please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Worth a visit just to see the bar designed as an old sailing ship. No real ale on my visit and only 2 customers. I would recommend only buying a half as once you've seen the decor there is nothing else to recommend the pub.
|
Can be hit & miss - wasn't keen on the pint of Old Bull (kind of lived up to it's name a bit too literally) but it's worth a drop by to see the bar and you may catch the ale on a good day.
anonymous - 26 Nov 2013 21:46 |
Nice looking pub inside and the home of Hereford Brewery but sadly the beers weren't really to my taste and all 3 we tried were a little samey with the least Golden ale I've ever see.
Worth a try but pales by comparison with The Barrels down the road.
|
Second pub of the day for me in Hereford and it turned out to be the best of what was a poor selection. The Victory has a wonderful mock-up of the ship of the same name, which forms the bar itself. Hereford brewery beers are served - Ju-bull-ation, Best Bitter, HLA, Fresh Local Real Ale & Herefordian Mild were all on. There were also 2 Westons ciders - 1st Quality & Old Rose and their Country Perry. Both the cider and the mild I tried were in good condition. Recommended.
|
Visited yesterday and I would more or less echo the comments of rob1981 below. Very disappointing. Walked in to find it almost empty on a Saturday afternoon (which probably says a lot). The interior is interesting enough and not as run down as some of the comments below would indicate, open fire burning as well which was nice.
I had a pint of Old Bull which was ok ish. However, my wife ordered a pint of Westons country perry which was absolutely rancid. As it was poured half of the glass was fizz and foam, with the barmaid insistent that it was "supposed to be like that"! Erm, no it isn't. It tasted like vinegar and when I asked for another one the barmaid looked at me like I had run over her cat or something. To be fair she then tasted it and agreed it was off, and reluctantly got us another one from one of the other real cider handpulls (Bounds Brand I think). This was also reminiscent of vinegar, although we had lost the will to live at that point and really could not be bothered with the hassle of taking it back again and just left it.
Hard to believe this pub remains in the Good Beer Guide and I doubt it'll stay there for long unless it gets its act together. Shame.
|
I visited the Victory Pub in Hereford as recommended by fellow workers. I can only say that I was happy to walk into the premises of the Victory and was received with open arms, the Bar Maid was lovely and welcoming and very polite. I was advised that there was a free jukebox and could choice my music choice. I met one of the Brewers "Matt" and was exceptionally warm and identified characteristics of ownership and showed me around the brewery, which was one of the highlights of my visit, I can only recommend that this pub to all Ale drinkers. I have reviewed previous posts and can only suggest that the premises was tidy and warm. I visited the premises later on the night and identified a full vibrant pub, with a number of locals from Hereford. I will be visiting these premises again. :)
|
Just in Hereford for the day and armed with a copy of the Good Beer Guide, so I looked this place up at lunchtime and found it a pretty tatty and unwelcoming choice. The bar area is themed to look like a ship which is briefly interesting, but the building is starting to look really quite run down from the outside, even a bit hostile. There were only about eight or nine other punters even at peak time on a Saturday, perhaps because the place wasn�t doing food � in fact it was so quiet that the girl who turned out to be the barmaid was sitting outside chatting to a few of the regulars, and I spent some minutes standing at the bar like a spare part until she finally came in and gave me her attention. I hoped the quality of the Hereford Brewery beer would rescue the place, since it is produced on site and it's hard to imagine it not coming in top condition. But I had a very mediocre pint with a bit of an edge to it, and it took the poor girl about fifteen attempts to eke out enough liquid to fill the glass. When I assumed the barrel was empty and offered to change my order she laughed it off, stressing that there was plenty left and making some comment about �the dodgy pump�. Clearly this is something of a running joke. JUST GET IT FIXED. So hugely disappointing all round, and presumably not the pub it used to be. Regrettably I didn�t have time to try anywhere else, but sounds like the Barrels over the road is a much better bet, and The Lichfield Vaults in the town centre also looked inviting.
|
home of hereford brewery was in tuesday night there was a fairly lively quiz going on 5 cask ales on there bar tried them all they had a beer bat system where you could try 3 for the price of 1 (�2.20) all were in great nick my fav was christmas cheers 4.3abv also saw 3 ciders and a perry on handpull will save them for another day.lost the quiz badly but had a curry at the end so not all was lost.
|
Very interesting interior of pub, well worth a look around - tried a pint of their bitter which was very flat - barmaid was very good and played some good records on jukebox (T-rex, Thin Lizzy etc.) only about half a dozen people in on a Saturday afternoon - compared to the Barrels over the road how does it compete ? There is so much potential there !
|
Worth dropping in to see the bar in the shape of the a ship (presumably HMS Victory). A bit rough & ready alehouse and the area near the windows with cusions on the seats smelt a bit like dogs sleep on them (maybe appropriately as it is home of the Spinning Dog brewery). Seven ales on including four house ales - I tried the Original Bitter which was a good ale. They also had a Spinach Ale which was a light 2.9% brew and four handpulls for ciderheads. Good sized shelter to the side.front for the smoking fraternity.
anonymous - 30 May 2010 11:33 |
Left the Barrels to pop in here. Four Spinning Dog beers on which were in decent condition. Bar looks like the side of a ship, pub long and narrow with an upstairs gallery. Quite quiet but barmaid was friendly, definitely worth a visit.
|
I've left the dust settle before posting this review. Interesting though.
Many months ago some friends of mine were organising their bi-annual meet up for ale. Over the years,they have travelled far and wide,Hereford deserved a visit. However on the "dry" run,aka the "reccie" they called here to ask if the pub could cater for up to 80 drinkers on a Friday lunch. Alas the reception from the young barman was a big flat no,they don't open until 4pm. Not even for 80 drinkers??
Do the sums 80 drinkers times at least 3 pints= 240 pints,times �2.60 at least per pint= at least �600!!! Sadly somewhere else,further away with a far inferior choice of ales was chosen.
However on the day of the beer meet up though,around 2pm and after enjoying the ale and welcome at the Barrels,lights on were noticed in the Victory. The door was knocked on and the owner (I'm presuming),a friendly bloke with a busted arm welcomed several people in. Inside though it was like a creche,with kids and teenage mothers and loud pop music. Despite being commanded to serve by his boss a young lad seemed reluctant to continue the welcome. Strangely the beer wouldn't come out of the handpulls,but after the landlord got involved the problem was solved reasonable ale was had. Some of the party got a quick look at the brewery,though one more knowledgable chap did say afterwards that it was a bit of the mess,with spent mash scattered on the mash tuns and the floor.....
This is only honesty above-but there is hope. But its up to the boss here to realise what's wrong. Keep making good beer,but get a top manager for your pub and you'll be far more succesful.
End of sermon.
|
Visited on 18 April along with the Barrels, and both get a 7. Interesting decor in the Victory and a decent enough pint of porter. My friends both had decent different pints though did to prompt the barman to top up a lively pint. Definitely worth a visit.
|
Always seems to be a bit dirty, rundown and if it had carpets they would be sticky. Long past its sell by date the place needs completely refurbishing, the gents bogs are basic in the extreme. That said, I have never had a bad pint here, but its never brilliant and lets be honest it has to be something special to get you to leave the Barrels, and it isn't, so stay in there.
|
A traditional pub and home to the Spinning Dog brewery as it proudly shows outside. Lucky Hereford residents have this and the Barrels to choose from which are in the same street. The unusual bar is carved to look like the shape of a ship check it out from either end of the bar. At the top of the main part of the bar is some openings and some look-alike cannons. On hand pump what I remember were Mutleys Revenge, Organic Oatmeal Stout, Hereford Organic Bitter & Herefordshire Owd Bull although I am sure there were a few more. The Oatmeal Stout was a great pint on Saturday and the only dark ale on draught we found in Hereford at the weekend. One of the staff keyed in a code to allow free use of the juke box and then her mobile rang and she disappeared. It did not take us long to key in a few favourite tracks. The back bar houses a pool table and many tables and chairs. Outside it advertised a new Sunday lunch menu and a quiz and curry on a Tuesday. It also sounds like they book bands regularly as well. I guess they probably have to work very hard to attract customers from going to The Barrels. On Saturday night I know which pub won the customers.
|
Cracking pub with a naval feel. The main bar is carved in the shape of a ship and the rear room is made out to look like the desk of a ship - cleverly done rather than tacky theme style effort. There was also a beer garden to the side of the pub. Pub is also home to Spinning Dog brewery and supplied a range for Spinning Dog. The ones I tried were of good quality and very tasty. Also serves food that was reasonable value you money but not outstanding. St. Owen Street is the place to head for is visiting Hereford.
|
Popped in for a couple after the Barrels and have to admit I was rather disappointed. Recent comments were reflected in my experience:
1) The barmaid was busy reading her magazine to be paying much attention to the new customers beyond a couple of cronies at the far end where she was sat.
2) The beer, when it did come, wasn't up to much, both were decidedly flat.
3) The rugby was on, but there weren't many people in there. The Barrels must have had about a hundred crammed in there watching; this place (despite feeling twice the size in floorspace) barely mustered 20. Perhaps because of points one and two?? I ended up texting my chums who had stayed at the Barrels for an extra beer not to leave, as I was heading back with my other hardy companion!
Which is a real shame because the Victory has a lot going for it; it has the tap for Spinning Dog and it's quite spacious inside.
I'd give it another go when in Hereford, purely because I really want to be convinced that it can do much, much better than this.
In terms of the Hereford brewery taps, the Barrels is the easy winner.
|
Popped in last night for the first time - amazed! Lovely pub, had five ales on, all Spinning Dogg (I tried to Owd Bull - good beer). Skittle Alley, Quoits, Darts and pool all in place, also real log fire. Barmaid didn't have a float which wasn't a problem as we had change. Prices around the �2/�2.20 mark and personally I felt the pub had just as much character as down the road. Both great pubs and worth a visit. 7/10
|
Not sure why negative comments below. Visited here for the first time at the weekend as have enjoyed Spinning Dog beers elsewhere. Tried all 5 beers and all were excellent. Will come back next time I'm in Hereford.
|
"jimatvictory" has just PM'd me,and I suppose he's done the same to everyone else who's spoken a dissenting voice. Nothing derogatory mind you,a bit sarcastic about the aged CAMRA awards though. Fr Jack always returns,you never know when.............but its difficult to pass the Barrels. There's a hint or two to be had from there Jim.
|
hi all you folks that vist my pub and rate it about the beer it is well kept and turn over is high so nothing sits about secondly if u dont enjoy your visit why not inform me and not be faceless and hide behind a screen i am always more than happy to assit in anyway some of the reviews are unhelpful there are thousands of peaple that come to my pub and do enjoy them selfs here's to the backlash
|
Crap beer. Nice Spaniel puppy though.
|
This Pub has gone down hill since my previous visit which is a shame as they brew and provide several Ales here. Unfortunately, they do not seem to be very well kept and this lets the Pub doen in a major way as the welcome is friendly. Lets hope it improves again soon
|
Another disappointing visit as another beer being served from the bottom of the barrel. They tasted it and said yes it was getting to the bottom, then gave us another half of the same horrid beer. The Northumberland beer was OK but it seems to be their own beer that suffers, and it doesn't have so far to travel. I am wondering how it gets to stay in the Good Beer Guide if it stuggles to serve decent beer.
|
Visited to find the place empty,Sugarbabes blasting. The ale was ok but the place could only be described as moderate. The barwoman was more interested in winning the money the punters had lost the previous night. I stuck a pound in the jukebox but never heard me songs due to it being queued up with the barwomans "NOW 69" Britney Spears shite choices. A few punters from Grimsby in town for the soccer came but went,some without even getting served.
Proclaims CAMRA awards but all from years gone by...........A place seriously living on its past reputation.
|
Yes indeed, the good ship Victory has been holed below the waterline. The grog has gone off (tasks like they threw the old spinning dog's body in the brewing vats) and the crew stand by to repel boarders (by not changing the bed linen).
|
I was disappointed on a visit last week to find that of the 5 beers on the pumps when we called, only 2 ended up drinkable. We did get to see the Spinning Dog brewery at the back, and were given somne of the bottles, but had expected to spend some quality time in this interesting pub.
|
Despite its association with real ale, which will clearly endear it to CAMRA fans, this is in all other respects a bog-standard working clsss boozer in the back streets of a provincial town.
|
On recent visits the ale has been decidedly off - what is happening at the good ship Victory? Has someone taken their hand off the tiller?
|
Slightly odd layout and decor with a big room at the back for live performances. Some of the locals were irritatingly noisy, but there was no arguing with the Spinning Dog ales; I sampled three different brews all of which were superb especially the Organic Bitter.
|
This is a real nice pub, which i visited with the pool team from my local. The beer is good and the layout is good, although the clientile a bit pikeyesque. It even produces its own ale ive heard, though im not an ale drinker, this is always a good thing.
|
Admittedly the decor is naff but the range of real beers and ciders make this one of the best pubs in Hereford. Shame the little dog is now spinning in its grave. Usually good bands playing.
|
It is always quiet in the afternoon when I visit this pub but I do enjoy looking round pubs and there are plenty of features to see here. The beer is good and Spinning Dog brewery is just outside and can be seen from the rear of the long room. There are plenty of Spinning Dog ales to choose from, and usually a guest.
|
I was slightly disappointed with this pub, which was neither "old" nor "traditional" in terms of its interior layout and fittings. Traditional pubs do NOT have bars that resemble (somewhat poor) models of 18th century warships. I left with the feeling that this was an utterly typical theme pub, dreamed up by some 18 year old marketing man. Yes, it sold real ale, but real ale is not always sufficient reason to visit a pub.
|
A cavernous pub with some quirky and historic features. Mainly sells Spinning Dog beers which are brewed on site - the Stout is especially good. Well worth a visit if in Hereford.
|
The pub quix on tuesday is one of the best - if for the curry at the end of it. Nice pub love the ship stylings. Sadly its the other end of town for me so have to be going there on purpose rather than the random nights.
|
A commendable attempt to offer a wide range of ales in a city severely lacking in this area. With "The Barrels" just down the road I see no reason to go further into town, stick to these two. Has a wide range of events in the week. I particularly recommend the Quiz night on a Tuesday. Although at certain times in the year the profusion of students (who emerge like stinking rats, whenever there might be a few quid to win) tends to spoil things. Also the landlord (who could teach the Americans a few things about capitalism) is possibly the worst and most culturally illiterate quizmaster I've ever encountered.
|
Good old fashioned pub, with plenty of genuine non-plastic wood everywhere. Lots of choice of drinks. Gets crowded with live bands playing, but definitely good fun. Worth going to see the gorgeous 6ft young lady serving behind the bar!
|
Sarah - I've been thinking about your comments and do believe I was a bit harsh with my first comment. I was telling the truth about the vomit, but accept that it could just have been missed that day.
The first time I went I had a pint of the Radnorshire, thinking it was a guest, only to find that it wasn't, I have since been in quite a few times and haven't seen a guest, but then again I haven't been in for a while.
I think that I overeacted. As you know from my other posts, I think Hereford has some really bad pubs, and in a place like this, at least your dad had the balls to open a micro-brewery, and I always recommend his ales when I see them elsewhere.
Also, the pub has not been 'tarted up' and still has live bands, plus the huge range of ciders, which when I came to Hereford, I expected to find everywhere, only to find that they are as rare as rocking horse shite, almost everyone choosing to drink the ubiquitous Strongbow or GL.
All in all, you should be praised and not slated for keeping the pub 'real'.
So. I apologise and retract my earlier statements. I have been trying to find how to take them off, but can't.
Rated 8
|
Yeah, but you would say that wouldn't you.
I agree, they are now doing a genuine guest, but the truth is that the first time I went in someone had genuinely been sick, as I said. I was extremely dissapointed as I had been assured by friends that this was 'the best pub in town'.
I thought the point of this message board was to put our point of view. Well, that is what I am doing.
|
Spacious Pub, home to the Spinning dog Brewery. A huge range of Spinning Dog ales plus guest beers available all in excellent condition. Cider lovers take note: Six to seven local ciders or perries available at all times. Best Pub in Hereford.
|
Having worked at the victory for the last 4 years and used it as my local for several years before that, i find jimbo's comments just a tad misleading, and like his remarks about other pubs in the region should be taken with a pinch of salt. The pub reguarly has a guest ale on tap from a range of brewery's accross the country and does not try to fool anyone by claiming that ales our beer is brewed in another brewery, which can be clearly seen if the time was taken to look at the pump clip. It also boasts the biggest range of ciders in the city (6 in total), and has live music every saturday and sunday night. When it comes to the cleanliness of the pub, take it from me it is in a better state than the one that jimbo frequents. As for the clientellle being pretentious, i find it highly amusing that the majority of the people who drink in the victory are also regulars in the barrels of which he was only too happy to say how friendly they were. I feel that his comments show who the real pretentious party is, and is typical of some of the so called "elite" of real ale drinkers who are too quick to run down pubs in this area (see his comments on the imperial, the grapes etc,) because they do not comform to his idea of what a real pub is, and very rarely venture from there local to actually see the pubs around them.
M. Davies - 9 Nov 2004 14:58 |
i am jim kenyons daughter, sarah kenyon, writing in reference to what jimbo smith said. if he doesnt like the pub fair enough every one has there own opinions, but dont go on the internet and start making up false alligations. and for jimbos information there is always a guest beer on offer at the bar; so in summary get your facts right before you start slagging things off.thank you to everyone who likes the pub and has given positive feedback on the pub and brewery. thank you x x x
sarah kenyon - 8 Nov 2004 13:36 |
Great home delivery sunday dinners, highly reccomended! Go to the pub just to see the bar.
Andy - 10 Oct 2004 10:41 |
Although I've lived in Hereford 4 years, and Jim Kenyon's beers are from a true mico, I have never liked the pub. Probably something to do with the fact that on my first visit someone had been sick behind the radiator the night before and it was still there. Clientelle also a bit pretentious for me.
Spinning Dog beers excellent, but never seen a true guest beer in there. Don't be fooled by the Radnorshire, its brewed on the premises.
Jimbo Smith - 7 May 2004 19:03 |
The second of Hereford's two best pubs! Very friendly locals will show you around both pubs! Go for the Spinning Dog beers or any of the constantly changing range of fabulous guest beers on handpump in this galleon-shaped bar. On my visit (05/04/2003) I never got the chance to taste the home cooked food, but hear it comes recommended! Go there.
|
