The Victoria

Tucked away in a leafy corner of West London, The Victoria isn't just another pub with rooms - it's the kind of place that makes you wonder if you've stumbled into a Richard Curtis film. This charming London establishment has mastered that rare alchemy of being both a proper local's pub and a destination worth crossing town for.

From the moment you push open the heavy wooden door, you're greeted by that unmistakable warmth that only decades-old London pubs seem to possess. The Victoria's interior feels like your most interesting friend's living room - if your friend happened to have impeccable taste in vintage furnishings and an impressive collection of local ales. The walls, lined with a carefully curated mishmash of historic photographs and contemporary art, tell stories of both old and new London.

The conservatory dining room is where The Victoria really shows off its split personality - in the best possible way. Flooded with natural light and surrounded by greenery, it's a far cry from the traditional dark-wood pub front. Here, white tablecloths and sparkling glassware signal that the kitchen takes its food seriously, while the relaxed atmosphere keeps any hint of stuffiness at bay. It's the kind of space where you could just as comfortably celebrate a special occasion or cure a Sunday hangover.

Speaking of Sundays - let's talk about the roast. Oh, the roast. The Victoria's Sunday offering has achieved near-mythical status among London's roast dinner aficionados, and with good reason. The Yorkshire puddings rise like golden-brown hot air balloons, the roast potatoes achieve that perfect crispy-outside-fluffy-inside ratio, and the meat (whether you opt for the tender lamb, the succulent chicken, or the perfectly pink beef) is consistently excellent. But vegetarians, fear not - the meat-free roast here isn't an afterthought but a star in its own right, complete with a gravy so good you'll want to ask for the recipe (spoiler: they won't give it to you).

During the week, the menu dances between pub classics and more ambitious fare. The ham hock terrine could hold its own in any fine dining establishment, while the fish and chips remains gloriously true to its humble roots. What's particularly impressive is how they've managed to keep prices reasonable despite the quality of ingredients - you're not paying central London markup here, but you're getting central London quality.

The bar program deserves special mention. Yes, they pour a proper pint (several, actually, with rotating local guest ales), but it's the wine list that might surprise you. It's thoughtfully assembled and fairly priced, with plenty available by the glass. The cocktails, while not attempting to compete with Soho's mixology temples, are well-executed classics that prove sometimes simple is best.

Dog owners, rejoice - your four-legged friends are welcome in the pub area, where you can still order the full menu. Families are equally well-catered for, with a children's menu that doesn't insult young palates and high chairs readily available. The outdoor seating area becomes prime real estate during summer months, especially during their occasional Spanish nights which transform the space into a little slice of Madrid.

The Victoria has mastered that elusive art of being all things to all people without feeling like it's trying too hard. Whether you're planning a romantic date, a family Sunday lunch, or just fancy a well-kept pint and some bar snacks, it fits the bill. The service strikes that perfect London pub balance - attentive when you need it, pleasantly hands-off when you don't.

Want my advice? Book ahead for Sunday lunch (seriously, don't even think about walking in), grab a table in the conservatory, and settle in for the afternoon. If you're coming from central London, the 20-minute journey is part of the charm - it's just far enough to feel like you've discovered something special. The Victoria isn't just another London pub - it's the London pub you'll wish was your local.