TOP 100 PUBS – THE VICTORIA FAMILY & COMMERCIAL, LEEDS

May 2026. Leeds.

3 hours between train in Leeds, time for the Freedom breakfast in Spoons (Becketts Bank), the culture,

and a pint in a re-opened classic.

Oh, they’ve got rid of the “Family” in the title. Sign of the times.

Anyway, the Victoria, one of the Leeds gems, refurbished by the ubiquitous Kirkstall Brewery, and it’s one of the most stunning pubs I’ve ever been in.

Shame about the roadworks on Great George Street,

but inside it’s as big a “wow” moment as it ever was,

and (importantly) the beer is as good as the furnishings.

In 2018 the Vic had the weakest on our Proper Pub crawl, and in truth the Kirkstall beers have sometimes been a bit average in their flagship pubs like the Cardigan.

But first out the pumps at noon the Dissolution and the Five Points Porter were cool and chewy (4), immaculate in their own glassware.

Half an hour later, Mrs RM made as if to put on her jacket.

“Or we could stay for another one ?“. It wasn’t a question.

I guess having your own booth near the bar as a pub starts to fill up makes it psychologically harder to leave.

I had the Harvey’s where that spotless glass really adds to the presentation (NBSS 4, again).

As comfortable a pub as any since Atherstone, and if you can bear the soundtrack (an 80’s Bank Holiday special of “Turn to Stone”, “Uncertain Smile” and “The Safety Dance”) it might already be my favourite in Leeds. At least until the Duncan re-opens.

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Published by retiredmartin

Retired NHS, doing long walks around UK and the world to record the great bits. Focused on Good Beer Guide pubs and live music.

18 thoughts on “TOP 100 PUBS – THE VICTORIA FAMILY & COMMERCIAL, LEEDS”

  2. I’ve had enough of Harveys for a while after a week in its heartland, but the beer range looks ace. I haven’t been to the Victoria for donkeys. I’m due a revisit.

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    1. Yes Dick, I remember Richard Coldwell in May 2018 liking the Victoria, a pub that was fitted out as convincingly as Humphrey’s Princess Louise.

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    1. Yes Lana, there was a time when booths were sought for privacy, or even intimacy. Now though about all there is in Stafford is the Post Office one I used for a photograph with having to replace my old paper driving license on approaching a significant birthday just over a year ago.
      I’m told Booths is the best supermarket up North, and I’ve used the Windermere one.

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  5. Oooh like me, you do like a booth !!

    Amazing photos, I’ve never seen it so empty.

    We got the last seats in the house on Saturday, and only just because a kind lady waved at us (5 of us) they were going. Railway porter and 3 Swords did a wonderful job on me, was happy and wobbly for hours afterwards…

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  6. Just like when I met you both.

    My Dad brought me up with the phrase ‘you’ve got to get in early to get a seat’, and its been my lifes ethos wherever possible. Being RR ( Retired Rich) helps….

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  7. Funnily enough I was in there last month, with Stewart the blind brewer who founded Ilkley Brewery and Wharfedale brewery. Excellent all round.

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  8. Was doing very good business yesterday with the post-work crowd, though my Harvey’s was not quite in the same league as yours. Wonderful pub though with really good staff.
    Alex

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