The Victoria is a renowned pub located in the heart of Birmingham, celebrated for its striking Victorian architecture and rich history. This establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike, featuring an extensive range of ales and traditional British cuisine. The pub has retained many of its original features, providing a glimpse into Birmingham's past, making it an attractive spot for those exploring the city. With its vibrant decor and friendly service, The Victoria serves as an ideal gathering place for socializing and enjoying local culture.
What each source says
- Google 4.3 2,031
- Tripadvisor 4.0 338
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Excellent food The Victoria serves delicious food, especially their burgers and pizzas. Reviewers consistently compliment the quality and taste of the food, as well as the value for money.
- Extensive drink selection This pub offers a wide range of drinks including real ales, craft beers, cocktails, and a comprehensive spirits selection. Knowledgeable staff can help you navigate the choices and create custom cocktails.
- Friendly and attentive staff Many reviewers praised the staff for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Several staff members were mentioned by name for providing excellent service and creating a welcoming environment.
- Good location near transport and attractions The Victoria is conveniently located near New Street Station and the Alexandra Theatre. This makes it an ideal spot for pre-theater drinks or a post-travel meal.
- Great atmosphere The Victoria has a lively and fun atmosphere, especially on weekends, with a mix of locals and visitors. The decor is quirky and interesting, making it a memorable place to spend time.
Criticised
- Can get crowded The pub can get very busy, especially on weekends, which can make it difficult to find a table or get served quickly. The popularity contributes to the atmosphere but can also be a drawback.
- Inconsistent service While many reviewers praise the staff, some have experienced slow service or encountered staff unfamiliar with the complexities of real ale. Staffing and training inconsistencies affect some visits.
- Limited draft beer selection upstairs For events held in the upstairs function room, the draft beer selection is more limited compared to the downstairs bar. This can be disappointing for guests who prefer a wider choice of beers.
- Loud music Some reviewers have noted that the music can be quite loud, potentially affecting conversation and enjoyment. The volume may be a concern for those sensitive to noise or seeking a quieter environment.
- Toilet issues Some reviewers have mentioned issues with the cleanliness or condition of the toilets, including a lack of locks on some doors and unpleasant smells emanating from the facilities.
The longer read
The Victoria is a popular pub and live music venue located near New Street Station and the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. It is known for its quirky, eclectic decor, friendly staff, and wide selection of drinks, including real ales, craft beers, cocktails, and whiskies. The atmosphere is generally lively and fun, especially on weekends, although some reviewers have noted it can get crowded. Many reviewers describe the pub as having a traditional or Victorian feel, while also being hip and modern. The pub attracts a diverse clientele. Several reviewers appreciate the artwork and unique design elements of the pub.
Several reviewers highlight the staff as being particularly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable about the drinks they serve. Many name specific staff members who provided exceptional service, such as Amy, Becky, Eamonn, Lewis, Mark, Steve, Victoria, Stephen and Tim. Some reviewers specifically mention the cocktail masterclasses offered at The Victoria, praising the staff who lead them for their knowledge and entertainment value. Others enjoyed the 2-for-1 cocktail offers.
The Victoria offers an upstairs venue space suitable for parties and gigs, equipped with a bar, DJ desk, stage, projector, and independent toilets. The venue is praised for being accommodating to large groups and events. Live music is a regular feature, with some reviewers specifically mentioning enjoying the bands they saw there.
The food menu at The Victoria focuses on pub fare such as burgers and pizzas. Several reviewers praise the quality of the food, particularly the burgers, sweet potato fries, and pizzas. Some reviewers recommend specific burgers like the Piggy Moo and Black & Blue. While most reviewers seem satisfied with the food, some note that the menu is limited.
While the majority of reviews are positive, some reviewers mention a few potential drawbacks. A few reviewers mention that the music can be loud at times, which may not be ideal for everyone. A small number of reviewers commented on the condition of the gents' toilets, suggesting they could use some improvement. One reviewer mentioned slow service due to the pub being busy. Another reviewer noted that the prices of doubles can be high. However, these negative comments are relatively infrequent compared to the positive feedback.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 121 633 9439
- Website
- thevictoriabirmingham.co.uk
| Mon | 16:00 - 23:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 16:00 - 23:00 |
| Wed | 16:00 - 23:00 |
| Thu | 15:00 - 23:00 |
| Fri | 15:00 - 1:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 2:00 |
| Sun | Closed |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.3 against a median of 4.5 across the 66 venues we hold for Birmingham, where the most-reviewed is Birmingham Airport.
Still deciding?
- What types of ales and local brews does The Victoria offer and are there any seasonal selections?
- What are the peak hours or days at The Victoria, and how might that affect a visitor’s experience?
- What original Victorian architectural details are preserved inside The Victoria and are they highlighted for visitors?
- What traditional British dishes are available at The Victoria and are there options suitable for children or dietary restrictions?
- What are the best public transport routes or parking options for reaching The Victoria in Birmingham’s city centre?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.