The Victoria

Enthroned at the side of a busy road on Highgate’s outer reaches, this unassuming gastropub is as diminutive as its namesake monarch, with a few small tables out front & not many more in the unfussy interior. At weekends the place fills with local families. You’ll find staples such as bangers & mash on the menu (though the sausages are ‘of the day’, the potato is actually bubble & squeak, & the gravy is caramelised onion), & there are traditional roasts on Sundays. But there are European overtones too – tapas that can be boosted to starter size, such as courgette, feta & mint fritters; & desserts like Cointreau pannacotta with lavender poached pear. The wine list offers some winning bottles at less-than-regal prices, & friendly staff pull pints of Timothy Taylor, Doom Bar & guest ales.