The Victoria, Highgate

Have lived in Highgate for 4-5 years and seen this pub change hands a few times.

It's a nice place, verging on gastro pub, and quiet too - I can't think of once when we haven't got a table there.

The beer is good and there are some nice little things like board games, a dart board, and even celebrity locals (Porkpie from Desmonds no less) who adds to the collection of Highate eccentrics mingling at the bar.

You may want to avoid Sunday evenings though, as there often seems to be some kind of wartime sing along which is hard to get away from.

As for the latest owners, there seemed to be minimal changes to the interior, but we noticed a new menu and a new friendly barman who often pops round tables to see if you are ok for drinks.

The one big downside with the new owners is that the pub now smells really badly of fried food. They need to sort this out as it's pretty off-putting and hits you as soon as you come through the door.

Maybe take a table in the garden while the weather is nice instead!

5 Jul 2009 15:57