Pub Review: Victoria Bar, Leith, Edinburgh
Name: Victoria Bar
Location: 265 Leith Walk, Edinburgh
Beers Selection: Not great, limited to a mainstream selection, albeit one that wants to project an image of alternativeness. The usual faux-alternate brands are here; Amstel, Hefferveisen, Weissbrau, Duechers, Guiness. The house wines, both red and white are good but the bar lacks rotational, guest, or frankly, any great beers. In Edinbugh this kind of establishment should at least have something by Brewdog or Black Isle if it wants to market itself as a quality drinking hole but it falls down badly here.
Atmosphere: In this case Victoria Bar is marvellous. This place has a stunning atmosphere. Very bubbly as the place is whenever Ale to the King been , it has a lot of different facets. There seems to be a few age groups here, from the more mature students to the bulk of the crowd which is mid-twenties to people into their early 30s. Everyone has the same mentality though; lively yet unobtrusive.
Staff: Unfailingly friendly. These people seem to be always pleasant, swift and immediate. They have a relaxed manner which is more than welcoming. Its a homely, fashionable youthful crew.
Decor: What can Ale to the King say other than very, very good? The front/bar end of the establishment has an old world charm about it with very nice old fashioned windows. This is mixed with a Victoriana-cum-70s aesthetic, if that makes any sense.
There’s a small area just to the right behind the bar that’s covered in beautifully lit, charmingly done fairy lights. Sadly right next to them is the toilets.
Up a couple of stairs is a lovely area where sofas wrap the back wall. This is nicely complemented by rope lights lining these; cheesy yes, but in its own way charming. The roof, strewn with fairy lights, add something extra. The place has a low-lit sexy atmosphere.
Victoria is a fine bar, the decor, the atmoshere, the ambience. It would be brilliant if they had a better range of good beer.
A good hang out.
Ale to the King. 