is Charlie’s Cocktail Caravan, complete with picket fence. The cosy caravan accommodates 8 and you can arrange for it to be stocked with beer – sounds a great way to kick things off!
“The Victoria has an exciting new future, and fitting for the people who live in the area,” said Tim Foster, Director of the Yummy Pub Co. “Seven pubs have disappeared from around this area and we were determined that the Victoria would not succumb to the same fate. We will be working with local suppliers, local producers and local people to ensure The Victoria remains a central part of the local community in every way.”
We told you they had thought of everything…..
