This is the best pub as far as I am aware of in Loughton, just nearly bordering Epping Forest. I remember vaguely going to this pub with my parents when years ago we lived around here; it was no children allowed in the bar back then too.
The Victoria Tavern is lovely old fashioned looking pub with a small bar in the middle of a long narrow room. There are five hand pumps offering a selection of beers, on this occasion it was Adnams’ Bitter, Green King IPA, Doombar, Taylor’s Landlord and Black Sheep. The beers we tried were well kept and enjoyable after our long walk in the forest to find Loughton Camp an Iron Age fort. The Black Sheep was especially gorgeous here. They don’t accept cards here which is unusual now but as Loughton High Street with its numerous banks is only a short walk away it’s not a problem. It surprised us how peaceful the pub is despite being very busy and only a five minute walk from the very busy high street.
Food at the Victoria Tavern is outstanding, all the food we saw coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. The hubby had bangers and mash whilst I went for the steak and ale pie with mash however we both saw other dishes we would like to come back here to try. The meals were large enough for our heightened appetite after the 4 mile walk though the forest yet not to large that you would feel intimidated by the portion size.
Good food and beer by the forest, what more could you want on a sunny spring day?
You do have to put up with some daft folks in Loughton and for a very good description there is a great review here on the 20th Feb 2011:
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/58/5854/Victoria_Tavern/Loughton
Victoria Tavern
165 Smarts Lane
Loughton
IG10 4BP
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Here on Merseyside lots of pubs don't take cards. Last year, I saw a fellow saying to his mates, "The drinks are on me!" He ordered a big round and handed over his card, only to be told they didn't take them. He ended up having to scrounge the cash from the mates he'd generously just bought drinks for!
ReplyDeleteI notice that a lot when we are in York or similar, but down here cards are the norm. Personally I prefer using cash as the bill can creep up if using cards and you end up spending more than you were going to.
ReplyDeleteAlthough what an idiot, I always check before ordering that a place takes cards. :D