After a sun-soaked day on Burnham-on-Sea’s beach, the town offers an impressive choice of pubs to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger. Within just a stone’s throw of the seafront, I counted five pubs, with many more scattered throughout town.
Nestled close to the jetty, the Victoria Hotel faces stiff competition. It boasts the classic pub staples: gambling machines, a pool table, flat-screen TVs tuned to sports, and even several charity donation boxes along the bar. But what truly sets the Victoria apart is its cheeky sense of humor—a haven for fans of dad jokes.
The walls are adorned with witty quips, such as, “Alcohol is not the answer— it just makes you forget the question,” and “You come from dust, you will return to dust. That’s why we don’t dust, it might be a customer!” These jokes add a delightful, light-hearted atmosphere to the space.
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Despite the playful humor, the pub is clean, spacious, and bright, with a recently refreshed interior. Curious about its age, I asked the bartender. He admitted he didn’t know the exact history but confirmed the pub had been there as long as he’d been working.
The Victoria Hotel’s origins stretch back to the mid-1800s, its name honoring the reign of Queen Victoria. While an exact construction date remains elusive, the earliest advertisement found dates to 1886.
I wondered if George Reed, a notable local figure with a rags-to-riches story, had been behind the pub’s establishment. Born in 1805 as the illegitimate son of a chambermaid, Reed rose to wealth and prominence despite early setbacks, including bankruptcy. He ultimately became a generous philanthropist who shaped much of Burnham-on-Sea’s character, funding the Reed Arms pub, local terraces, and even the town’s railway.
Although the timeline aligns with Reed’s life, there’s no evidence he financed the Victoria Hotel. Given Reed’s flamboyant reputation, if he had, the story sure would have been told.
Turning my attention to the food, I opted for the Victoria’s trio of starters priced at £12.49—a tempting offer for the indecisive diner. My selection included crispy king prawns, mozzarella sticks, and southern fried chicken in gravy, served with three different sauces.
The platter arrived promptly, but I couldn’t help noticing an overwhelming abundance of crispy, golden batter. No vegetables in sight. It looked like a meal whipped up by a sleep-deprived student hastily juggling an essay deadline. The starter menu had no green options, so I’d have to take responsibility for the lack of balance.
Still, the starters were enjoyable. The southern fried chicken with gravy offered a hearty, British take on a classic, while the mozzarella sticks bounced with freshness.
I ended up boxing half my meal to enjoy later, a blessing for when I got home and wanted a convenient snack.
Would I recommend the Victoria Hotel? It’s a pleasant spot with a friendly, humorous vibe but doesn’t quite stand out as uniquely exceptional in a town full of pubs. If you visit, share the starter platter with friends and enjoy the dad jokes on the walls.
The Victoria Hotel is open daily—from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 11 p.m. on Sundays. Food service runs noon to 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, with extended hours until 5 p.m. on Sundays.