After a sun-soaked day on the Burnham-on-Sea beach, the challenge isn’t just quenching your hunger—it’s choosing from the many local pubs nearby. Within steps of the seafront, I spotted no fewer than five, with many more dotted around town.
Among them, the Victoria Hotel sits just a stone’s throw from the jetty, sporting all the familiar trappings of a traditional pub: gambling machines, a pool table, flat-screen TVs tuned to sports, and several charity donation boxes near the bar. But the real draw here? Dad jokes scattered on the walls, providing a unique blend of humor and hospitality.
“If alcohol isn’t the answer, it just makes you forget the question,” reads one. Another quips, “I get paid to be nice at work. Not sure why my friends and family expect it for free!” And humor abounds with lines like, “You come from dust, you will return to dust. That’s why we don’t dust – it might be a customer!”
READ MORE: Londoners Drive Housing Crisis in Somerset’s Frome, Pricing Out Locals
READ MORE: Somerset Hedgehog Charity Faces Closure Amid Financial Crisis
Don’t be fooled by the cheeky humor; the Victoria is meticulously maintained, with a bright and spacious interior that suggests a recent makeover. Though the bartender wasn’t sure of the building’s exact age, the pub’s history stretches back as far as 1886, named after Queen Victoria’s reign in the mid-1800s.
Intrigued by the pub’s past, I wondered about local figures like George Reed, a man whose life story is as colorful as the town’s history. Born in humble circumstances in 1805 and rising from setbacks to immense wealth, Reed shaped much of Burnham-on-Sea’s landscape, funding landmarks like the Reed Arms pub and developing the railways. While the Victoria Hotel likely wasn’t his project, his influence looms large over the town.
Amid these reflections, I remembered to order food. Their three-starter deal at £12.49 is perfect for the indecisive. I went for crispy king prawns, mozzarella sticks, and southern fried chicken in gravy—a decidedly indulgent, batter-heavy trio. No greens to balance the plate, but the starters were satisfying, especially shared with friends.
The southern fried chicken offered a charming British twist on an American favorite, while the mozzarella sticks were delightfully bouncy. Portions were generous, so much that half the meal ended up as a takeaway, promising a tasty encore at home.
Would I recommend the Victoria Hotel? It’s a pleasant spot, featuring hearty pub classics and enough personality to hold its own in Burnham-on-Sea’s bustling pub landscape. If you visit, bring company and share the starters—and enjoy the laughs along with your pint.
Open every day: 9am–11pm Monday through Saturday, noon–11pm Sundays. Food is served noon–3pm and 4pm–8pm Monday to Saturday, and noon–5pm Sundays.