Back at the turn of the twentieth century, my great-great-grandfather and his sprawling rat’s nest of a family lived about five doors down from this glorious building. Proximity, ease and the alcoholism that he’d pass on through the generations make me think that this place was his local and if that’s true, then he did us proud. The Victoria is a cozy, affable pub with enough charm to fill Lake Windermere and plenty of corners to sit in and slurringly philosophise your way into the early hours. Live music, quizzes and a good selection of draughts give you no particular reason to leave. I’m just peeved I don’t live five doors away.