About This Pub
Ah, The Victoria – it's one of those pubs that really pulls you in with its charm, isn't it? From what I've gathered chatting through the reviews, it's got this brilliant mix of fresh food, proper real ales, and live music that makes for a cracking night out. I love how they do those Sunday roasts, which folks are calling gorgeous, and the pizzas from Dirty Dough sound like a winner for a casual bite. The outside area is apparently the star of the show, perfect for a sunny afternoon or evening session. Overall, with a solid 4.6 rating from heaps of reviews, it's clear most people are walking away chuffed. But let's be straight, it's not all beer and skittles – some have mentioned staff who aren't as friendly as you'd hope, which can sour the vibe, especially if you're in a big group. There's also that odd feeling of it trying to be both a pub and a restaurant, with deposits for tables and pressure to order food, which might not suit if you're just popping in for a pint. And while the food's generally good, a few burgers have been a bit disappointing, dry and on the pricey side. Still, for anyone in Hitchin looking for a proper pub experience, I'd say give it a go – it's got that heart and soul, as long as you go in with realistic expectations.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The Sunday roasts are an absolute treat – one reviewer raved about how gorgeous they were, and it's clear they're a highlight for a proper pub meal.
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They've got a cracking selection of real ales, and the staff often go out of their way to help you find one you'll love, making it feel personal and welcoming.
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The atmosphere is spot on, with live music, a brilliant outside area, and that cosy corner pub vibe that makes you want to linger.
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The pizzas from Dirty Dough are authentic and excellent, plus there's street food options that add a fun twist to the menu.
Cons
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Some staff members can come across as less than welcoming, which has disappointed a few folks, especially in larger groups.
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There's a bit of confusion about whether it's more pub or restaurant – like needing a deposit to book and hassle if you're not ordering food, which might put off casual visitors.
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A couple of dishes, such as the burgers, have been described as dry and overcooked, and things can feel a tad pricey for what you get.
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It gets really packed at times, leading to mixed service experiences, particularly on busy nights.
Contact Information
1 Ickleford Rd, Hitchin SG5 1TJ
+441462432682
Pub
Opens at 16:00
Opening Hours
| Monday (Today) | 16:00 - 23:00 |
| Tuesday | 16:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday | 16:00 - 23:00 |
| Thursday | 16:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Recent Reviews
Went for the Sunday roast which was gorgeous. Staff were super friendly and helped me find a beer I liked as well.
Great atmosphere and food (pizza) excellent plus good range of beers and wine. Great Friday evening vibes. 2 members of staff (younger/older in age) were less welcoming/hospitable and noted by several independent members of our large party which was disappointing especially as we had large spend on the evening. This was not our usual experience when we visited this pub regularly some years ago and is hopefully a one off
This is the best pub in Hitchin, no doubt about it. Warm welcome when we arrived. We used to live in Hitchin, and frequented this alot. Haven't been for two years, but we were welcomed like we only were in yesterday. Lovely character corner pub, with a brilliant outside area, star of the show being the pizzas. Highly recommend the mushroom, with truffle oil. Excellent. Pub does not have a car park, but plenty in town. Trendy crowd. Brilliant.
I think personally that this pub needs to decide whether it is a pub or a restaurant. Having to pay a deposit to book a table and then be met with hostility if all of your party do not order food. Advertising to watch big sporting events whilst tables have diners enjoying a roast dinner full of families of all ages. Hardly the place for newborns, dogs etc. Then to be told you can't be loud when your supporting an England win. There is never enough staff waiting tables which results in rude customer service. Heaters are often not on outdoors even in very cold temperatures. They don't seem to value feedback. The lady behind the bar, can be aggressive & rude when she feels the need. The pizza's are quite soggy in the middle which can't be picked up. The chicken burgers were definitely over done recently.
Came here as a group on a Saturday night just before Christmas. It was really packed but the service was really quick. Me and a couple of others had the burgers and were slightly disappointed. My festive veggie burger was a bit dry and over cooked. It was also a bit on the pricey side.
The pizzas on the other hand, looked amazing! We sat outside and had heaters and fires to keep you warm..
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