The Victoria

The Victoria is under new management, and until they learn to treat their customers like the last managers rather than with utter contempt, I suggest you avoid. As it is just around the corner from me, I have been a regular visitor to this restaurant for around 18 months and had never experienced the service problems mentioned by other reviewers, a touch on the pricey side perhaps, but overall excellent.

Unfortunately, it has taken a depressing step backwards to the bad old days. To be fair, the food isn't bad (although still overpriced) but by the time it arrives, who cares? If you can unclench your jaw sufficiently to sample it then you're obviously better at dealing with frustration than I am. The new managers will quickly fritter away any goodwill that the restaurant has built up with its local customers in recent times, as although there isn't a lot of choice at the quality end of the spectrum in East Sheen, I'd rather travel further afield than endure another meal here. Making this place work shouldn't be rocket science: well-off demographic + few decent alternatives = shooting fish in a barrel, right? Maybe, but they needn't laugh in your face while they pick your pocket. Avoid.
Comment on this reader review

abu892
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 2
Wednesday, July 30, 2008

We used to go to The Victoria a lot but haven’t been there for almost a year until we went again with friends last week. The food was good (it always has been in our experience) but the most welcome change was that the service was really good as well. It’s always been friendly but not always very efficient in the past. Apparently they’ve got a new manager.
Comment on this reader review

Angus Gardner
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, November 07, 2007

I couldn't agree more with the latest review. I've been here a number of times over the past couple of years (each time I vow it will the last - but this time it really was). Service is consistently atrocious. They can't cook a steak to save their lives. And clearly have no idea when to bring which condiments to the table at which point.

I will simply not go here again. Best kept secret my foot.
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 1
Tuesday, February 06, 2007

We live in Sheen and have never had a good experience in this place, ever, from the time it's opened.

The service is lousy and surly, the food overpriced and not particularly well-cooked.

The attached B&B is expensive, with pokey rooms. The fact that The Victoria continues to survive can only be down to its convenient location for the locals.

The people running this "gastro-pub" need to get a grip on the concept of service.
Comment on this reader review

Jack Whittaker
Overall rating
Food 1 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 1
Friday, January 26, 2007

If you live in the Richmond/Sheen area and hadn’t ever heard of this restaurant, there’s a good reason why – for years the regulars have been trying to keep it secret. This is a bright, welcoming, children-friendly ‘gastro-pub’ at its best. It’s got a wonderful garden, super wine list, fantastic varied menu and great staff. And it’s an ideal place to head for after a walk in Richmond Park (so long as you don’t plan to bring along your dog). Do book in advance and do print off a directional map!
Comment on this reader review

Emily Mardon Taylor
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, November 22, 2006

I went to the Victoria in Summer for a weekend lunch in the courtyard with 2 friends and my two small dogs. I asked at the bar whether i could take my dogs into the courtyard and was told i could. We sat down and gave our drinks order which was taken while we perused the menu. The next thing the manager approached and very rudely told us we dogs were not permitted. We explained we had sought prior approval but were basically told to drink up and get out - our 3 glasses of pimms cost £15 and we never got to sample the seemingly overpriced for what you get menu. I would not recommend this restaurant based on the rudeness of the staff.
Comment on this reader review

E Evans
Overall rating
Food 0 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 0
Thursday, October 12, 2006

what a great little restaurant tucked away in the back of Sheen, it took a little finding but once there we were welcomed by a charming redhead who didn't mind that we were running a bit late.

The food was georgeous and the wine the aforementioned redhead helped us choose was a perfect accompaniment to the meal. This place knows how to make any night a special occasion.
Comment on this reader review

Jeof
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Sunday, September 24, 2006

Went there last night (Sept 13th 2006) and will certainly never be returning. Food average at best , loin of pork looked and tasted like granny's old joint of ham at xmas. Our bill came to over £400 yet the service that we received was quite appalling. Dont ever recall waiting staff having such a complete disregard for their customers .
Comment on this reader review

Overall rating
Food 3 | Service 0 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 1
Thursday, September 14, 2006

I've been here a couple of times. The food is good, if a little pricey. The service has always been excellent.
Comment on this reader review

David
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, July 27, 2006

This place is excellent. We had our wedding reception here and the staff we an absolute delight. Food is great, if a little pricey. Not the place to go at the weekend if you don't like kids.
Comment on this reader review

Big Al - View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, July 27, 2006