Thanks Stephanie for recommending (and the sampling) of the Well's Banana Bread / Young's Double Chocolate Stout mixed. It was awesome! Cool place where you can relax(at least when I was there- not crowded at all) and a nice happy hour. Excellent friendly, helpful service w/ a smile!
(4)
Huamei Y.
I came here a few weeks ago for Quizzo night and food. As soon I entered I noticed the dark bar decor that is common on British bars. Some of my friends ordered beer - they have a decent selection. I got the curried cheese chips which is hand cut fries with cheese and curry sauce. The curry sauce flavor was a bit strong for me, considering they advertise it as "mild". The bread pudding (I think that's what it was called) was decent as well. My friends really enjoyed their fish and chips. Service was great, the waiter was very attentive despite the fact that we were so distracted by the game. I'm not blown away by the food but then again British food isn't that great :P Overall, it was fun because of the quizzo game and the accommodating staff.
(3)
Di P.
My vegetarian friend wasn't particularly happy about this place which made me laugh. We're at a British pub, where there aren't a ton of interesting vegetarian choices other than the tikka pizza and vegetable curry-- neither of which she ordered, so I told her she wasn't allowed to have an overall opinion of the place, she could only give me the vegetarian point of view. She ordered the beet salad and then after tasting my mushy peas, ordered it and raved about it (as did I). Other foods sampled: curry cheese chips-- which were soggy, but tasty; Guinness Burger with stilton cheese which was delicious, but not anything to make a special trek for; Irish Whiskey Bread Pudding-- which was not very sweet and pretty good. Honestly, the things that made this place shine were the lovely people who worked here and the fact that we accidentally stumbled upon Harry Potter Quizzo which happens only every couple of months. The place was lit with floating candles for effect and there were serious Potterheads in here. We had a butter beer (not as good as the ones served at Universal) and we came in second to last place in quizzo, but had a lot of fun. I'd come again, get a little more adventurous with the food and update my review!
(3)
Mario N.
They have a great beer selection. The Old Speckled Hen is worth the trip. They have authentic British food...right down to the lousy taste. So go for the British and Scottish beers...the scotch egg is pretty good though!
(3)
Ade B.
There were only a few people at the bar when I stopped by for dinner with my girlfriend. There was no host or waitress when we walked in so the bartender had to seat us and take our order. Eventually a waitress showed up for work by the time a few more customers showed up. I ordered the bangers and mash since it's a famous British dish. It was not any better that what I could make at home with any random sausage. It can't possibly be indicative of what the meal tastes like in England. I have no confidence that Victoria Freehouse is an authentic British pub.
(2)
Mandi S.
Nice bar, great happy hour m-f from 4-7. Fantastic staff, calm laid back atmosphere. Perfect after a hot long day. :) COME HERE! You can't be disappointed. Food and beer are 4-5 stars! Staff 5! Atmosphere 5! British, Irish, Scottish yummies.
(5)
Mark Z.
Was kind of excited to eat here, but it was lackluster. The tap list and bottle choices was great, with beers from various areas of Britain and even the U.S. Our waitress seemed to be inattentive toward my girlfriend and I, and busy with her phone or talking with the bartender. I ordered sausage and chips, and it was underwhelming. The sausage was lukewarm and some of the fries were burnt. Sadly, I doubt I will eat here again, but just have a drink at a bar.
(2)
Jay W.
Stopped in for drinks, the place was pretty quiet, but that bartender told me this isn't usually the case. Interesting selection of beers, including a few seasonal winter beers. I was pretty psyched that they serve mead here, in fact they have two varieties. The menu looks interesting and I absolutely could like to come back for lunch. It is apparently owned by the same people from the British Chip Shop in Haddonfield, NJ (which I have enjoyed). I imagine the British chip shop vibe would go much better in a place that can serve pints.
(3)
Gia M.
Because I am a nerd and can't stay away from anything that has to do with Harry Potter, I made reservations for the Harry Potter Quizzo here a MONTH in advance (and lucky, too, because I got one of the last tables available). I spent all of July eagerly anticipating my costume and the excitement surrounding the showing off of my (otherwise) useless Harry Potter knowledge. Fast-forward to July 31, and I was decked out in my Hermione costume. We got there early enough that they hadn't started serving drinks yet, but team ordered some food to get us started. Since I can't ever order anything normally, I forewent the fish and chips and instead ordered sausage and chips. Yum! I thought the fries (the chips, excuse me) were just okay, but the sausage was really juicy and flavorful, so it evened out. We didn't order anything but the specialty drinks, and my personal favorite was the Avada Kedavra--whiskey and apple combined to make a deliciously evil cocktail. They could have easily been deadly, but I had to drive, so I did not have as many as I would like. The rest of the event was a great effort-- the Quizzo questions were on point, and the special treats were imaginative and well-thought-out. The butterbeer was not as magical as I had hoped and was fairly weak, and the dragon eggs (Scotch eggs dyed green) were a little too lurid to eat, but a strong nerd event regardless! I don't have the cash to get across the pond, but I'd say that Victoria Freehouse is probably the next best thing.
(3)
DanaJoy88 ..
This place is okay for a nice gin cocktail. There menu is kind of limited and doesn't change but if you have a craving for some UK classics then go for it. Overall their main bartender can sometimes be a little patronizing and crabby but with a great beer and cocktail options you just deal and ignore her.
(3)
Karol S.
Best chicken wings I've had in the city!! And the salads are so good as well; this place is a hidden gem!
(5)
Matthew H.
Nearly deserted on a Thurs. nite. Great draft list. We had Welsh rabbit, which had melted cheese rather than a cheese sauce. Our server was friendly, if not particularly knowledgeable about beer. Upstairs is a rowdy karaoke bar, but it is possible to carry on a conversation here. Seems to be gay-friendly.
(5)
Weining B.
Great to find a Liverpool bar right along the river! With awesome beer, hearty portions, and the most yummy deviled eggs, You'll Never Walk Alone!
(5)
Kevin R.
Hard to believe that I'm in Philadelphia enjoying a bitter poured from a firkin, fish and chips with mushy peas, and a decent sticky toffee pudding. Victoria Freehouse got the details spot on right down to the bottle of HP sauce next to the malt vinegar! Our bartender Stephanie was terrific and let us know about the happy hour specials and upcoming events...I'll wear my Rooney jersey next time I'm in....go Man Utd!
(4)
Gina V.
I went here with my roommate and my cousin for my cousin's birthday dinner on Saturday night. The service was excellent, our server was cheerful and attentive, and the food came pretty quickly. I had the chicken salad sandwich, and it was delicious! The fries were big and soft and yummy. My cousin enjoyed the shepherd's pie, and my roommate liked her sausage (hey, get your mind out of the gutter!). The seating was a little awkward, with church pews on one side of the table with seats angled slightly so you slid back, and stools on the other. Not uncomfortable, just a bit awkward. The prices were decent, and the portions were filling, although this isn't a place where you'll likely have leftovers. What bumps it up to five stars for me is this: at the end of the night, my cousin bought two Mars bars (one for himself and one for me), and our server told him one was on her because it was his birthday. I was so touched that she went above and beyond to make his quarter-life-crisis birthday special! My only regret is not trying this place out sooner, like when I lived just about right above it.
(5)
Herbie H.
I stopped in to the Victoria Freehouse with my boyfriend for a casual dinner on a friday night. I had scoped out the menu and saw a good number of things that piqued my interest. For happy hour, all pub snacks were half priced, and the pints were only $5 - a great deal. We chose to go the appetizer-as-meal route and opt for a few pub snacks to munch on. We tried the bacon wrapped dates, deviled eggs, and the sausage roll. We also ordered the baked mac and cheese appetizer. We didn't leave very full by any means - but it was a great variety of things to munch on after work. We actually ordered another plate of the deviled eggs because they were so good. All around, the food was very good. We saw a few of the entrees come out for other tables and practically started drooling, they looked so good. Service was very friendly - our server was casual, friendly, knowledgable, and helpful. Definitely will be returning!
(4)
Rychard G.
My family visited phyladelphia for the first time and after visiting the aquarium the new jersey and independence hall my son had a craving for fish and chips. This is where yelp comes in ... we typed best fish and chips in philadelphia and this gem appeared. We were not disappointed. We arrived early for dinner and the cozy pub was not busy thankfully. Having three children one appreciates fast service. We ordered three fish and chips which where huge see photos. My daughter ordered their sausage roll which appeared to be homemade and was excellent. So much so that we recommended it to a family which sat down after we did. The beet salad with goat cheese was excellent. I had a pint of porter which was among the huge selection of draft beer and scotch. The price was very reasonable and the service was excellent. I have since recommended the Victorian to friends who were also not dissapointed.
(5)
Kathleen D.
I probably shouldn't be admitting this on a public website, but, well. Okay. Here goes. Well. Okay. Let's hold up a second. You see, I'm American, with a heritage of Irish and Italian roots. I studied abroad in Switzerland, and traveled to lots of Western Europe during that time, aside from England. The Brits.. I just haven't really paid attention to their food all that much, I suppose. Okay. Here goes, for real now: I didn't know chips were fries until Friday night at Victoria Freehouse. I know. Embarrassing. Hiding now. Moving on, this place is great! We arrived around 8 p.m. and had our pick of tables. I chose the chicken and chips, because I don't eat fish, and was surprised by how huge the portion turned out to be. It couldn't be finished. The "chips" (fries) were really good, too. Even if they weren't chips. My favorite part of the night was the Bramble, a blackberry gin cocktail. A definite must try. I'd go back just for that drink.
(4)
Newt C.
Visited on a cold Sunday night while family was visiting from down south. Our server, Rita, was quick to greet us. Started off with a few beers. They have a great selection of draft and bottles. We tried the soup of the day, which was tomato bisque, and a scotch egg. Both were very good. For dinner we ordered some of the house specialties. Bangers & mash, fish & chips, and shepherds pie were perfect and came highly recommended by our server. For dessert, my brother orderded the Valentine's day special "Love cake." Rita was quick to point out that it was good, but the best dessert they made was the sticky toffee pudding. She then brought us out a sample on the house, and it was amazing! I'm not one to write many restaurant reviews, but this restaurant deserved one. Great food and great service has me wanting to go back soon, and bring friends to try it out.
(5)
Michelle S.
What a great find! My husband and I went on a Saturday afternoon. It wasn't too busy, so you could really see all of this place. Super clean and nice appointed. The bartender was great. Chatted us up the whole time we were there and had excellent food and beverage suggestions. I had the Pimm's Cup and Scotch Egg-both very traditional and delicious.I also had the house pickles, which you can tell that they make there. So fresh! My husband had a beer (Tennent's Lager), which he really enjoyed and Shepherd's Pie. Can't wait to come back here to try more!
(5)
Cameron P.
Authentic British pub. Good beer selection and friendly staff. I have had the Welsh rarebit, sausage roll and the fish and chips. All were good but the fish and chips was the best I have had in philly. Check it out you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Todd G.
Holy Bajeesus, Fuller's on tap. All imports. No crap beer for commoners. Bangers and mash are great. Scotch egg. Curry cheese chips. Push me over with a light breeze. This is my favorite pub in Philly. Stephanie and company will definitely improve your day.
(5)
Josh S.
My favorite place to hang out in Old City! Ed and Perry are amazing and Stef the bartender can make a mean drink. When I die, I want to be buried with their Bacon-Wrapped Dates, in my hand. Such a fun atmosphere, and I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Elva L.
we came here on labor day monday just looking for a low key meal. turned out they had all day specials, which was neat. service feels a little strained. i don't know why. i felt them trying, but it felt disjointed and a little unnatural. the tikka pizza was probably my favorite thing we tried. i mean, indian food and pizza is really kind of a genius move. beet cured deviled eggs? i'm going to say no thanks next time. the yolk mixture was too dry, and really didn't hit that creamy, fluffed texture it should have. the fish in fish'n'chips had the right batter, which was unusual and pleasant. often you get a place trying to do fish and chips because it's bar food, and they end up giving it a batter that's more of the chicken tenders/fish sticks variety, not the airy, greasy, puffed out batter the dish has when executed properly. it was a nice surprise to find the fish correctly battered and fried. mushroom on toast was adequate and unremarkable. if i must say something else-- it was just a little too salty, and noticeably relied heavily on butter to give it body and flavor, nearly to its detriment. crab and haddock cakes were also just okay. i liked that there wasn't a lot of breadcrumb filling, didn't like that there were very little discernible crab bits. i had a double gin and tonic per their special, and it came with a completely browned wedge of lime. i immediately took out the lime and set it to the side of the table. our bartender/server came up shortly after and took the lime wedge. when i got my second drink, he told me: 'i didn't put any limes this time, since you don't like them'. so i just nodded and said thanks as enthusiastically as i could. it seemed like it would be harsh to point out that i do like limes, but only if they're fresh. i mean, he was trying to anticipate a need and be helpful, even though he reasoned incorrectly. i wanted to give this place 2 stars as i have had better and don't see a reason to return (save, perhaps, for the tikka pizza just for its unique existence). on the other hand, my visit left me with no reason to avoid this place either. i guess the problem is that 'i've had better' and 'it's A-OK' aren't necessarily mutually exclusive categories to me. let's say 3 stars, then, just to be generous.
(3)
Chris J.
Stopped in here on a Friday night for a casual dinner and man was this place awesome. Authentic British pub - totally feels like the pub I visited when I was in London last year, except I didn't have to go to the bar to order food! Opted for the devil's on horseback and man, I wish there were more of these on the plate! Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with Stilton? Yes please! Oh yeah, and the fish and chips were also phenomenal! I couldn't believe the amount of fish and fries, pretty sweet! The sausage roll in puff pastry with the grain mustard was also pretty good! I'll be heading back here for some more pub food and British beers very soon!
(4)
Kevin J.
Sign on the door says "Daily Happy Hour 4-7pm," but my party is disappointed to learn that Saturday and Sunday are not even considered applicable as happy hour days, despite the advertisement suggesting otherwise. Curry fries are lacking in taste and did not quite have the proper texture or temp, but they were plentiful. We are sampling a few dishes. The wings are unappealing to me and none too big. The roast beef sandwiches are of good quality. The place has the redeeming quality of showing the UNION games on primary flatscreen behind the bar. The Freehouse is affiliated with British Chip shop in Haddonfield; menu is right about the same level of good as well.
(3)
Kristen M.
This is delayed review, but I like this place a lot and hope it does well. I've dined here twice and both were very good, although the atmosphere changed drastically in the few months between my trips. The first visit was a few weeks after they opened on a Friday in March 2013 and it was really loud and crowded at 7pm. The second time was on a Saturday in December 2013 and we were one of three couples in the restaurant at 6pm. I feel like its location is a detriment, because a lot of people might not know it exists. I ordered the same thing both times I was there, because I enjoyed my selections. Dining partner and I split appetizers of deviled eggs and welsh rarebit. The deviled eggs are purple-ish red from the beets they use and they were delicious. They give you 4 half eggs (not three like other places I've been to) so you can actually have two per person when sharing. The welsh rarebit was a fluffy piece of toast topped with a mix of cheese and mustard-y ale sauce. As an entree I enjoyed the roast beef sandwich, which was juicy and large enough to take home for a second meal. Dining partner had the fish and chips. The ginger beer is really refreshing to wash it all down. To finish the meal we ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding, delish, so glad I saved room! The service here both times was good and the decor is pretty cool, especially the ceiling.
(4)
Andy J.
Good selection of U.K. beers and a friendly staff. We did not try the food so I can't comment on that. Descent size bar and table seating along the far wall. Great atmosphere for tossing back a beer while chatting with friends.
(4)
Jessica K.
We came here for Quizo recently and really enjoyed this bar. It's very British/Irish in food offerings. The beer list is classic and impressive. I opted for cocktails for this visit and had the two gin offerings. Both were fantastic but I enjoyed the Bramble more. We noshed on the fries and requested some gravy on the side. Wow! It was onion gravy and so thick; we assumed it was was they use for french onion soup. It was so incredibly tasty! And Quizo was a lot of fun, even though we didn't do as well as we hoped (although we did get a t-shirt out of it!). The MC, Jane, is sweet and funny! We'll definitely be back again and hopefully for a proper meal.
(4)
Bhavika P.
Pathetic service. The worst ever place. The server would come to our table at her own sweet time. Keep forgetting what we ordered. Everything came too late. And even before we asked for bill she gives it to us and says 'here's your bill I will add anything you want later'. I would never ever visit this place. Also at the beginning even while we are still deciding on what we want to eat the server was like 'sir what do you want to drink. Mam what you want to drink' - and that wasn't polite at all. It was so much in rush that she was that probably even before we start she wanted us to get done.
(1)
Elizabeth L.
Came here for Sunday brunch with a group of six (and our very own Brit), we all had the English Breakfast and loved it. I had the vegetarian, and I have to admit I was not very excited about it, but was pleasantly surprised once it came out! To all my vegetarian friends - definitely a plate to try at some point. Also seem to show international sports, so I think that's a plus. It's a little difficult to find for people not familiar with Philly, but it was empty on Sunday at 11am and we had the place to ourselves for a while. Can't comment on lunch or dinner, but I would come back for brunch again. My only complaint? $7.5 for a tiny mimosa - almost as much as the meal!
(4)
Janet K.
After batting a thousand on our restaurants for our weekend getaway, this one was a bit of a disappointment. We were welcomed by the hostess right away. Our server, Rita, appeared to be the only one working...it wasn't busy and the service was slow. Our food was a bit of a letdown. We were not impressed.
(2)
Michael P.
In a city filled with "Irish" pubs, it's nice to change the pace with a more English focused pub. The tap list is suitably import heavy with bitters and ales, and matched by a good bottle menu. The food offers a nice mix of English pub fare and more conventional bar food. The tasty wings are glazed with a heavy, marmite based sauce that works surprisingly well. The burger and roast beef sandwich are both excellent, and the fish and chips are pretty faithful. Like so many Philly bars, it's a long narrow space, with bar on one wall, tables on the other, and bathrooms downstairs. It's a bit away from the old city crowds, so it can be a quieter alternative for a drink or dinner.
(4)
Mary M.
I think The Victoria Freehouse is a great little spot. Located right on Front Street, the spot is Philly's sister spot to the British Chip Shop/English Garderner. They actually sell a few British food products there as well. The draft list is impressive for any Anglophile and the fact they offer smaller poors for cheaper = you can sample more ales! We've only been there once to sit down for a proper meal; we had brunch and I got the Crab on Toast while my husband had the fish and chips. My crab on toast was dense with tasty crab and was a nice size portion for the price. The fish was perfectly fried and the chips could've been crisped up a bit more but was delicious nevertheless. Victoria Freehouse touts itself as a "pub" but the big open room is decidedly non-pubby to me as someone who has visited a couple in a trip to England. But the decor is bright and very clean looking. I hope to be back soon for a proper pudding or Sunday roast at some point!
(3)
Gretchen E.
Love the service, love the location, love the quizzo. Rich puddings you won't find anywhere else. I'm not a fan of English ales or the cuisine's heavy richness. So I can't sing much praise for either. Still, I find myself coming back for Victoria's friendly, stylish ambience. Wednesdays are quizzo nights, and the host is a doll. The bartenders are lovely. If you live in the area, this is a fantastic pub for you to be a regular. Just make sure you don't eat too much of that pudding.
(4)
Chris M.
The Victoria Freehouse is fantastic. My wife and I had the day off yesterday and decided to stop in for some snacks around midday. The beer selection of beers from the UK is pretty amazing. They have about a dozen solid picks no draft, and two on hand pump. The bottle selection is also worth going over before you order your beer. Some pretty rare beers and vintages are available. We tried three different dishes and liked them all. First was the tikka masala pizza, which was delicious. It was a personal pizza with tikka sauce in place of the sauce, and pickled onions and cheese. Definitely recommend. The pickled deviled eggs are also great--they look interesting, too: both the egg and filling are a pink color. But my favorite dish was the "devils on horseback"--bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with stilton cheese. Only $5. These were spectacular. If you've never had stilton, you should try it. It's like a bleu cheese, but made with cow's milk, so it's a little more mild. These were like mini one-bite chesseboards. Highly recommend. The bartender was also super nice, and we had a nice conversation with some of the other early arriving patrons (we got there just as the bar was opening). I'd love to visit again and try brunch. Would def check the Freehouse out.
(4)
Nando F.
I visited The Victoria Freehouse with a few fellow yelpers after an event a while back, I believe this was the after party.. party . Nice little pub to visit I must say "All hail the Queen ", or is it " Save the Queen "? I think it might be "For God and Country ", something along that nature. I am not sure what the saying is , but I do know is they have Innis and Gunn on tap ! A freshly tapped Innis, the moment I saw you walk to that beautiful tap. As you began that glorious pour, that refreshing, delicious well crafted beer cascading down. You had me the moment the first drop laced the bottom of that pint glass. This is what I call heaven captured in a glass, waiting for you to reward yourself. Innis and Gunn oh how I fell for you on vacation in OBX. Now that I have tried you straight from the tap, this tasted even better than from the bottle. From what I did notice the place isn't that big, but what they did do is utilize the space that they do have. Tables placed along the wall , also with a smaller platform with more seating arrangements. Another area you can enjoy a few libations is the bar scene with ample amounts of seating. Great little spot here, a nice selection of whiskeys and scotch for your enjoyment. The menu does look interesting , great bartenders. I will be back again for a dish and of course another pint. *** Side note *** I am writing this review solely on the bar experience and not the food. I will be returning to do several tasting though, seeing I never really had any British style dishes. Now when it comes to crafted delights along with their Scotch's , and Whiskeys I do know the region quite well. With that the rating may change or stay as is.
(4)
Louis R.
Awesome UK bar...redic tikka masala pizza and curry fries Dope happy hour beers Very cozy and friendly atmosphere Its like I'm back in jolly ole England
(4)
Walter K.
Freshen your drink Gov'ner ?! I like this new British themed pub; the decor is simple and soccer is always on the TV. The draft list is small, but thoughtful and authentic. Drinks are the regular price and come in half and full imperial pints. Exception: $9 for Jamison is outrageous. The food is also authentic British (including the Indian options). It didn't amaze though, the large order of fish and chips was hit and miss ($17). The quality of fish was excellent, but both the fries and fish breading were lacking a perfect crispiness; they were borderline soggy. The best part is the imported malt vinegar. That stuff is great! Bottom Line: It won't be a regular stop for me, but I like this place. I fully expect this place to be around for a while and get even better as they work out the few, minor kinks they have.
(3)
T A.
Four of my friends and I went here on a Sunday. There was another table of 4 and another table of 2. I'm not sure what was going on with their staff in the kitchen; however, the service was horrible. I ordered a hummus plate and the deviled eggs and I had no idea that cold food takes that long to be plated and served. After literally 35 minutes of nothing I just cancelled my order. The server was kind enough to offer me a drink for the lack of service which I appreciated, BUT we then get the check and she charges us 18% gratuity because we're a table of 6...so we say "no there's 5 of us" so she reprints it, then we look at the bill and see she kept the hummus on the tab etc etc it was just horrible. I don't know if they were trying to take advantage of us like we wouldn't notice but there are too much pubs and bars to go here.
(1)
Cory M.
The British are certainly not known for their food but The Victoria Freehouse makes the best of it. Draft list was good, food was not bad either. The menu is a bit limited but otherwise good. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. The place it occupies on Front St is a little off the beaten path which is likely why it was not very full on a Friday night. I would go back.
(4)
Lindsay V.
I have been dying to try proper fish and chips. Hooray for The Victoria Freehouse! We came here around 8 pm on a Friday night. The place was pretty empty, which was kind of sad, but hey, more room for us! I started with a Pimms Cup, which is really tasty. For an appetizer, and at the suggestion of our awesome waitress, I tried the Welsh rarebit. Never having it before, I have nothing to compare Victoria's too, but I really enjoyed it. It's salty, but I'm a big fan of the sodium. For my meal I got fish and chips (the large, don't do it, it's so freaking big) and they were also good. The fish was cooked perfectly and the fries were AWESOME. M got the bangers and mash, which I assume were delicious by how quickly he scarfed them down. By the time we were done, we were completely happy and stuffed to the gills. I can't wait to come back here and try the rest of the menu.
(5)
Ysobelle C.
Try everything. Oh, G-d, the Chicken & Chips! And be prepared to defend your Sticky Toffee Pudding or Bread & Butter Pudding with your life.
(4)
Majlinda K.
I go to England a lot and was very happy to find this British Pub in olde city. They have large selection of british beers (and ciders) as well as have some of them on tap. They even serve authentic british food not just your standard fish and chips and bangers and mash. You can even get a ploughman's lunch here or even a fried mars bar (something i always wanted to try in the UK but never did). So i ordered the fish and chips and it was delicious!! Also, if you want to try some tea from Britain and even get some british chocolate (like twirls) they sell them behind the bar. Its a nice place and quiet and the staff is very friendly. I have a feeling i will be back here to get a taste of Britain again!
(4)
Laura D.
Great standard British food. Try the fish and chips. So fresh! Great draught beers. Try the dates.
(4)
Jeff D.
Sound the trumpets. The Queen has arrived! Okay not really, but that isn't to say that there isn't at least a little touch of royalty at The Victoria Freehouse. Since my girlfriend and I are all about all things London and were told about the Freehouse via the owner at her other business, the English Gardener, we decided to take the trip to good ole Front Street for what we hoped would be a smashing good time. And smashing it was! I was told that if I came here, I had to order the Guinness Burger and I ordered just that. My girlfriend ordered the fish and chips. For a starter we ordered the curry chips. We also indulged in several of their draft beers including the Young's Double Chocolate Stout and Fuller's London Porter. As others have mentioned, we ordered the half pints as we wanted to try a variety of beer. Plus the full pints were rather rich for my blood. The curry chips were deliciously covered in, you guessed it, curry sauce and were what I imagine would be the perfect snack for someone who has had one too many pints. Little did I know that my burger also came with fries. So you can only imagine my embarrassment once it arrived and I had enough chips to feed the entire Arsenal Football Club, but no worries as we ended up carrying away more than a few chips which were quickly devoured by others once I arrived home. Both the fish and burger were very delicious and satisfied our crave for English pub grub. I haven't been to many other British spots around the area, but I must say that the Victoria Freehouse is pretty damn close to being an authentic British pub. Our waitress was very kind and made sure that our drinks were full. Overall, I really liked this place. I probably wouldn't come back too often just because I ended up "dropping more than a few pounds" (cheesy I know), but it will certainly make for a fun night out with you and your mates!
(4)
Sharon F.
Staff was friendly, efficient and fun. Food was straightforward pub done really really well. Fish & chips were awesome.
(5)
Ken M.
We had stopped in for a late lunch. We lucked out and parked our vehicle directly across the street at a metered parking lot... that was very convenient. (I could keep an eye on my vehicle and the PPA). We like this freehouse. They did a great job of renovating this place (nice flooring, exposed brick, plenty of room). We sat at the bar. Our bartender (David) was great, very personable! The beer selection was good. I stuck with my standby (Wells Bombardier). My wife went with the Newcastle Blonde Bombshell. For a snack, we ordered the 'Devils on Horseback' Stilton stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. We thought they were tasty but it only came with 4 dates, not worth the $5.00 (would of been happy with a 6 or 7 portion). My wife ordered the small portion of the Fish and Chips, she really enjoyed it. The chips were very good. I ordered the Chicken tikka masala, it was excellent... the rice was cooked to perfection (something Indian restaurants often over/undercook). I like their twist on this dish. It was perfect for this rainy day we had. We felt the prices were reasonable. We look forward to coming back.
(4)
Chelsea B.
You know when you order wrong? That's what I did at the Victoria Freehouse, and it just wasn't my cup of tea. Get it? I went here with my boyfriend and fellow Yelper Sara S. on a weeknight, and we were one of only a few tables since I'm sure this place is still gaining steam. I've been to London twice but I mostly stuck to an alcohol-only diet, so I can't really attest to the authenticity of the food. For beers my dining partners went for some darker porters and I stuck with cider. The best part is that they offer a nice half pint option for $3-4 which allows you to try a few different options without getting tired of the one you chose (or getting stuck with a warm beer). They also have a nice selection of bottled beers and cocktails to choose from. We started with the tikka pizza, which was pretty good and basically tasted like tikka masala on a crust. The devils on horseback (dates wrapped in bacon) were easily the knock-out of the evening. The sweet dates plus the savory bacon is just an awesome combination, and the stilton cheese in the middle sent it over the top. These are little bits of heaven. For dinner I had the Guinness burger, and I immediately knew I picked the wrong thing. The meat was mixed in with some sort of seasoning and I believe it had onions in it, and overall I just didn't love the taste. It was also verrrry rare. My dining partners had the fish sandwich and the roast beef sandwich, and the roast beef sandwich got good reviews. Overall I like the decor and it's nice to see a new place in Old City, so I'd definitely try this place again and choose something else that's more my speed.
(3)
Megan G.
I originally came for the Friday night happy hour special (40 ounces of beer and a snack for $15!) and have been coming back ever since. They typically have a very good selection of draft beer, and I can always find one to drink - and if all else fails, they have Magner's on draft. I've had almost all the bar snacks, and while they are all great, the Welsh Rarebit is my favorite. It's a decent sized portion too. The fish and chips were super crispy and delicious as well. The last time we were in, we had a Fried Mars bar form the dessert menu, and it was SO good.
(4)
Matt D.
Fellow Yelper Denise hits the nail on the head here. We've had two similarly pleasant dining experiences here, and the Freehouse definitely deserves four stars. It's a nice, clean space with an easygoing staff, and they get the americanized "British Pub" experience just right. The beers on tap are an excellent mix of things you may not have had before. We both preferred the Newcastle Blonde Bombshell, which is just as good as their Brown Ale. The potted trout (very interesting cold plate combination) and the tikka pizza (super thin crust with strong, but not overpowering flavors) are both great starters. The bangers and mash are the star of the menu. Housemade bangers are unbeatable, perfectly cooked, and served over an awesome whole grain mustard mash. The fish pie is fantastic as well, but could use a little more protein (aka don't skrimp on the fish). Great, low key spot in Old City, and a fun place for Quizzo on a Wednesday night.
(4)
Ashley S.
This place is really nice! My boyfriend, some friends, and I went on a rainy Friday night, so it was pretty empty, but we had a good time. First of all, the bartender was great. He was very friendly and talked with us about the various beers to choose from. He let me sample them before I went for a whole pint which was great because they're a little pricey here...I guess that's what you pay for imports! They have a lot of traditional British pub fare for food. My boyfriend and I shared the Crab on Toast, which was good but a little too creamy for my taste. According to the bartender, they also have a rule of only playing music that is straight out of the UK, so don't be surprised to hear some Elton John or Amy Winehouse :) All in all, a great, unique place, so I'm sure we'll be back.
(4)
Sara P.
I can't say how authentic this place is, since I've never been to England. But... they did play a fair amount of awesome 80s British New Wave while we ate. And... my sausage was HUGE!!! I know how that sounds, but it really was. Enormous. I've never had such a big, tasty sausage.
(5)
Richard R.
This place is a neighborhood gem. I've tried different items from the menu and almost all of the small plates, all of them have been delicious and never bland. Plus the ambience it's always right, never too crowded, very comfy and they're always playing good alternative music.
(5)
Denise C.
Loved it! A nice addition to the area! I purchased the Groupon to the Freehouse and was very much looking forward to going. I was not disappointed! The bar was clean and comfortable with a classic English feel. The staff was friendly. We had the crab on toast for an appetizer, amazing. We also had the bangers and mash and the fish pie, both delicious. The bangers and mash were the favorite. The bangers were flavorful and the mash appeared to have grain mustard mixed in. It was served with a yellow mustard and a brown sauce, both bottles looked to be from England. So fun and so nice when a place keeps with the theme. I also had the Elderflower Fizz and it was so yum and classy! My husband had the London Eye, also quite tasty. We had a wonderful experience at the Freehouse. The reason for 4 and not 5 stars is because I think the menu is a just a little overpriced. But overall I very much enjoyed it and hope to go back soon.
(4)
Robert M.
Visited on Nov. 23, 2014 around 1:15 pm. Atmosphere was warm and cosy; ordered the sausage roll...it was lukewarm and seemed as if they microwaved it. My wife had the bacon pancakes...not much bacon and just passing. My daughter had the scotch egg which was so-so.
(2)
Jason F.
I have been coming to VF since it opened and I'm super psyched that they have managed to stay in business in such a low foot traffic area of Old City. The Fish & Chips is beyond amazing and definitely the best in all of philly if not the entire eastern seaboard!! true story! Bangers and mash are on point. Seriously, you can't go wrong with coming to VF for great food and a super sweet beer list. BONUS: The staff are ALWAYS warm and welcoming.
(5)
Francis U.
"...let us fill a bumper, and drink the health of those.." Lady Mary and I have been anxiously awaiting the vernissage of Victoria. Not that we minded the trip over the bridge to it's New Jersian counterpart, but we were keen to have an asylum this side of the Delaware. The Victoria is oasis of English culture in the midst of a deeply American city. Fullers, Wells Bombardier, and Old Speckled Hen all make manifest on the draught list. The Islay Scotches also received an invitation to the menu...which may indeed prove a dangerous thing! I've not yet met a glass of Lagavulin which didn't bring me orgasmic satisfaction. The space itself is clean, and bright, if not finished. I will reserve my critique of the space for a time when the owners have had time to settle into the building. Food is what one would expect at one of the Queen's pubs. Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, Shepard's Pie, Tikka Masala, Curried Chips...It's almost as if one can Taste the Imperialism! Not only do we have foods near and dear, but flavours from far reaching corners of the globe being extracted from their native lands, in order to excite the otherwise bland English palate. Brilliant. One could easily make an argument that reviewing restaurants in the first week is a faux pas. This point does not fall on deaf ears, and I have every intention of re-reviewing (and re-rating, hopefully at 5 stars) in the months to come. With that being said, there are a few critiques which I will put out into the ether in the hopes that the Gods of eccentricity may hear... - $7 for a Yards I.P.A. is ridiculous. A domestic pint should never approach that price. - No Happy hour. Why? It's a new place...put bottoms in seats mate. - The music is bollox. Something for adults...please?? - How about something cute for the waitresses? The standard of appearances ranged from a professionally dressed hostess, to our waitress, who had more of a female roller derby aura. This may seem an antiquated suggestion...but the name of the establishment is 'The Victoria', and is appealing to anglophiles...so there is it. I'm looking forward to visiting again soon, and seeing some of the kinks sorted out.
(4)
Taylor S.
I love this place. As many others have said, it's the best fish and chips I've had since going to London. The bangers (sausage) were awesome too and we found out they make them themselves. This place is family owned and I could tell when I walked in the door and warmly greeted by the hostess/waitress/bartender/superwoman Rita. She seemed to be the only person working the front but she was great and didn't skip a beat even though she probably needed some help. She made every customer feel like they were at home and I love finding restaurants like this. I will definitely be coming back and tying other items on the menu!
(4)
Gordon M.
If you want great fish and chips in a clean environment, go to Victoria Freehouse. It is on the edge of Old City. You walk in and you are surrounded by warm wood paneling. There are tables and a bar. The bar is good. It would be perfect if they had a brass rail for you to rest your feet on. In addition to the tasty fish and chips, they have a great selection of beers from both the UK and the US. They even have, get this, a Monty Python "Holy Ail" It was tasty. They also have a selection of ciders, wine and whiskey.
(4)
Sophie R.
Maybe it's because I'm a slightly homesick Brit, but I LOVE this place! We came here on a Friday night. It was cosy and had a nice hum without being too crowded. We shared a large fish and chips between two, with sides of baked beans and mushy peas. Everything was absolutely delicious. Hands down the most authentic fish and chips I've had since landing on these shores. Plus Heinz tomato ketchup, proper vinegar and tartar sauce. And a pot of Taylors of Harrogate Assam Tea. Outstanding! The service was excellent too. Friendly and attentive. The only possible improvement would be something British on the telly rather than American sport. The rugby, the footie, Eastenders even?!! But as we say in Blighty, that's just splitting hairs. We'll definitely be back again soon. Keen to try the Full English Breakfast next!
(5)
Nunya B.
Warm dark ambiance - imported beer on tap but a bit pricey. Had the Guiness Burger which I found to taste much more like a meatloaf sandwich than the burger it was advertised as.
(3)
Mike G.
I stopped in on a quiet night (Old city was rainy and dead everywhere). It's a British themed pub without trying to be theme-y. The decor is very comfortable and simple w/o the corny decorations that chain restaurants would not likely resist if they owned it. The owner/bartender (?) was super friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the extensive British and British styled beer list. The food menu looked great too. We were just in for a late night snack so my friend and I ordered lightly to share. We decided to try the Fish N' Chips since they were on special They were absolutely perfect; light, flakey, fresh so we were glad we went for the larger $8 order. For a desserty snack, we chose the stilton stuffed dates wrapped in bacon... I mean, c'mon, there's no way that's gonna let you down ...EVER. Im really looking forward to coming back here soon. Old City is in desperate need for a real place that's not touristy-cheesy and frat-boi tacky. *I stopped in again for dinner and drinks with 3 buddies and we had a great time. The food was all good and the service excellent.
(4)
Leo I.
Quizzo with Irish Jon on wednesdays tests your general knowledge of nothing useful. I like that this place is tucked away on the outside edge of olde city and the crowd reflects that somewhat. I saw the guy at the table next to me order fish and chips and it made me wish I wasn't fasting... They looked good!
(4)
Matt B.
Killer selection of Beer! Excellent food too. Bangers and Mash, Shepard's Pie and Fish and Chips were all top notch! Excellent service as well. Next trip to Philadelphia will include another stop to The Freehouse for sure.
(5)
Alex G.
It's always nice to see an authentic British pub pop up in the neighborhood since they seem to be a rarity. I really liked the decor here. Narrow yet long, with a long bar in the center. The beer selection is great. There are a number of Scottish and English ales as well as ginger beers. Perhaps the most authentic part is the Indian food on the menu considering Indian food is traditional British food. The tikka pizza was awesome, the chicken tikka masala was decent but the pumpkin curry was bad. The food can use some work. Of note, the service is exceptional. Our waitress went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of.
(3)
ED W.
This place is amazing! The beer selection is mind blowing, Wells Bombadier. Fullers, Newcastle, they had a lot of obscure English beers in bottles as well. Food is outstanding, had the English breakfast with a Boddingtons, man, so good. If you like Meat and Beer, you will love this place. Meat
(5)
Simone T.
Great, great pub! Sampled ciders and a great IPA selection. After getting pleasantly buzzed, we had the fish & chips and bangers & mash - I'd come here for the food alone! Great bartender, great space. Can't wait to come back!
(5)
Candice F.
Devils on Horseback. Nuff said. Love the beer selection and the decor. Loved the traditional shepherds pie too! I also attended a paint nite here for my birthday and that was super fun. Had the curry chips then and they were delish! A little messy to eat but the flavor rocked! I'll be back!
(4)
Michelle S.
All I have to say is: Tikka Pizza. Even if everything I ate was horrible (which it was not), I would STILL come here just for the Tikka Pizza. That's how good it was! I had the vegetable curry, which was delicious and the sticky toffee pudding which was heaven on a plate. My husband got the fish and chips and was really happy with it as well. Great beer selection too! And even more important to me, great cider selection! My only complaint is that it is pretty expensive. However, it's definitely worth the cost.
(4)
Benjamin A.
Probably the best selection of English brews in the city, cask, draught and bottled. Food-wise the Sunday roast is very good.
(4)
Moira H.
Great beer selection. Interesting menu, very British, of course. I am looking forward to their brunch. It is nice that they offer a vegetarian Full English Breakfast.
(4)
M L.
I LOVE this place. I have spent a lot of time in the UK and it's definitely 'authentic.' They pour Imperial pints and make unbelievable fish and chips, along with killer full breakfasts and puddings. The service is always friendly. The reviews questioning certain beers and the presence of Indian food on the menu have just never been to the UK, obviously. Huge plus?? Liverpool supporters!!
(5)
Erica B.
I met friends for brunch a few Sundays ago. We had all spent some time in London and were looking for feeling a bit desperate for British pub food, so decided to give it a shot. First of all, the location is right on the river, on a sunny day it's really beautiful. They also have parking directly across the street- so don't drive yourself crazy trying to find a spot around the city. The Freehouse a lot like their Haddonfield location, The British Chip Shop, but with alcohol. So it's just instantly more awesome. Plus all of the beers are British brews that you will find on a typical evening out in the UK. That means Strongbow on tap regularly, for you cider fans. They also have full pots of tea for those that don't drink. They had a lot of great brunch drink deals, including the standard mimosa's and bloody Mary's, but what I noticed was that the bartender blended each drink by hand, and cut up celery for each Bloody fresh. Little things like that are so unusual that you don't even notice when you miss them, but they don't go unnoticed when done correctly. I went with hardboiled eggs with a curry sauce, basmati rice and naan for my brunch option (I can't find their brunch menu so I'm not sure what it's called). I had never imagined hard boiled eggs having that much flavor. but it was really nice- and really, really filling. They really know how to make a good curry sauce. I also got a side of rashers (because a meal without meat is just a snack) and they were unbelievably good. So crispy, salty, and so hard to find done right in the US. My friends went with the full English breakfast and sausage and chips and had no complaints either. I also heard some serious praises coming from the table next to us about their sticky toffee pudding. From past experience I would say to order the curried cheese chips at lunch/dinner. They are out of this world. A really creamy curry sauce, thick cut fries and tons of gooey cheese. It's way over the top and may take a year off your life but it is worth every bit of compromised artery. We loved that we walked in and they were nonchalantly playing a Chelsea FC match on the tv. As a CFC fan I know how hard it is to find a match on a day when the Phillies/Eagles/Flyers happen to be playing, and it did not go unappreciated. Chelsea lost... but I'll complain about that on some other social media site somewhere.
(5)
Jen M.
The expensive, Old City version of the British Chip shop. Had the shepherd's pie and my girlfriend got the tikka masala. Good size portion for my shepherd's pie but there was almost no chicken in her dish. It was mostly sauce and rice. Disappointing. For a starter, we got the crab on toast. Way overpriced. Seriously. And only just good. Could have bought two cans of fresh lump grab and put it on bread for the price. Tasted bland. Even with the capers to try and spice it up. Wait staff was attentive (four servers but only two tables full on a Saturday at dinner! eek!) and our waitress Jenna was so nice. She even said she'd put in a not so much salt order on my shepherd's pie. It was still salty but I hate to imagine what it would have been like without her asking the chef to tone it down! Disappointed that the Old City location's ploughman wasn't a traditional ploughman's at all. I get that they have to 'Americanize' it, but I was hoping for a little more authenticity with the food (Jenna was awesome and said she'd get me some branston pickle if we got the ploughman's even if it didn't come with it). All in all, worth it for the service. Food was good, but not for $15-18 (I expect better fare for those prices, and many restaurants in Philly deliver that). If there's another groupon, I'll likely go in the future. Otherwise, wouldn't go back.
(2)
Siamac A.
Stopped in for a couple beers and a late lunch with friends on a Saturday. Great friendly service. Fish and chips were the best I've had in Philly. Nice and flakey not frozen breaded fish like so many other places. Good tap list. And don't miss the sticky toffee pudding! Great addition to Old City.
(5)
Jena M.
I absolutely love this new bar in Old City. I've been to England and I can't tell you a thing I ate there, other than 'spotted dick' for obvious reasons. I've tried a bunch of food and drinks here since they opened and I haven't been disappointed yet! The Guiness burger is on point, though. Juicy, tasty and with the fresh spring mix, tomato and vinegar mayo, it's better than my dads on the grill- which is saying A LOT. They have a bunch of different cheeses that come with accompaniments so even if you're not that hungry and just want to grab a drink and something to snack on, there are plenty of choices. Welsh rarebit is also my new favorite thing in the world- almost like an open faced grilled cheese with gravy and a hint of mustard, OMG. Melts in your mouth. They have a large selection of craft beers and I can't wait to try them all! You can tell the owners put a lot of thought into this place, from the decor to the service, the attention to detail shows! I look forward to returning!
(5)
Lucas D.
So, I'm british, so automatically have an appreciation of proper beer. When I visited here I was craving some and enjoyed selecting one from the list. I went with old speckled hen - a favourite of mine- and it was poured superbly, never a given in America. The staff were friendly, the decor simple but cosy and the prices reasonable - given much of it is imported. I intend to go here many more times.
(4)
Jamie D.
I would have never known this place existed if they hadn't been in on a drinkphilly/First Friday event....and the fact that they support their local arts scene and work with awesome sites like drinkphilly.com are two big points for me! I got to try their Devils on Horseback at that event: Stilton stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. I'm a sucker for stuffed dates and these were the best I've had in a LONG time. They were so good that I dragged my friends to the restaurant after First Friday festivities concluded so I could get a plate of them. I'm glad that I dragged my friends there because food aside, the atmosphere is awesome. I really love the slightly dark, English pub feel to this place (which duh they're going for and they nailed it) I was also super excited that they had a giant cardboard cutout of Prince William, Kate, and their baby with faces cut out for photo opportunities. That's my kind of humor! I didn't try anything other than the Devils and was a bit bummed about the price for the quantity....but they were awesome. They also have a wonderful draft list. I will definitely be going back to this place on my next First Friday to try more things!
(4)
Robert K.
The family decided today would be a great day to try out a new restaurant, The Victoria Freehouse on Front Street in Philadelphia. We've been waiting to try it since it opened last month. We figured we should give them a few weeks to get sorted out after launch so we could get a good feel for them. The idea of a proper English Sunday Roast seemed like an ideal reason to try it out. Unfortunately, maybe we should have waited even longer..... We arrived at just after 4, when Sunday Roast was set to begin service. No problem getting a table as only one other was occupied along with a few people at the bar watching the Phillies game. The waitress, Amanda, promptly sat us and got our drink orders (fountain soda, 3 British canned sodas and a glass of wine). When the canned soda arrived for our kids my wife and I examined the label to find it sweetened with saccharine. No diet note on the label anywhere. This might not mean much to many readers but i was sort of taken back as this is not a good ingredient for any child to be consuming and without any idea that its in the soda, i thought it a fo pa on the restaurants part. The music playing was a variety of dance and pop which seemed out of place in a traditional pub atmosphere. It was actually sort or distracting and inappropriate but not worthy of wrecking the meal. We ordered a soup and two appetizers including the recommended Welsh Rarebit and Tikki Pizza. The soup was good but was a bit lacking in flavor. The Welsh Ratebit was fair. Not bad. Not great. Not offensive. The Tikki Pizza was good. We then waited. And waited. And waited for our dinners to arrive. If the restaurant had been busy, I would have understood but the other table left and two others showed so the 40 minute wait between the appetizers and dinner was a bit on the long side. I chalked it up to the change in service (from lunch to dinner) and left it go. Dinner arrived. We ordered 3 Sunday Roasts (today's was beef), a fish and chips and a shepherds pie. The shepherds pie my one daughter ordered presented well. Nicely browned potato topping but a fork full revealed a fairly bland lamb and vegetable base. My Sons fish and chips (large portion) has extremely good chips (fries) if a bit heavily salted. Fantastic in fact but unfortunately cold. The fish was flakey and the batter crispy without being too greasy. It also was good but not earth shattering. My bigger issue there was for $17, the fish portion was very, very small. I'm scared to think what the small size would have been. My youngest daughter, wife and I all ordered the Sunday Roast Beef. Presentation was excellent. It was served medium rare which is just as we like it so no problem there. The roast was accompanied by minted peas, Yorkshire pudding and duck fried potatoes. The beef was beautiful with good flavor but again, luke warm at best. I didn't want to send it back as I knew this would spell doom for the cook level. The peas were fine but frankly tasted like well seasoned supermarket frozen peas. The Yorkshire pudding was good and medium to small muffin sized. The duck fried potatoes were hot when they arrived but actually weren't nearly as tasty as the chips from my sons meal. Even with 3 teenage children, we as a family are not huge volume eaters but we were all still hungry after dinner so we opted for desert as well. We ordered 3 sticky toffee puddings as suggested by our waitress, a bread and butter pudding and the lemon special pudding. We also ordered a scotch (MaCallen 15) and a tea. After another unusual 20 minute wait the puddings arrived. The bread and butter budding was good. The lemon pudding special was excellent. The sticky toffee pudding seemed to be of the canned variety found on your local Wegmans store shelf. Fair but not up to the acclaim which had been given it. So basically we cake away with a general "Meh" feeling with service slow (we assume it was the kitchen not Amanda) and smaller serving sizes with average food until we saw the check. $220 before tip! I get that the scotch and glass of wine were $30 of that but still that seemed awfully steep for a dinner we all walked away from still hungry. After a 15% tip we had broken the $250 barrier for a meal that simply didn't leave us feeling it was anywhere nearly that special. We regularly eat at restaurants costing this much or even more but it's been a long time since I've felt so ripped off. There were positives but not nearly enough to overcome the cons. The concept was excellent but the execution just didn't live up to the potential. I won't be going out of my way to return and unfortunately with some changes, I hope things will improve but I'm not counting on it. UPDATE!!! I was contacted by Edward (Owner? Manager?) after this review was posted. While I can't say I agree with his stance on everything and I did find his tone a bit condescending, I have to give him props for caring enough to respond.
(2)
Aum L.
My fiance and I went to The Victoria Freehouse last week. My fiance is from the island of Malta, and I lived in Scotland for several years, we've been scouring Philadelphia in search of decent, authentic British fare. So we were really excited to try them out. When we arrived the place was empty, accept for a few very loud and annoying Americans at the bar. The food was not up to par. I started with the Scotch Egg ( I've been craving one for months) when I received it it looked slightly burnt, had very little flavor and was quite dry. Needless to say my craving has not been satisfied. I had the Shepard's Pie as my entree, yet again very disappointing. It was served with cheesy mash, not the traditional crispy mash (sooo much tastier) there was barely any meat in it, and had a very odd sweetness to it. My fiance had the Bangers and mash, it was overall quite bland and also had an odd, out of place sweetness to it. He was not impressed. For dessert I (tried) to have the Lemon curd tart, and my fiance had the bread and butter pudding. the lemon curd tart was served with a dollop of Chantilly on top, my initial bite was delicious, however when I dipped into the Chantilly cream, it was instantly apparent that it was sour and unserviceable. The waitress was extremely apologetic and immediately took both desserts off of the bill. The bread and butter pudding was fantastic, I may go back just to get that. The only redeeming quality was the service, our waitress was fantastic, very attentive and a joy to talk to. She should find a better restaurant to work at, because she is way too good for this place. Needless to say our experience was not what we had expected, and will not be returning. If you are looking for good British fare, this is NOT the place.
(2)
Loy G.
fish and chips at the new english pub around the corner? bloody brilliant! the perfect idea for a lenten friday night, however, my catholic guilt is setting in realizing that i screwed up by eating the bacon wrapped dates (yum). oh well, we had the deviled eggs which were okay but strangely dense and tiny and came in a portion of three halves (not sure why you wouldn't serve a fourth half). the fish and chips were authentic and hit the spot. golden brown crispy crust with large flakes of tender fish inside. the chips are freshly cut and soaked up all the taste of the malt vinegar that i generously applied. my fiance had the beet salad, which was fresh, with large slices of beets that she really enjoyed. i also gotta say that the feel of the place was pretty nice. just walking into this totally renovated space, i immediately notice the atmosphere was that of a casual classy gastropub and not a rowdy old city college bar. the hostess stand at the entrance and most of the patrons sitting at table lining the walls sitting in the church pews and low stools was certainly unexpected. i appreciate their attention to detail with the intricate dark ceiling, exposed brick, and dark textured wall design and dim lamp and candle lighting. i also appreciated the really attentive service from our waitress. i was more than content to hang out for drinks and then share a pot of tea with my fiance over some bread pudding after dinner. i'm glad i've found a pretty chill new neighborhood spot. can't wait to try their brunch.
(4)
Briana C.
So good to see a place like this open in Old City. Ordered the bramble cocktail and a few appetizers. The cocktail was a little too sweet for my taste and needed more alcohol for being 10 dollars, but the appetizers were unique and fit the theme of the place (got the rarebit, deviled eggs, and welsh egg). My favorite was probably the rarebit - the cheese was delicious and the bread was toasted perfectly and very fresh. The egg dishes were good but you could tell they were prepared in advance. I would have been more impressed if the welsh egg was a little runny in the middle but I definitely wasn't complaining while eating. All of the entrees sound delicious. I'll definitely be back for dinner and to try the other small plates and cocktails. A lot of the drinks on their cocktail list were gin-based which I like. Staff were friendly and helpful. Five stars for great potential, location, and ambiance.
(5)
shawn d.
Nice atmosphere, low key appearance. Good place to talk with friends and grab a drink. Drink prices are on the high side.
(4)
Tony M.
This is a hidden gem. Try the Crabby's Ginger Beer. Get it over ice, and get a slice of lemon or lime...either works!!! Cool place, interesting appetizers, and friendly staff.
(5)
Jason P.
Our trip to the Victoria Freehouse came courtesy of a Groupon where we could get 1 app and 2 entrees for $24. So not too shabby right off the bat. We went on a Friday night around 5. Here is where it gets weird and slightly annoying. As we walk in we are greeted by not the restaurant staff, but by a table with people dressed in European period clothing talking in awful British accents. They loudly and obnoxiously greeted everyone who came in the same way. Now I'm not quite sure whether these people come here for kicks to do this? Is it some sort of club thing they do? To me it was bizarre. I don't mind it at all, but when there are is practically no one in the restaurant, it's quite intimidating and off-putting to be semi-harassed by a bunch of drunk not-funny dorks as you walk in. The restaurant staff apologized for their behavior, but why not do anything about it? Parking along Front St. is fairly easy and we parked not even a block away on a meter for approximately 1hr 20 min, thinking this would be enough time to eat and get back to the car. Think again. The waitress, while very nice, was not very attentive or very good at all. She took our drink orders right away and the bartender made them fairly quickly. The drinks then waited on the bar for 10 minutes in an empty restaurant. The bartender proceeded to be annoyed by this and delivered the drinks herself. We were in the restaurant for about 20 minutes before she eventually asked us if we wanted food. Bad form. We ordered the Tikki pizza, which was good and comes in 4 slices. Nothing mind blowing, but it was good pub fare. My girlfriend and I split large fish and chips and the roast beef sandwich. The roast beef sandwich was our favorite as it had excellent flavor and the meat wasn't dry (which happens to a lot of roast beef sandwiches). This came with chips, but never said so on the menu. The large fish and chips was outrageously big. Next time we would definitely get the small. The fish was good, but not great. It was missing some flavor, but I'm not sure what. The chips however were excellent and would come back here and snack on those any night. Somehow this all took an 1 hour and 20 minutes and had me running to the car as the girlfriend paid for the bill. This is all in an empty restaurant. All in all, the service here leaves a lot to be desired. The owners should also do something about the annoying British acting troupe to stop scaring away customers. I'd give this 3 stars normally, but the service aspect and experience just put me off. I'll likely try again, but probably not for awhile.
(2)
Jon W.
Sit near the bar on a cool sunny evening and it almost feels like you're at Brighton beach. we went on a groupon (or living social - can't remember which) for dinner and enjoyed everything. pleasant pub eats made with quality ingredients. not too oily. delicious: tikka pizza, most especially the country fish pie. great deal on groupon, but wouldn't have tried much otherwise as mains and sandwiches are over-priced. not sure if we'll ever spring for a proper meal there at full-price. with tourists and well to do folks they might be right on target though... the place was dead on a saturday night at 7. felt sorry for the waitstaff. good beer selection. nice draught. have never been here just to drink - could be fun late at night.
(4)
Steve G.
came in on Friday night for the beer tasting. Stephanie the bartender was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I've been here a few times but based on my last experience I will definitely keep coming back!
(4)
Robin B.
Excellent and unique draft and cocktail list. Food menu is an approachable mix of solid British classics and the restaurant's own twist on a few of those classics. Staff is deeply knowledgeable (and enthusiastic!) about Victoria Freehouse's draft list and food menu. A comfortable, friendly place that makes you want to return again and again.
(4)
Ben K.
I really want to give this place 5 stars. I'm a big fan of English pub-style restaurants and this place hits the atmosphere spot on. It's pretty authentic. The menu is true british food and the food is well-prepared, too. But every time I go there is a rowdy mix of people at the bar that takes away from the dining room experience, and the music is so loud you can barely hear your server. I think it would be better to sit diners on either end of the restaurant rather than directly adjacent to the bar. Our waitress, while proficient, had zero personality and seemed anxious to be rid of us to resume her conversation w the bar tender. All that said, I'd go back again and hope for a better experience.
(4)
J D.
Made a trip in town specifically to go to the Victoria freehouse. Ask what's on the beer engine or what is on cask, the bartender responded nothing and apologized. How can a "traditional" English pub not serve proper English beer? Disappointing, shameful.... The bartender was embarrassed and was very nice about it.
(1)
G C.
came here on a Friday night--expected it to be/to get more crowded but it didn't. But we had good company so that wasn't a problem. A generous selection of beer/cider and well-priced cocktails. Very british and great service. Yummy Fuller's Honeydew which is season and is crisp with a honey aftertaste but not too sweet. Interested in returning for food!
(4)
Bill M.
Everything was great! A beer selection unlike any I have experienced in the city. Great food too!
(5)
Alli H.
I like this place. It's slightly off the beaten path since it's on Front Street, which I suspect is why it's never crowded. Although I've been in 5 or 6 times, I've never tried the food. I can, however, report that the beer selection is pretty good. They've got plenty of beers from England, Scotland, and the like, in addition to some local favorites. Draft beers are offered in 10oz or 20oz pours, which I like because choosing the 10oz pour allows you to try more beer. The staff behind the bar is always friendly, and the atmosphere is nice and relaxed.
(3)
Seanmhair F.
Starting tonight! May 22, 2013 Quizzo with Irish John. Yes!
(5)
Amanda R.
AMAZING food. Stopped in by chance due to restaurant week and was happily surprised by the great food. Well worth the price!
(5)
Jeffrey J.
We stopped in here for dinner on our first night in Philly to show our solidarity with the old country and we were not disappointed. The scotch egg was absolutely stupendous and the shepard's pie & bangers & mash were, in a word, sublime.
(5)
Michael O.
The best English pub I have been to in Philly. The food is really good and the beers are good as well. I really recommend the St. Peter's Golden Ale. The pickled deviled eggs and the "devils on horseback" dates are a great way to start. The staff was very friendly and the bathroom was clean. Overall, a great experience. I knocked off one star because they have a host/hostess stand but it took us a few minutes to figure out it was actually seat yourself. A sign would be nice. Also, at a First Friday event they had a table advertising 20% off all food that night, but they hadn't communicated that to our waitress. Fairly minor issues, and again overall a great experience.
(4)
Yolanda Y.
Literally stumbled upon this place while looking for a nightcap place after ice cream around the corner at franklin fountain. This is a great spot for late night snacks/drinks! And there is a very nice variety of beers, cocktails, whiskeys, etc. Everyone in our group had something they liked on the menu which isn't always easy to find. The prices were reasonable too. I was surprised there weren't more people here, but maybe it's a new establishment or a weird location. Either way I can definitely see myself coming here again at least for drinks. Oh! And the TV had soccer.
(5)
Shannon C.
Went here for Saturday lunch and drinks with a friend, had a great time. Great drink options, both beer and cocktails and most importantly, great food. We had the chicken tikki masala and wings. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Hans M.
Good reminder of British pub grub. Relaxing and good service so recommended. Bangers were excellent
(4)
Kristin S.
I used to live in London and am so glad the Victoria Freehouse has come to Old City. For me, there are few restaurants worth visiting Old City for, especially on the weekend but i've been three times already. The beer selection and cocktails are fantastic. The service is friendly and good at explaining British food to those unfamiliar. My favorite dish on the menu is the stew; everything about it is perfection, right down to the warm irish soda bread served on the side. The tikka masala is also delicious and perfectly British. Those complaining about indian food at a british restaurant clearly don't know that tikka masala is the most popular dish in the UK.
(5)
Thom M.
FINALLY made it in here last night, after years of absolutely loving The British Chip Shop in Haddonfield, NJ. I was very impressed with the location, ambiance, service, and quality and tastiness of the food. Yes, this location is somewhat more expensive than the Haddonfield, NJ, location, but hey, this IS CC Philly and it's still a darned good value for your money, boys and girls! Bottom line is, I love everything about this place, and now that I've been there, I'm going to try to become a regular!
(5)
Michele J.
We came here for the birthday celebration of a friend who is a true Anglophile. We ordered several appetizers, entrees, and desserts with the goal of sharing everything. I have to say all of the dishes were delicious. All of the choices were attractively presented as well. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Our birthday Anglophile was over the moon! On the downside, I found the portions to be small for the pricing. 17.00 for the large portion of fish and chips, which was comprised of one fish filet and chips. Mind you, the fish and chips WERE delicious, but that's too much in my opinion. The benefit of their pricing structure is that the 'riff-raff' will be discouraged from making it one of their regular haunts, and the place will instead be frequented by well heeled 40 somethings and older looking for an enjoyable evening. SO....if you have a couple of bucks, and are looking for a lovely evening of British dishes, drinks, and desserts, mosey on down to the Victoria Freehouse!
(3)
Suzanne C.
It was my first time here and I was very satisfied with pretty much everything. It's no lie, the fish and chips are great. I have to admit I found the fries/chips a little boring, but the fish was flaky, moist and delicious. There were some exciting beer choices and the service was great. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Kathleen A.
Went there last night for dinner on recommendation from a friend who's eaten at the Haddonfield location, and while the beer selection is good, the atmosphere is nice (but dead at 10p on a Saturday night), I was very disappointed with the entrees. Do not order the chicken tikka masala (yes I know, ordering Indian at a British pub)- I could not eat the fatty thigh meat they chose to serve in this dish. Also, the bangers & mash was in unimpressive. Read some other reviews, and see I should've gone with a British staple- fish & chips.
(1)
Emma E.
I'm an expat from London and was craving a non-gimmicky British pub with good food; I was so excited to try this place. The pub itself doesn't feel very "British" I guess that's partly why it doesn't feel like I've walked onto a British soap set ;) but the food and drink list is great; VIMTO! haven't had that in years! Fish and chips are actually better than the plate I had in London last week and i love that you can order small or large...with Malt vinegar of course.
(4)
Gerard Z.
Very happy to see this place in Old City. A good spot to go to to avoid the Jersey nightclubbers and people that treat the city like their garbage can when going out in Old City. Love cask ale and they always have a couple on tap. The English pub food is great. I recommend the scotch egg. Overall, the staff was very helpful and attentive and the ambiance was great.
(4)
Scott S.
Great new addition to Old City. Definitely worth the price if you bring a Groupon.
(4)
Sean H.
I know I went here really early and on a weeknight, so I'm not completely writing the place off, but I was seriously unimpressed. They have a good beer list if beer if your thing (it's not mine,) but aside from that, there's really nothing interesting about the place at all. I feel like it might be better on a busier night, but for me, it's not worth the schlep to the very edge of Center City when there are so many better options closer to the action.
(2)
Courtney C.
Really enjoyed this place. Went on a Sunday afternoon and that section of Front Street is pretty desolate and quiet at that hour. The restaurant was empty, perhaps two other customers. I was pleased that they had Tetley's Ale and Boddingon's on offer (cans), as they are my favorite English beers. My companion had a gin cocktail laced with real mint and thyme, which he enjoyed as well. We shared two appetizers, the crab salad on toast and the scotch egg. Both were delicious and the egg was particularly delicious with its side of Branston pickle. Not too crazy about our bartender. Typical out-of-towner college kid, didn't know about the age or history of the building, etc. We stepped outside for a cigarette break, alerting him to this fact. Our drinks were disposed of by his "associate" when we returned. They were replaced, but an "associate" ?? Really now. I also did not like the stools at the bar. They seemed abnormally high and were uncomfortable. Other than that, I look forward to coming for their traditional Sunday roasts.
(4)
Becky R.
Deeeelicious! There are several things on the menu that I highly recommend trying. The Devils on Horseback are probably one of the most amazingly delicious things I have ever tasted. Being a bacon and cheese lover, the stilton stuffed dates are to die for! You wouldn't guess it, but the cheese and dates pair so wonderfully together, and bacon is always wonderful, so there you go. I've had the roast beef before, and it's amazing. Also, try the Chicken Tikka! It's safe to say it's just as good, if not better, than my favorite Indian restaurant, and the rice is cooked to perfection... and it looks pretty :o) If you're a brunch person, swing by on a Sunday and try their Potted Ham and Eggs. Whew! So good. The eggs are served over ham and croutons in a cheese bechemal sauce, and it's so very tastey. There's also an extensive craft beer menu, and if they happen to have the Love Stout on cask, make sure you order a pint or two ;)
(5)
Rachel R.
This place has a great variety of tasty food items - something for everyone. It's a friendly, warm atmosphere. They offer a selection of British beers and spirits that are hard to find elsewhere. The food is very well prepared and offers a creative, modern twist on classic British dishes. The duck rillette appetizer was excellent including all the accompaniments. The vegetable curry was great, and the fish and chips were a big hit with everyone. This place should be busier - spread the word!
(5)
George F.
love cider, and the freehouse has some i've never seen anywhere else. visited on a quiet tuesday afternoon with a friend and took advantage of their happy hour. pub snacks were half price, we ordered curried cheese chips which are kind of like cheese fries but sooo much better. I'm not a huge spice fan and was worried the curry would be spicy but it wasn't. the fries were seriously amazing. the bartender was very knowledgeable and talked cider with me at length, ended up ordering Aspall cider brewed with blackberries- holy shit! it was so good. My friend ordered a beer on special and enjoyed his as well. really cool place planning to bring friends back for the weekend.
(5)
Nancy M.
The third star is for the bartender. We came for dinner but never got past a first drink because it was very poorly air conditioned. The beer selection was broad, maybe I'll find out about the food after a good frost.
(3)
Alex N.
We much enjoyed our first visit to Victoria Freehouse on a midweek late afternoon -- A wide selection of beers to choose from, with pints of Innis & Gunn and London Porter our final choices. Fish (cod) and chips, and Bangers and Mash followed appetizers of Welsh Rarebit and Devils on Horseback (never had the latter, which I now highly recommend!). A shared rhubarb ginger fool ended the evening. All in all, competent service, well-crafted menu, and a place where conversation can be had. This place should be in it for the long haul.
(4)
William V.
The Tiki pizza was amazing and the roast beef sandwich with the Stilton cheese was one of the best roast beef sandwiches I have had! Would differently go back!
(5)
elaine s.
Pretty good British pub food. Did not have anything fried (fish and chips, etc). Friendly waters and very nice interiors.
(4)
Brian W.
In Philadelphia rivals Dandelion as an authentic British pub. 7 British beers on draft. Extensive menu. Great for Old City!
(4)
Scott K.
I had the chicken tikka masala which was great, and reminded me of the masala I"ve had in London. Their beer selection is fantastic. At the time they had a nice bitter on tap, which always makes me happy. Sometimes the service can be a little bit slow, but when you're drinking good beer it doesn't seem that big of a deal.
(4)
Gerry S.
After an evening of activities in Old City on a cold day, I came here with my friend to grab a bite and warm ourselves up. We fell in love with it instantly! It has a very old, classy vibe to it, in a sort of rustic British way. I'll admit my food wasn't the best. The fries (chips) weren't crispy and the sauce they put on it was like a blend of ketchup and barbecue sauce with curry... BUT I am still giving 5 stars because 1. my friend got something that looked and tasted a lot better, and 2. the desserts and drinks!! Our cocktails were perfectly blended and chilled, and the chocolate/toffee cake was to die for. They also have a fried Mars bar, which we didn't get, but I'm definitely trying that one of these days! Overall loved the experience!
(5)
Davey W.
Fantastic beer selection. The fullers porter is worth the price of admission. But the veggie curry was to die for. the atmosphere was perfect for relaxing at the end of the week. Meghan the server was friendly and helpful. Dug the Brit tunes as well.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner, Late Night, Dessert Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Tue, Fri, Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Rich B.
Thanks Stephanie for recommending (and the sampling) of the Well's Banana Bread / Young's Double Chocolate Stout mixed. It was awesome! Cool place where you can relax(at least when I was there- not crowded at all) and a nice happy hour. Excellent friendly, helpful service w/ a smile!
(4)Huamei Y.
I came here a few weeks ago for Quizzo night and food. As soon I entered I noticed the dark bar decor that is common on British bars. Some of my friends ordered beer - they have a decent selection. I got the curried cheese chips which is hand cut fries with cheese and curry sauce. The curry sauce flavor was a bit strong for me, considering they advertise it as "mild". The bread pudding (I think that's what it was called) was decent as well. My friends really enjoyed their fish and chips. Service was great, the waiter was very attentive despite the fact that we were so distracted by the game. I'm not blown away by the food but then again British food isn't that great :P Overall, it was fun because of the quizzo game and the accommodating staff.
(3)Di P.
My vegetarian friend wasn't particularly happy about this place which made me laugh. We're at a British pub, where there aren't a ton of interesting vegetarian choices other than the tikka pizza and vegetable curry-- neither of which she ordered, so I told her she wasn't allowed to have an overall opinion of the place, she could only give me the vegetarian point of view. She ordered the beet salad and then after tasting my mushy peas, ordered it and raved about it (as did I). Other foods sampled: curry cheese chips-- which were soggy, but tasty; Guinness Burger with stilton cheese which was delicious, but not anything to make a special trek for; Irish Whiskey Bread Pudding-- which was not very sweet and pretty good. Honestly, the things that made this place shine were the lovely people who worked here and the fact that we accidentally stumbled upon Harry Potter Quizzo which happens only every couple of months. The place was lit with floating candles for effect and there were serious Potterheads in here. We had a butter beer (not as good as the ones served at Universal) and we came in second to last place in quizzo, but had a lot of fun. I'd come again, get a little more adventurous with the food and update my review!
(3)Mario N.
They have a great beer selection. The Old Speckled Hen is worth the trip. They have authentic British food...right down to the lousy taste. So go for the British and Scottish beers...the scotch egg is pretty good though!
(3)Ade B.
There were only a few people at the bar when I stopped by for dinner with my girlfriend. There was no host or waitress when we walked in so the bartender had to seat us and take our order. Eventually a waitress showed up for work by the time a few more customers showed up. I ordered the bangers and mash since it's a famous British dish. It was not any better that what I could make at home with any random sausage. It can't possibly be indicative of what the meal tastes like in England. I have no confidence that Victoria Freehouse is an authentic British pub.
(2)Mandi S.
Nice bar, great happy hour m-f from 4-7. Fantastic staff, calm laid back atmosphere. Perfect after a hot long day. :) COME HERE! You can't be disappointed. Food and beer are 4-5 stars! Staff 5! Atmosphere 5! British, Irish, Scottish yummies.
(5)Mark Z.
Was kind of excited to eat here, but it was lackluster. The tap list and bottle choices was great, with beers from various areas of Britain and even the U.S. Our waitress seemed to be inattentive toward my girlfriend and I, and busy with her phone or talking with the bartender. I ordered sausage and chips, and it was underwhelming. The sausage was lukewarm and some of the fries were burnt. Sadly, I doubt I will eat here again, but just have a drink at a bar.
(2)Jay W.
Stopped in for drinks, the place was pretty quiet, but that bartender told me this isn't usually the case. Interesting selection of beers, including a few seasonal winter beers. I was pretty psyched that they serve mead here, in fact they have two varieties. The menu looks interesting and I absolutely could like to come back for lunch. It is apparently owned by the same people from the British Chip Shop in Haddonfield, NJ (which I have enjoyed). I imagine the British chip shop vibe would go much better in a place that can serve pints.
(3)Gia M.
Because I am a nerd and can't stay away from anything that has to do with Harry Potter, I made reservations for the Harry Potter Quizzo here a MONTH in advance (and lucky, too, because I got one of the last tables available). I spent all of July eagerly anticipating my costume and the excitement surrounding the showing off of my (otherwise) useless Harry Potter knowledge. Fast-forward to July 31, and I was decked out in my Hermione costume. We got there early enough that they hadn't started serving drinks yet, but team ordered some food to get us started. Since I can't ever order anything normally, I forewent the fish and chips and instead ordered sausage and chips. Yum! I thought the fries (the chips, excuse me) were just okay, but the sausage was really juicy and flavorful, so it evened out. We didn't order anything but the specialty drinks, and my personal favorite was the Avada Kedavra--whiskey and apple combined to make a deliciously evil cocktail. They could have easily been deadly, but I had to drive, so I did not have as many as I would like. The rest of the event was a great effort-- the Quizzo questions were on point, and the special treats were imaginative and well-thought-out. The butterbeer was not as magical as I had hoped and was fairly weak, and the dragon eggs (Scotch eggs dyed green) were a little too lurid to eat, but a strong nerd event regardless! I don't have the cash to get across the pond, but I'd say that Victoria Freehouse is probably the next best thing.
(3)DanaJoy88 ..
This place is okay for a nice gin cocktail. There menu is kind of limited and doesn't change but if you have a craving for some UK classics then go for it. Overall their main bartender can sometimes be a little patronizing and crabby but with a great beer and cocktail options you just deal and ignore her.
(3)Karol S.
Best chicken wings I've had in the city!! And the salads are so good as well; this place is a hidden gem!
(5)Matthew H.
Nearly deserted on a Thurs. nite. Great draft list. We had Welsh rabbit, which had melted cheese rather than a cheese sauce. Our server was friendly, if not particularly knowledgeable about beer. Upstairs is a rowdy karaoke bar, but it is possible to carry on a conversation here. Seems to be gay-friendly.
(5)Weining B.
Great to find a Liverpool bar right along the river! With awesome beer, hearty portions, and the most yummy deviled eggs, You'll Never Walk Alone!
(5)Kevin R.
Hard to believe that I'm in Philadelphia enjoying a bitter poured from a firkin, fish and chips with mushy peas, and a decent sticky toffee pudding. Victoria Freehouse got the details spot on right down to the bottle of HP sauce next to the malt vinegar! Our bartender Stephanie was terrific and let us know about the happy hour specials and upcoming events...I'll wear my Rooney jersey next time I'm in....go Man Utd!
(4)Gina V.
I went here with my roommate and my cousin for my cousin's birthday dinner on Saturday night. The service was excellent, our server was cheerful and attentive, and the food came pretty quickly. I had the chicken salad sandwich, and it was delicious! The fries were big and soft and yummy. My cousin enjoyed the shepherd's pie, and my roommate liked her sausage (hey, get your mind out of the gutter!). The seating was a little awkward, with church pews on one side of the table with seats angled slightly so you slid back, and stools on the other. Not uncomfortable, just a bit awkward. The prices were decent, and the portions were filling, although this isn't a place where you'll likely have leftovers. What bumps it up to five stars for me is this: at the end of the night, my cousin bought two Mars bars (one for himself and one for me), and our server told him one was on her because it was his birthday. I was so touched that she went above and beyond to make his quarter-life-crisis birthday special! My only regret is not trying this place out sooner, like when I lived just about right above it.
(5)Herbie H.
I stopped in to the Victoria Freehouse with my boyfriend for a casual dinner on a friday night. I had scoped out the menu and saw a good number of things that piqued my interest. For happy hour, all pub snacks were half priced, and the pints were only $5 - a great deal. We chose to go the appetizer-as-meal route and opt for a few pub snacks to munch on. We tried the bacon wrapped dates, deviled eggs, and the sausage roll. We also ordered the baked mac and cheese appetizer. We didn't leave very full by any means - but it was a great variety of things to munch on after work. We actually ordered another plate of the deviled eggs because they were so good. All around, the food was very good. We saw a few of the entrees come out for other tables and practically started drooling, they looked so good. Service was very friendly - our server was casual, friendly, knowledgable, and helpful. Definitely will be returning!
(4)Rychard G.
My family visited phyladelphia for the first time and after visiting the aquarium the new jersey and independence hall my son had a craving for fish and chips. This is where yelp comes in ... we typed best fish and chips in philadelphia and this gem appeared. We were not disappointed. We arrived early for dinner and the cozy pub was not busy thankfully. Having three children one appreciates fast service. We ordered three fish and chips which where huge see photos. My daughter ordered their sausage roll which appeared to be homemade and was excellent. So much so that we recommended it to a family which sat down after we did. The beet salad with goat cheese was excellent. I had a pint of porter which was among the huge selection of draft beer and scotch. The price was very reasonable and the service was excellent. I have since recommended the Victorian to friends who were also not dissapointed.
(5)Kathleen D.
I probably shouldn't be admitting this on a public website, but, well. Okay. Here goes. Well. Okay. Let's hold up a second. You see, I'm American, with a heritage of Irish and Italian roots. I studied abroad in Switzerland, and traveled to lots of Western Europe during that time, aside from England. The Brits.. I just haven't really paid attention to their food all that much, I suppose. Okay. Here goes, for real now: I didn't know chips were fries until Friday night at Victoria Freehouse. I know. Embarrassing. Hiding now. Moving on, this place is great! We arrived around 8 p.m. and had our pick of tables. I chose the chicken and chips, because I don't eat fish, and was surprised by how huge the portion turned out to be. It couldn't be finished. The "chips" (fries) were really good, too. Even if they weren't chips. My favorite part of the night was the Bramble, a blackberry gin cocktail. A definite must try. I'd go back just for that drink.
(4)Newt C.
Visited on a cold Sunday night while family was visiting from down south. Our server, Rita, was quick to greet us. Started off with a few beers. They have a great selection of draft and bottles. We tried the soup of the day, which was tomato bisque, and a scotch egg. Both were very good. For dinner we ordered some of the house specialties. Bangers & mash, fish & chips, and shepherds pie were perfect and came highly recommended by our server. For dessert, my brother orderded the Valentine's day special "Love cake." Rita was quick to point out that it was good, but the best dessert they made was the sticky toffee pudding. She then brought us out a sample on the house, and it was amazing! I'm not one to write many restaurant reviews, but this restaurant deserved one. Great food and great service has me wanting to go back soon, and bring friends to try it out.
(5)Michelle S.
What a great find! My husband and I went on a Saturday afternoon. It wasn't too busy, so you could really see all of this place. Super clean and nice appointed. The bartender was great. Chatted us up the whole time we were there and had excellent food and beverage suggestions. I had the Pimm's Cup and Scotch Egg-both very traditional and delicious.I also had the house pickles, which you can tell that they make there. So fresh! My husband had a beer (Tennent's Lager), which he really enjoyed and Shepherd's Pie. Can't wait to come back here to try more!
(5)Cameron P.
Authentic British pub. Good beer selection and friendly staff. I have had the Welsh rarebit, sausage roll and the fish and chips. All were good but the fish and chips was the best I have had in philly. Check it out you won't be disappointed.
(4)Todd G.
Holy Bajeesus, Fuller's on tap. All imports. No crap beer for commoners. Bangers and mash are great. Scotch egg. Curry cheese chips. Push me over with a light breeze. This is my favorite pub in Philly. Stephanie and company will definitely improve your day.
(5)Josh S.
My favorite place to hang out in Old City! Ed and Perry are amazing and Stef the bartender can make a mean drink. When I die, I want to be buried with their Bacon-Wrapped Dates, in my hand. Such a fun atmosphere, and I highly recommend this place.
(5)Elva L.
we came here on labor day monday just looking for a low key meal. turned out they had all day specials, which was neat. service feels a little strained. i don't know why. i felt them trying, but it felt disjointed and a little unnatural. the tikka pizza was probably my favorite thing we tried. i mean, indian food and pizza is really kind of a genius move. beet cured deviled eggs? i'm going to say no thanks next time. the yolk mixture was too dry, and really didn't hit that creamy, fluffed texture it should have. the fish in fish'n'chips had the right batter, which was unusual and pleasant. often you get a place trying to do fish and chips because it's bar food, and they end up giving it a batter that's more of the chicken tenders/fish sticks variety, not the airy, greasy, puffed out batter the dish has when executed properly. it was a nice surprise to find the fish correctly battered and fried. mushroom on toast was adequate and unremarkable. if i must say something else-- it was just a little too salty, and noticeably relied heavily on butter to give it body and flavor, nearly to its detriment. crab and haddock cakes were also just okay. i liked that there wasn't a lot of breadcrumb filling, didn't like that there were very little discernible crab bits. i had a double gin and tonic per their special, and it came with a completely browned wedge of lime. i immediately took out the lime and set it to the side of the table. our bartender/server came up shortly after and took the lime wedge. when i got my second drink, he told me: 'i didn't put any limes this time, since you don't like them'. so i just nodded and said thanks as enthusiastically as i could. it seemed like it would be harsh to point out that i do like limes, but only if they're fresh. i mean, he was trying to anticipate a need and be helpful, even though he reasoned incorrectly. i wanted to give this place 2 stars as i have had better and don't see a reason to return (save, perhaps, for the tikka pizza just for its unique existence). on the other hand, my visit left me with no reason to avoid this place either. i guess the problem is that 'i've had better' and 'it's A-OK' aren't necessarily mutually exclusive categories to me. let's say 3 stars, then, just to be generous.
(3)Chris J.
Stopped in here on a Friday night for a casual dinner and man was this place awesome. Authentic British pub - totally feels like the pub I visited when I was in London last year, except I didn't have to go to the bar to order food! Opted for the devil's on horseback and man, I wish there were more of these on the plate! Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with Stilton? Yes please! Oh yeah, and the fish and chips were also phenomenal! I couldn't believe the amount of fish and fries, pretty sweet! The sausage roll in puff pastry with the grain mustard was also pretty good! I'll be heading back here for some more pub food and British beers very soon!
(4)Kevin J.
Sign on the door says "Daily Happy Hour 4-7pm," but my party is disappointed to learn that Saturday and Sunday are not even considered applicable as happy hour days, despite the advertisement suggesting otherwise. Curry fries are lacking in taste and did not quite have the proper texture or temp, but they were plentiful. We are sampling a few dishes. The wings are unappealing to me and none too big. The roast beef sandwiches are of good quality. The place has the redeeming quality of showing the UNION games on primary flatscreen behind the bar. The Freehouse is affiliated with British Chip shop in Haddonfield; menu is right about the same level of good as well.
(3)Kristen M.
This is delayed review, but I like this place a lot and hope it does well. I've dined here twice and both were very good, although the atmosphere changed drastically in the few months between my trips. The first visit was a few weeks after they opened on a Friday in March 2013 and it was really loud and crowded at 7pm. The second time was on a Saturday in December 2013 and we were one of three couples in the restaurant at 6pm. I feel like its location is a detriment, because a lot of people might not know it exists. I ordered the same thing both times I was there, because I enjoyed my selections. Dining partner and I split appetizers of deviled eggs and welsh rarebit. The deviled eggs are purple-ish red from the beets they use and they were delicious. They give you 4 half eggs (not three like other places I've been to) so you can actually have two per person when sharing. The welsh rarebit was a fluffy piece of toast topped with a mix of cheese and mustard-y ale sauce. As an entree I enjoyed the roast beef sandwich, which was juicy and large enough to take home for a second meal. Dining partner had the fish and chips. The ginger beer is really refreshing to wash it all down. To finish the meal we ordered the Sticky Toffee Pudding, delish, so glad I saved room! The service here both times was good and the decor is pretty cool, especially the ceiling.
(4)Andy J.
Good selection of U.K. beers and a friendly staff. We did not try the food so I can't comment on that. Descent size bar and table seating along the far wall. Great atmosphere for tossing back a beer while chatting with friends.
(4)Jessica K.
We came here for Quizo recently and really enjoyed this bar. It's very British/Irish in food offerings. The beer list is classic and impressive. I opted for cocktails for this visit and had the two gin offerings. Both were fantastic but I enjoyed the Bramble more. We noshed on the fries and requested some gravy on the side. Wow! It was onion gravy and so thick; we assumed it was was they use for french onion soup. It was so incredibly tasty! And Quizo was a lot of fun, even though we didn't do as well as we hoped (although we did get a t-shirt out of it!). The MC, Jane, is sweet and funny! We'll definitely be back again and hopefully for a proper meal.
(4)Bhavika P.
Pathetic service. The worst ever place. The server would come to our table at her own sweet time. Keep forgetting what we ordered. Everything came too late. And even before we asked for bill she gives it to us and says 'here's your bill I will add anything you want later'. I would never ever visit this place. Also at the beginning even while we are still deciding on what we want to eat the server was like 'sir what do you want to drink. Mam what you want to drink' - and that wasn't polite at all. It was so much in rush that she was that probably even before we start she wanted us to get done.
(1)Elizabeth L.
Came here for Sunday brunch with a group of six (and our very own Brit), we all had the English Breakfast and loved it. I had the vegetarian, and I have to admit I was not very excited about it, but was pleasantly surprised once it came out! To all my vegetarian friends - definitely a plate to try at some point. Also seem to show international sports, so I think that's a plus. It's a little difficult to find for people not familiar with Philly, but it was empty on Sunday at 11am and we had the place to ourselves for a while. Can't comment on lunch or dinner, but I would come back for brunch again. My only complaint? $7.5 for a tiny mimosa - almost as much as the meal!
(4)Janet K.
After batting a thousand on our restaurants for our weekend getaway, this one was a bit of a disappointment. We were welcomed by the hostess right away. Our server, Rita, appeared to be the only one working...it wasn't busy and the service was slow. Our food was a bit of a letdown. We were not impressed.
(2)Michael P.
In a city filled with "Irish" pubs, it's nice to change the pace with a more English focused pub. The tap list is suitably import heavy with bitters and ales, and matched by a good bottle menu. The food offers a nice mix of English pub fare and more conventional bar food. The tasty wings are glazed with a heavy, marmite based sauce that works surprisingly well. The burger and roast beef sandwich are both excellent, and the fish and chips are pretty faithful. Like so many Philly bars, it's a long narrow space, with bar on one wall, tables on the other, and bathrooms downstairs. It's a bit away from the old city crowds, so it can be a quieter alternative for a drink or dinner.
(4)Mary M.
I think The Victoria Freehouse is a great little spot. Located right on Front Street, the spot is Philly's sister spot to the British Chip Shop/English Garderner. They actually sell a few British food products there as well. The draft list is impressive for any Anglophile and the fact they offer smaller poors for cheaper = you can sample more ales! We've only been there once to sit down for a proper meal; we had brunch and I got the Crab on Toast while my husband had the fish and chips. My crab on toast was dense with tasty crab and was a nice size portion for the price. The fish was perfectly fried and the chips could've been crisped up a bit more but was delicious nevertheless. Victoria Freehouse touts itself as a "pub" but the big open room is decidedly non-pubby to me as someone who has visited a couple in a trip to England. But the decor is bright and very clean looking. I hope to be back soon for a proper pudding or Sunday roast at some point!
(3)Gretchen E.
Love the service, love the location, love the quizzo. Rich puddings you won't find anywhere else. I'm not a fan of English ales or the cuisine's heavy richness. So I can't sing much praise for either. Still, I find myself coming back for Victoria's friendly, stylish ambience. Wednesdays are quizzo nights, and the host is a doll. The bartenders are lovely. If you live in the area, this is a fantastic pub for you to be a regular. Just make sure you don't eat too much of that pudding.
(4)Chris M.
The Victoria Freehouse is fantastic. My wife and I had the day off yesterday and decided to stop in for some snacks around midday. The beer selection of beers from the UK is pretty amazing. They have about a dozen solid picks no draft, and two on hand pump. The bottle selection is also worth going over before you order your beer. Some pretty rare beers and vintages are available. We tried three different dishes and liked them all. First was the tikka masala pizza, which was delicious. It was a personal pizza with tikka sauce in place of the sauce, and pickled onions and cheese. Definitely recommend. The pickled deviled eggs are also great--they look interesting, too: both the egg and filling are a pink color. But my favorite dish was the "devils on horseback"--bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with stilton cheese. Only $5. These were spectacular. If you've never had stilton, you should try it. It's like a bleu cheese, but made with cow's milk, so it's a little more mild. These were like mini one-bite chesseboards. Highly recommend. The bartender was also super nice, and we had a nice conversation with some of the other early arriving patrons (we got there just as the bar was opening). I'd love to visit again and try brunch. Would def check the Freehouse out.
(4)Nando F.
I visited The Victoria Freehouse with a few fellow yelpers after an event a while back, I believe this was the after party.. party . Nice little pub to visit I must say "All hail the Queen ", or is it " Save the Queen "? I think it might be "For God and Country ", something along that nature. I am not sure what the saying is , but I do know is they have Innis and Gunn on tap ! A freshly tapped Innis, the moment I saw you walk to that beautiful tap. As you began that glorious pour, that refreshing, delicious well crafted beer cascading down. You had me the moment the first drop laced the bottom of that pint glass. This is what I call heaven captured in a glass, waiting for you to reward yourself. Innis and Gunn oh how I fell for you on vacation in OBX. Now that I have tried you straight from the tap, this tasted even better than from the bottle. From what I did notice the place isn't that big, but what they did do is utilize the space that they do have. Tables placed along the wall , also with a smaller platform with more seating arrangements. Another area you can enjoy a few libations is the bar scene with ample amounts of seating. Great little spot here, a nice selection of whiskeys and scotch for your enjoyment. The menu does look interesting , great bartenders. I will be back again for a dish and of course another pint. *** Side note *** I am writing this review solely on the bar experience and not the food. I will be returning to do several tasting though, seeing I never really had any British style dishes. Now when it comes to crafted delights along with their Scotch's , and Whiskeys I do know the region quite well. With that the rating may change or stay as is.
(4)Louis R.
Awesome UK bar...redic tikka masala pizza and curry fries Dope happy hour beers Very cozy and friendly atmosphere Its like I'm back in jolly ole England
(4)Walter K.
Freshen your drink Gov'ner ?! I like this new British themed pub; the decor is simple and soccer is always on the TV. The draft list is small, but thoughtful and authentic. Drinks are the regular price and come in half and full imperial pints. Exception: $9 for Jamison is outrageous. The food is also authentic British (including the Indian options). It didn't amaze though, the large order of fish and chips was hit and miss ($17). The quality of fish was excellent, but both the fries and fish breading were lacking a perfect crispiness; they were borderline soggy. The best part is the imported malt vinegar. That stuff is great! Bottom Line: It won't be a regular stop for me, but I like this place. I fully expect this place to be around for a while and get even better as they work out the few, minor kinks they have.
(3)T A.
Four of my friends and I went here on a Sunday. There was another table of 4 and another table of 2. I'm not sure what was going on with their staff in the kitchen; however, the service was horrible. I ordered a hummus plate and the deviled eggs and I had no idea that cold food takes that long to be plated and served. After literally 35 minutes of nothing I just cancelled my order. The server was kind enough to offer me a drink for the lack of service which I appreciated, BUT we then get the check and she charges us 18% gratuity because we're a table of 6...so we say "no there's 5 of us" so she reprints it, then we look at the bill and see she kept the hummus on the tab etc etc it was just horrible. I don't know if they were trying to take advantage of us like we wouldn't notice but there are too much pubs and bars to go here.
(1)Cory M.
The British are certainly not known for their food but The Victoria Freehouse makes the best of it. Draft list was good, food was not bad either. The menu is a bit limited but otherwise good. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. The place it occupies on Front St is a little off the beaten path which is likely why it was not very full on a Friday night. I would go back.
(4)Lindsay V.
I have been dying to try proper fish and chips. Hooray for The Victoria Freehouse! We came here around 8 pm on a Friday night. The place was pretty empty, which was kind of sad, but hey, more room for us! I started with a Pimms Cup, which is really tasty. For an appetizer, and at the suggestion of our awesome waitress, I tried the Welsh rarebit. Never having it before, I have nothing to compare Victoria's too, but I really enjoyed it. It's salty, but I'm a big fan of the sodium. For my meal I got fish and chips (the large, don't do it, it's so freaking big) and they were also good. The fish was cooked perfectly and the fries were AWESOME. M got the bangers and mash, which I assume were delicious by how quickly he scarfed them down. By the time we were done, we were completely happy and stuffed to the gills. I can't wait to come back here and try the rest of the menu.
(5)Ysobelle C.
Try everything. Oh, G-d, the Chicken & Chips! And be prepared to defend your Sticky Toffee Pudding or Bread & Butter Pudding with your life.
(4)Majlinda K.
I go to England a lot and was very happy to find this British Pub in olde city. They have large selection of british beers (and ciders) as well as have some of them on tap. They even serve authentic british food not just your standard fish and chips and bangers and mash. You can even get a ploughman's lunch here or even a fried mars bar (something i always wanted to try in the UK but never did). So i ordered the fish and chips and it was delicious!! Also, if you want to try some tea from Britain and even get some british chocolate (like twirls) they sell them behind the bar. Its a nice place and quiet and the staff is very friendly. I have a feeling i will be back here to get a taste of Britain again!
(4)Laura D.
Great standard British food. Try the fish and chips. So fresh! Great draught beers. Try the dates.
(4)Jeff D.
Sound the trumpets. The Queen has arrived! Okay not really, but that isn't to say that there isn't at least a little touch of royalty at The Victoria Freehouse. Since my girlfriend and I are all about all things London and were told about the Freehouse via the owner at her other business, the English Gardener, we decided to take the trip to good ole Front Street for what we hoped would be a smashing good time. And smashing it was! I was told that if I came here, I had to order the Guinness Burger and I ordered just that. My girlfriend ordered the fish and chips. For a starter we ordered the curry chips. We also indulged in several of their draft beers including the Young's Double Chocolate Stout and Fuller's London Porter. As others have mentioned, we ordered the half pints as we wanted to try a variety of beer. Plus the full pints were rather rich for my blood. The curry chips were deliciously covered in, you guessed it, curry sauce and were what I imagine would be the perfect snack for someone who has had one too many pints. Little did I know that my burger also came with fries. So you can only imagine my embarrassment once it arrived and I had enough chips to feed the entire Arsenal Football Club, but no worries as we ended up carrying away more than a few chips which were quickly devoured by others once I arrived home. Both the fish and burger were very delicious and satisfied our crave for English pub grub. I haven't been to many other British spots around the area, but I must say that the Victoria Freehouse is pretty damn close to being an authentic British pub. Our waitress was very kind and made sure that our drinks were full. Overall, I really liked this place. I probably wouldn't come back too often just because I ended up "dropping more than a few pounds" (cheesy I know), but it will certainly make for a fun night out with you and your mates!
(4)Sharon F.
Staff was friendly, efficient and fun. Food was straightforward pub done really really well. Fish & chips were awesome.
(5)Ken M.
We had stopped in for a late lunch. We lucked out and parked our vehicle directly across the street at a metered parking lot... that was very convenient. (I could keep an eye on my vehicle and the PPA). We like this freehouse. They did a great job of renovating this place (nice flooring, exposed brick, plenty of room). We sat at the bar. Our bartender (David) was great, very personable! The beer selection was good. I stuck with my standby (Wells Bombardier). My wife went with the Newcastle Blonde Bombshell. For a snack, we ordered the 'Devils on Horseback' Stilton stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. We thought they were tasty but it only came with 4 dates, not worth the $5.00 (would of been happy with a 6 or 7 portion). My wife ordered the small portion of the Fish and Chips, she really enjoyed it. The chips were very good. I ordered the Chicken tikka masala, it was excellent... the rice was cooked to perfection (something Indian restaurants often over/undercook). I like their twist on this dish. It was perfect for this rainy day we had. We felt the prices were reasonable. We look forward to coming back.
(4)Chelsea B.
You know when you order wrong? That's what I did at the Victoria Freehouse, and it just wasn't my cup of tea. Get it? I went here with my boyfriend and fellow Yelper Sara S. on a weeknight, and we were one of only a few tables since I'm sure this place is still gaining steam. I've been to London twice but I mostly stuck to an alcohol-only diet, so I can't really attest to the authenticity of the food. For beers my dining partners went for some darker porters and I stuck with cider. The best part is that they offer a nice half pint option for $3-4 which allows you to try a few different options without getting tired of the one you chose (or getting stuck with a warm beer). They also have a nice selection of bottled beers and cocktails to choose from. We started with the tikka pizza, which was pretty good and basically tasted like tikka masala on a crust. The devils on horseback (dates wrapped in bacon) were easily the knock-out of the evening. The sweet dates plus the savory bacon is just an awesome combination, and the stilton cheese in the middle sent it over the top. These are little bits of heaven. For dinner I had the Guinness burger, and I immediately knew I picked the wrong thing. The meat was mixed in with some sort of seasoning and I believe it had onions in it, and overall I just didn't love the taste. It was also verrrry rare. My dining partners had the fish sandwich and the roast beef sandwich, and the roast beef sandwich got good reviews. Overall I like the decor and it's nice to see a new place in Old City, so I'd definitely try this place again and choose something else that's more my speed.
(3)Megan G.
I originally came for the Friday night happy hour special (40 ounces of beer and a snack for $15!) and have been coming back ever since. They typically have a very good selection of draft beer, and I can always find one to drink - and if all else fails, they have Magner's on draft. I've had almost all the bar snacks, and while they are all great, the Welsh Rarebit is my favorite. It's a decent sized portion too. The fish and chips were super crispy and delicious as well. The last time we were in, we had a Fried Mars bar form the dessert menu, and it was SO good.
(4)Matt D.
Fellow Yelper Denise hits the nail on the head here. We've had two similarly pleasant dining experiences here, and the Freehouse definitely deserves four stars. It's a nice, clean space with an easygoing staff, and they get the americanized "British Pub" experience just right. The beers on tap are an excellent mix of things you may not have had before. We both preferred the Newcastle Blonde Bombshell, which is just as good as their Brown Ale. The potted trout (very interesting cold plate combination) and the tikka pizza (super thin crust with strong, but not overpowering flavors) are both great starters. The bangers and mash are the star of the menu. Housemade bangers are unbeatable, perfectly cooked, and served over an awesome whole grain mustard mash. The fish pie is fantastic as well, but could use a little more protein (aka don't skrimp on the fish). Great, low key spot in Old City, and a fun place for Quizzo on a Wednesday night.
(4)Ashley S.
This place is really nice! My boyfriend, some friends, and I went on a rainy Friday night, so it was pretty empty, but we had a good time. First of all, the bartender was great. He was very friendly and talked with us about the various beers to choose from. He let me sample them before I went for a whole pint which was great because they're a little pricey here...I guess that's what you pay for imports! They have a lot of traditional British pub fare for food. My boyfriend and I shared the Crab on Toast, which was good but a little too creamy for my taste. According to the bartender, they also have a rule of only playing music that is straight out of the UK, so don't be surprised to hear some Elton John or Amy Winehouse :) All in all, a great, unique place, so I'm sure we'll be back.
(4)Sara P.
I can't say how authentic this place is, since I've never been to England. But... they did play a fair amount of awesome 80s British New Wave while we ate. And... my sausage was HUGE!!! I know how that sounds, but it really was. Enormous. I've never had such a big, tasty sausage.
(5)Richard R.
This place is a neighborhood gem. I've tried different items from the menu and almost all of the small plates, all of them have been delicious and never bland. Plus the ambience it's always right, never too crowded, very comfy and they're always playing good alternative music.
(5)Denise C.
Loved it! A nice addition to the area! I purchased the Groupon to the Freehouse and was very much looking forward to going. I was not disappointed! The bar was clean and comfortable with a classic English feel. The staff was friendly. We had the crab on toast for an appetizer, amazing. We also had the bangers and mash and the fish pie, both delicious. The bangers and mash were the favorite. The bangers were flavorful and the mash appeared to have grain mustard mixed in. It was served with a yellow mustard and a brown sauce, both bottles looked to be from England. So fun and so nice when a place keeps with the theme. I also had the Elderflower Fizz and it was so yum and classy! My husband had the London Eye, also quite tasty. We had a wonderful experience at the Freehouse. The reason for 4 and not 5 stars is because I think the menu is a just a little overpriced. But overall I very much enjoyed it and hope to go back soon.
(4)Robert M.
Visited on Nov. 23, 2014 around 1:15 pm. Atmosphere was warm and cosy; ordered the sausage roll...it was lukewarm and seemed as if they microwaved it. My wife had the bacon pancakes...not much bacon and just passing. My daughter had the scotch egg which was so-so.
(2)Jason F.
I have been coming to VF since it opened and I'm super psyched that they have managed to stay in business in such a low foot traffic area of Old City. The Fish & Chips is beyond amazing and definitely the best in all of philly if not the entire eastern seaboard!! true story! Bangers and mash are on point. Seriously, you can't go wrong with coming to VF for great food and a super sweet beer list. BONUS: The staff are ALWAYS warm and welcoming.
(5)Francis U.
"...let us fill a bumper, and drink the health of those.." Lady Mary and I have been anxiously awaiting the vernissage of Victoria. Not that we minded the trip over the bridge to it's New Jersian counterpart, but we were keen to have an asylum this side of the Delaware. The Victoria is oasis of English culture in the midst of a deeply American city. Fullers, Wells Bombardier, and Old Speckled Hen all make manifest on the draught list. The Islay Scotches also received an invitation to the menu...which may indeed prove a dangerous thing! I've not yet met a glass of Lagavulin which didn't bring me orgasmic satisfaction. The space itself is clean, and bright, if not finished. I will reserve my critique of the space for a time when the owners have had time to settle into the building. Food is what one would expect at one of the Queen's pubs. Bangers & Mash, Fish & Chips, Shepard's Pie, Tikka Masala, Curried Chips...It's almost as if one can Taste the Imperialism! Not only do we have foods near and dear, but flavours from far reaching corners of the globe being extracted from their native lands, in order to excite the otherwise bland English palate. Brilliant. One could easily make an argument that reviewing restaurants in the first week is a faux pas. This point does not fall on deaf ears, and I have every intention of re-reviewing (and re-rating, hopefully at 5 stars) in the months to come. With that being said, there are a few critiques which I will put out into the ether in the hopes that the Gods of eccentricity may hear... - $7 for a Yards I.P.A. is ridiculous. A domestic pint should never approach that price. - No Happy hour. Why? It's a new place...put bottoms in seats mate. - The music is bollox. Something for adults...please?? - How about something cute for the waitresses? The standard of appearances ranged from a professionally dressed hostess, to our waitress, who had more of a female roller derby aura. This may seem an antiquated suggestion...but the name of the establishment is 'The Victoria', and is appealing to anglophiles...so there is it. I'm looking forward to visiting again soon, and seeing some of the kinks sorted out.
(4)Taylor S.
I love this place. As many others have said, it's the best fish and chips I've had since going to London. The bangers (sausage) were awesome too and we found out they make them themselves. This place is family owned and I could tell when I walked in the door and warmly greeted by the hostess/waitress/bartender/superwoman Rita. She seemed to be the only person working the front but she was great and didn't skip a beat even though she probably needed some help. She made every customer feel like they were at home and I love finding restaurants like this. I will definitely be coming back and tying other items on the menu!
(4)Gordon M.
If you want great fish and chips in a clean environment, go to Victoria Freehouse. It is on the edge of Old City. You walk in and you are surrounded by warm wood paneling. There are tables and a bar. The bar is good. It would be perfect if they had a brass rail for you to rest your feet on. In addition to the tasty fish and chips, they have a great selection of beers from both the UK and the US. They even have, get this, a Monty Python "Holy Ail" It was tasty. They also have a selection of ciders, wine and whiskey.
(4)Sophie R.
Maybe it's because I'm a slightly homesick Brit, but I LOVE this place! We came here on a Friday night. It was cosy and had a nice hum without being too crowded. We shared a large fish and chips between two, with sides of baked beans and mushy peas. Everything was absolutely delicious. Hands down the most authentic fish and chips I've had since landing on these shores. Plus Heinz tomato ketchup, proper vinegar and tartar sauce. And a pot of Taylors of Harrogate Assam Tea. Outstanding! The service was excellent too. Friendly and attentive. The only possible improvement would be something British on the telly rather than American sport. The rugby, the footie, Eastenders even?!! But as we say in Blighty, that's just splitting hairs. We'll definitely be back again soon. Keen to try the Full English Breakfast next!
(5)Nunya B.
Warm dark ambiance - imported beer on tap but a bit pricey. Had the Guiness Burger which I found to taste much more like a meatloaf sandwich than the burger it was advertised as.
(3)Mike G.
I stopped in on a quiet night (Old city was rainy and dead everywhere). It's a British themed pub without trying to be theme-y. The decor is very comfortable and simple w/o the corny decorations that chain restaurants would not likely resist if they owned it. The owner/bartender (?) was super friendly and helpful. I enjoyed the extensive British and British styled beer list. The food menu looked great too. We were just in for a late night snack so my friend and I ordered lightly to share. We decided to try the Fish N' Chips since they were on special They were absolutely perfect; light, flakey, fresh so we were glad we went for the larger $8 order. For a desserty snack, we chose the stilton stuffed dates wrapped in bacon... I mean, c'mon, there's no way that's gonna let you down ...EVER. Im really looking forward to coming back here soon. Old City is in desperate need for a real place that's not touristy-cheesy and frat-boi tacky. *I stopped in again for dinner and drinks with 3 buddies and we had a great time. The food was all good and the service excellent.
(4)Leo I.
Quizzo with Irish Jon on wednesdays tests your general knowledge of nothing useful. I like that this place is tucked away on the outside edge of olde city and the crowd reflects that somewhat. I saw the guy at the table next to me order fish and chips and it made me wish I wasn't fasting... They looked good!
(4)Matt B.
Killer selection of Beer! Excellent food too. Bangers and Mash, Shepard's Pie and Fish and Chips were all top notch! Excellent service as well. Next trip to Philadelphia will include another stop to The Freehouse for sure.
(5)Alex G.
It's always nice to see an authentic British pub pop up in the neighborhood since they seem to be a rarity. I really liked the decor here. Narrow yet long, with a long bar in the center. The beer selection is great. There are a number of Scottish and English ales as well as ginger beers. Perhaps the most authentic part is the Indian food on the menu considering Indian food is traditional British food. The tikka pizza was awesome, the chicken tikka masala was decent but the pumpkin curry was bad. The food can use some work. Of note, the service is exceptional. Our waitress went out of her way to make sure we were taken care of.
(3)ED W.
This place is amazing! The beer selection is mind blowing, Wells Bombadier. Fullers, Newcastle, they had a lot of obscure English beers in bottles as well. Food is outstanding, had the English breakfast with a Boddingtons, man, so good. If you like Meat and Beer, you will love this place. Meat
(5)Simone T.
Great, great pub! Sampled ciders and a great IPA selection. After getting pleasantly buzzed, we had the fish & chips and bangers & mash - I'd come here for the food alone! Great bartender, great space. Can't wait to come back!
(5)Candice F.
Devils on Horseback. Nuff said. Love the beer selection and the decor. Loved the traditional shepherds pie too! I also attended a paint nite here for my birthday and that was super fun. Had the curry chips then and they were delish! A little messy to eat but the flavor rocked! I'll be back!
(4)Michelle S.
All I have to say is: Tikka Pizza. Even if everything I ate was horrible (which it was not), I would STILL come here just for the Tikka Pizza. That's how good it was! I had the vegetable curry, which was delicious and the sticky toffee pudding which was heaven on a plate. My husband got the fish and chips and was really happy with it as well. Great beer selection too! And even more important to me, great cider selection! My only complaint is that it is pretty expensive. However, it's definitely worth the cost.
(4)Benjamin A.
Probably the best selection of English brews in the city, cask, draught and bottled. Food-wise the Sunday roast is very good.
(4)Moira H.
Great beer selection. Interesting menu, very British, of course. I am looking forward to their brunch. It is nice that they offer a vegetarian Full English Breakfast.
(4)M L.
I LOVE this place. I have spent a lot of time in the UK and it's definitely 'authentic.' They pour Imperial pints and make unbelievable fish and chips, along with killer full breakfasts and puddings. The service is always friendly. The reviews questioning certain beers and the presence of Indian food on the menu have just never been to the UK, obviously. Huge plus?? Liverpool supporters!!
(5)Erica B.
I met friends for brunch a few Sundays ago. We had all spent some time in London and were looking for feeling a bit desperate for British pub food, so decided to give it a shot. First of all, the location is right on the river, on a sunny day it's really beautiful. They also have parking directly across the street- so don't drive yourself crazy trying to find a spot around the city. The Freehouse a lot like their Haddonfield location, The British Chip Shop, but with alcohol. So it's just instantly more awesome. Plus all of the beers are British brews that you will find on a typical evening out in the UK. That means Strongbow on tap regularly, for you cider fans. They also have full pots of tea for those that don't drink. They had a lot of great brunch drink deals, including the standard mimosa's and bloody Mary's, but what I noticed was that the bartender blended each drink by hand, and cut up celery for each Bloody fresh. Little things like that are so unusual that you don't even notice when you miss them, but they don't go unnoticed when done correctly. I went with hardboiled eggs with a curry sauce, basmati rice and naan for my brunch option (I can't find their brunch menu so I'm not sure what it's called). I had never imagined hard boiled eggs having that much flavor. but it was really nice- and really, really filling. They really know how to make a good curry sauce. I also got a side of rashers (because a meal without meat is just a snack) and they were unbelievably good. So crispy, salty, and so hard to find done right in the US. My friends went with the full English breakfast and sausage and chips and had no complaints either. I also heard some serious praises coming from the table next to us about their sticky toffee pudding. From past experience I would say to order the curried cheese chips at lunch/dinner. They are out of this world. A really creamy curry sauce, thick cut fries and tons of gooey cheese. It's way over the top and may take a year off your life but it is worth every bit of compromised artery. We loved that we walked in and they were nonchalantly playing a Chelsea FC match on the tv. As a CFC fan I know how hard it is to find a match on a day when the Phillies/Eagles/Flyers happen to be playing, and it did not go unappreciated. Chelsea lost... but I'll complain about that on some other social media site somewhere.
(5)Jen M.
The expensive, Old City version of the British Chip shop. Had the shepherd's pie and my girlfriend got the tikka masala. Good size portion for my shepherd's pie but there was almost no chicken in her dish. It was mostly sauce and rice. Disappointing. For a starter, we got the crab on toast. Way overpriced. Seriously. And only just good. Could have bought two cans of fresh lump grab and put it on bread for the price. Tasted bland. Even with the capers to try and spice it up. Wait staff was attentive (four servers but only two tables full on a Saturday at dinner! eek!) and our waitress Jenna was so nice. She even said she'd put in a not so much salt order on my shepherd's pie. It was still salty but I hate to imagine what it would have been like without her asking the chef to tone it down! Disappointed that the Old City location's ploughman wasn't a traditional ploughman's at all. I get that they have to 'Americanize' it, but I was hoping for a little more authenticity with the food (Jenna was awesome and said she'd get me some branston pickle if we got the ploughman's even if it didn't come with it). All in all, worth it for the service. Food was good, but not for $15-18 (I expect better fare for those prices, and many restaurants in Philly deliver that). If there's another groupon, I'll likely go in the future. Otherwise, wouldn't go back.
(2)Siamac A.
Stopped in for a couple beers and a late lunch with friends on a Saturday. Great friendly service. Fish and chips were the best I've had in Philly. Nice and flakey not frozen breaded fish like so many other places. Good tap list. And don't miss the sticky toffee pudding! Great addition to Old City.
(5)Jena M.
I absolutely love this new bar in Old City. I've been to England and I can't tell you a thing I ate there, other than 'spotted dick' for obvious reasons. I've tried a bunch of food and drinks here since they opened and I haven't been disappointed yet! The Guiness burger is on point, though. Juicy, tasty and with the fresh spring mix, tomato and vinegar mayo, it's better than my dads on the grill- which is saying A LOT. They have a bunch of different cheeses that come with accompaniments so even if you're not that hungry and just want to grab a drink and something to snack on, there are plenty of choices. Welsh rarebit is also my new favorite thing in the world- almost like an open faced grilled cheese with gravy and a hint of mustard, OMG. Melts in your mouth. They have a large selection of craft beers and I can't wait to try them all! You can tell the owners put a lot of thought into this place, from the decor to the service, the attention to detail shows! I look forward to returning!
(5)Lucas D.
So, I'm british, so automatically have an appreciation of proper beer. When I visited here I was craving some and enjoyed selecting one from the list. I went with old speckled hen - a favourite of mine- and it was poured superbly, never a given in America. The staff were friendly, the decor simple but cosy and the prices reasonable - given much of it is imported. I intend to go here many more times.
(4)Jamie D.
I would have never known this place existed if they hadn't been in on a drinkphilly/First Friday event....and the fact that they support their local arts scene and work with awesome sites like drinkphilly.com are two big points for me! I got to try their Devils on Horseback at that event: Stilton stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. I'm a sucker for stuffed dates and these were the best I've had in a LONG time. They were so good that I dragged my friends to the restaurant after First Friday festivities concluded so I could get a plate of them. I'm glad that I dragged my friends there because food aside, the atmosphere is awesome. I really love the slightly dark, English pub feel to this place (which duh they're going for and they nailed it) I was also super excited that they had a giant cardboard cutout of Prince William, Kate, and their baby with faces cut out for photo opportunities. That's my kind of humor! I didn't try anything other than the Devils and was a bit bummed about the price for the quantity....but they were awesome. They also have a wonderful draft list. I will definitely be going back to this place on my next First Friday to try more things!
(4)Robert K.
The family decided today would be a great day to try out a new restaurant, The Victoria Freehouse on Front Street in Philadelphia. We've been waiting to try it since it opened last month. We figured we should give them a few weeks to get sorted out after launch so we could get a good feel for them. The idea of a proper English Sunday Roast seemed like an ideal reason to try it out. Unfortunately, maybe we should have waited even longer..... We arrived at just after 4, when Sunday Roast was set to begin service. No problem getting a table as only one other was occupied along with a few people at the bar watching the Phillies game. The waitress, Amanda, promptly sat us and got our drink orders (fountain soda, 3 British canned sodas and a glass of wine). When the canned soda arrived for our kids my wife and I examined the label to find it sweetened with saccharine. No diet note on the label anywhere. This might not mean much to many readers but i was sort of taken back as this is not a good ingredient for any child to be consuming and without any idea that its in the soda, i thought it a fo pa on the restaurants part. The music playing was a variety of dance and pop which seemed out of place in a traditional pub atmosphere. It was actually sort or distracting and inappropriate but not worthy of wrecking the meal. We ordered a soup and two appetizers including the recommended Welsh Rarebit and Tikki Pizza. The soup was good but was a bit lacking in flavor. The Welsh Ratebit was fair. Not bad. Not great. Not offensive. The Tikki Pizza was good. We then waited. And waited. And waited for our dinners to arrive. If the restaurant had been busy, I would have understood but the other table left and two others showed so the 40 minute wait between the appetizers and dinner was a bit on the long side. I chalked it up to the change in service (from lunch to dinner) and left it go. Dinner arrived. We ordered 3 Sunday Roasts (today's was beef), a fish and chips and a shepherds pie. The shepherds pie my one daughter ordered presented well. Nicely browned potato topping but a fork full revealed a fairly bland lamb and vegetable base. My Sons fish and chips (large portion) has extremely good chips (fries) if a bit heavily salted. Fantastic in fact but unfortunately cold. The fish was flakey and the batter crispy without being too greasy. It also was good but not earth shattering. My bigger issue there was for $17, the fish portion was very, very small. I'm scared to think what the small size would have been. My youngest daughter, wife and I all ordered the Sunday Roast Beef. Presentation was excellent. It was served medium rare which is just as we like it so no problem there. The roast was accompanied by minted peas, Yorkshire pudding and duck fried potatoes. The beef was beautiful with good flavor but again, luke warm at best. I didn't want to send it back as I knew this would spell doom for the cook level. The peas were fine but frankly tasted like well seasoned supermarket frozen peas. The Yorkshire pudding was good and medium to small muffin sized. The duck fried potatoes were hot when they arrived but actually weren't nearly as tasty as the chips from my sons meal. Even with 3 teenage children, we as a family are not huge volume eaters but we were all still hungry after dinner so we opted for desert as well. We ordered 3 sticky toffee puddings as suggested by our waitress, a bread and butter pudding and the lemon special pudding. We also ordered a scotch (MaCallen 15) and a tea. After another unusual 20 minute wait the puddings arrived. The bread and butter budding was good. The lemon pudding special was excellent. The sticky toffee pudding seemed to be of the canned variety found on your local Wegmans store shelf. Fair but not up to the acclaim which had been given it. So basically we cake away with a general "Meh" feeling with service slow (we assume it was the kitchen not Amanda) and smaller serving sizes with average food until we saw the check. $220 before tip! I get that the scotch and glass of wine were $30 of that but still that seemed awfully steep for a dinner we all walked away from still hungry. After a 15% tip we had broken the $250 barrier for a meal that simply didn't leave us feeling it was anywhere nearly that special. We regularly eat at restaurants costing this much or even more but it's been a long time since I've felt so ripped off. There were positives but not nearly enough to overcome the cons. The concept was excellent but the execution just didn't live up to the potential. I won't be going out of my way to return and unfortunately with some changes, I hope things will improve but I'm not counting on it. UPDATE!!! I was contacted by Edward (Owner? Manager?) after this review was posted. While I can't say I agree with his stance on everything and I did find his tone a bit condescending, I have to give him props for caring enough to respond.
(2)Aum L.
My fiance and I went to The Victoria Freehouse last week. My fiance is from the island of Malta, and I lived in Scotland for several years, we've been scouring Philadelphia in search of decent, authentic British fare. So we were really excited to try them out. When we arrived the place was empty, accept for a few very loud and annoying Americans at the bar. The food was not up to par. I started with the Scotch Egg ( I've been craving one for months) when I received it it looked slightly burnt, had very little flavor and was quite dry. Needless to say my craving has not been satisfied. I had the Shepard's Pie as my entree, yet again very disappointing. It was served with cheesy mash, not the traditional crispy mash (sooo much tastier) there was barely any meat in it, and had a very odd sweetness to it. My fiance had the Bangers and mash, it was overall quite bland and also had an odd, out of place sweetness to it. He was not impressed. For dessert I (tried) to have the Lemon curd tart, and my fiance had the bread and butter pudding. the lemon curd tart was served with a dollop of Chantilly on top, my initial bite was delicious, however when I dipped into the Chantilly cream, it was instantly apparent that it was sour and unserviceable. The waitress was extremely apologetic and immediately took both desserts off of the bill. The bread and butter pudding was fantastic, I may go back just to get that. The only redeeming quality was the service, our waitress was fantastic, very attentive and a joy to talk to. She should find a better restaurant to work at, because she is way too good for this place. Needless to say our experience was not what we had expected, and will not be returning. If you are looking for good British fare, this is NOT the place.
(2)Loy G.
fish and chips at the new english pub around the corner? bloody brilliant! the perfect idea for a lenten friday night, however, my catholic guilt is setting in realizing that i screwed up by eating the bacon wrapped dates (yum). oh well, we had the deviled eggs which were okay but strangely dense and tiny and came in a portion of three halves (not sure why you wouldn't serve a fourth half). the fish and chips were authentic and hit the spot. golden brown crispy crust with large flakes of tender fish inside. the chips are freshly cut and soaked up all the taste of the malt vinegar that i generously applied. my fiance had the beet salad, which was fresh, with large slices of beets that she really enjoyed. i also gotta say that the feel of the place was pretty nice. just walking into this totally renovated space, i immediately notice the atmosphere was that of a casual classy gastropub and not a rowdy old city college bar. the hostess stand at the entrance and most of the patrons sitting at table lining the walls sitting in the church pews and low stools was certainly unexpected. i appreciate their attention to detail with the intricate dark ceiling, exposed brick, and dark textured wall design and dim lamp and candle lighting. i also appreciated the really attentive service from our waitress. i was more than content to hang out for drinks and then share a pot of tea with my fiance over some bread pudding after dinner. i'm glad i've found a pretty chill new neighborhood spot. can't wait to try their brunch.
(4)Briana C.
So good to see a place like this open in Old City. Ordered the bramble cocktail and a few appetizers. The cocktail was a little too sweet for my taste and needed more alcohol for being 10 dollars, but the appetizers were unique and fit the theme of the place (got the rarebit, deviled eggs, and welsh egg). My favorite was probably the rarebit - the cheese was delicious and the bread was toasted perfectly and very fresh. The egg dishes were good but you could tell they were prepared in advance. I would have been more impressed if the welsh egg was a little runny in the middle but I definitely wasn't complaining while eating. All of the entrees sound delicious. I'll definitely be back for dinner and to try the other small plates and cocktails. A lot of the drinks on their cocktail list were gin-based which I like. Staff were friendly and helpful. Five stars for great potential, location, and ambiance.
(5)shawn d.
Nice atmosphere, low key appearance. Good place to talk with friends and grab a drink. Drink prices are on the high side.
(4)Tony M.
This is a hidden gem. Try the Crabby's Ginger Beer. Get it over ice, and get a slice of lemon or lime...either works!!! Cool place, interesting appetizers, and friendly staff.
(5)Jason P.
Our trip to the Victoria Freehouse came courtesy of a Groupon where we could get 1 app and 2 entrees for $24. So not too shabby right off the bat. We went on a Friday night around 5. Here is where it gets weird and slightly annoying. As we walk in we are greeted by not the restaurant staff, but by a table with people dressed in European period clothing talking in awful British accents. They loudly and obnoxiously greeted everyone who came in the same way. Now I'm not quite sure whether these people come here for kicks to do this? Is it some sort of club thing they do? To me it was bizarre. I don't mind it at all, but when there are is practically no one in the restaurant, it's quite intimidating and off-putting to be semi-harassed by a bunch of drunk not-funny dorks as you walk in. The restaurant staff apologized for their behavior, but why not do anything about it? Parking along Front St. is fairly easy and we parked not even a block away on a meter for approximately 1hr 20 min, thinking this would be enough time to eat and get back to the car. Think again. The waitress, while very nice, was not very attentive or very good at all. She took our drink orders right away and the bartender made them fairly quickly. The drinks then waited on the bar for 10 minutes in an empty restaurant. The bartender proceeded to be annoyed by this and delivered the drinks herself. We were in the restaurant for about 20 minutes before she eventually asked us if we wanted food. Bad form. We ordered the Tikki pizza, which was good and comes in 4 slices. Nothing mind blowing, but it was good pub fare. My girlfriend and I split large fish and chips and the roast beef sandwich. The roast beef sandwich was our favorite as it had excellent flavor and the meat wasn't dry (which happens to a lot of roast beef sandwiches). This came with chips, but never said so on the menu. The large fish and chips was outrageously big. Next time we would definitely get the small. The fish was good, but not great. It was missing some flavor, but I'm not sure what. The chips however were excellent and would come back here and snack on those any night. Somehow this all took an 1 hour and 20 minutes and had me running to the car as the girlfriend paid for the bill. This is all in an empty restaurant. All in all, the service here leaves a lot to be desired. The owners should also do something about the annoying British acting troupe to stop scaring away customers. I'd give this 3 stars normally, but the service aspect and experience just put me off. I'll likely try again, but probably not for awhile.
(2)Jon W.
Sit near the bar on a cool sunny evening and it almost feels like you're at Brighton beach. we went on a groupon (or living social - can't remember which) for dinner and enjoyed everything. pleasant pub eats made with quality ingredients. not too oily. delicious: tikka pizza, most especially the country fish pie. great deal on groupon, but wouldn't have tried much otherwise as mains and sandwiches are over-priced. not sure if we'll ever spring for a proper meal there at full-price. with tourists and well to do folks they might be right on target though... the place was dead on a saturday night at 7. felt sorry for the waitstaff. good beer selection. nice draught. have never been here just to drink - could be fun late at night.
(4)Steve G.
came in on Friday night for the beer tasting. Stephanie the bartender was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. I've been here a few times but based on my last experience I will definitely keep coming back!
(4)Robin B.
Excellent and unique draft and cocktail list. Food menu is an approachable mix of solid British classics and the restaurant's own twist on a few of those classics. Staff is deeply knowledgeable (and enthusiastic!) about Victoria Freehouse's draft list and food menu. A comfortable, friendly place that makes you want to return again and again.
(4)Ben K.
I really want to give this place 5 stars. I'm a big fan of English pub-style restaurants and this place hits the atmosphere spot on. It's pretty authentic. The menu is true british food and the food is well-prepared, too. But every time I go there is a rowdy mix of people at the bar that takes away from the dining room experience, and the music is so loud you can barely hear your server. I think it would be better to sit diners on either end of the restaurant rather than directly adjacent to the bar. Our waitress, while proficient, had zero personality and seemed anxious to be rid of us to resume her conversation w the bar tender. All that said, I'd go back again and hope for a better experience.
(4)J D.
Made a trip in town specifically to go to the Victoria freehouse. Ask what's on the beer engine or what is on cask, the bartender responded nothing and apologized. How can a "traditional" English pub not serve proper English beer? Disappointing, shameful.... The bartender was embarrassed and was very nice about it.
(1)G C.
came here on a Friday night--expected it to be/to get more crowded but it didn't. But we had good company so that wasn't a problem. A generous selection of beer/cider and well-priced cocktails. Very british and great service. Yummy Fuller's Honeydew which is season and is crisp with a honey aftertaste but not too sweet. Interested in returning for food!
(4)Bill M.
Everything was great! A beer selection unlike any I have experienced in the city. Great food too!
(5)Alli H.
I like this place. It's slightly off the beaten path since it's on Front Street, which I suspect is why it's never crowded. Although I've been in 5 or 6 times, I've never tried the food. I can, however, report that the beer selection is pretty good. They've got plenty of beers from England, Scotland, and the like, in addition to some local favorites. Draft beers are offered in 10oz or 20oz pours, which I like because choosing the 10oz pour allows you to try more beer. The staff behind the bar is always friendly, and the atmosphere is nice and relaxed.
(3)Seanmhair F.
Starting tonight! May 22, 2013 Quizzo with Irish John. Yes!
(5)Amanda R.
AMAZING food. Stopped in by chance due to restaurant week and was happily surprised by the great food. Well worth the price!
(5)Jeffrey J.
We stopped in here for dinner on our first night in Philly to show our solidarity with the old country and we were not disappointed. The scotch egg was absolutely stupendous and the shepard's pie & bangers & mash were, in a word, sublime.
(5)Michael O.
The best English pub I have been to in Philly. The food is really good and the beers are good as well. I really recommend the St. Peter's Golden Ale. The pickled deviled eggs and the "devils on horseback" dates are a great way to start. The staff was very friendly and the bathroom was clean. Overall, a great experience. I knocked off one star because they have a host/hostess stand but it took us a few minutes to figure out it was actually seat yourself. A sign would be nice. Also, at a First Friday event they had a table advertising 20% off all food that night, but they hadn't communicated that to our waitress. Fairly minor issues, and again overall a great experience.
(4)Yolanda Y.
Literally stumbled upon this place while looking for a nightcap place after ice cream around the corner at franklin fountain. This is a great spot for late night snacks/drinks! And there is a very nice variety of beers, cocktails, whiskeys, etc. Everyone in our group had something they liked on the menu which isn't always easy to find. The prices were reasonable too. I was surprised there weren't more people here, but maybe it's a new establishment or a weird location. Either way I can definitely see myself coming here again at least for drinks. Oh! And the TV had soccer.
(5)Shannon C.
Went here for Saturday lunch and drinks with a friend, had a great time. Great drink options, both beer and cocktails and most importantly, great food. We had the chicken tikki masala and wings. Can't wait to go back.
(5)Hans M.
Good reminder of British pub grub. Relaxing and good service so recommended. Bangers were excellent
(4)Kristin S.
I used to live in London and am so glad the Victoria Freehouse has come to Old City. For me, there are few restaurants worth visiting Old City for, especially on the weekend but i've been three times already. The beer selection and cocktails are fantastic. The service is friendly and good at explaining British food to those unfamiliar. My favorite dish on the menu is the stew; everything about it is perfection, right down to the warm irish soda bread served on the side. The tikka masala is also delicious and perfectly British. Those complaining about indian food at a british restaurant clearly don't know that tikka masala is the most popular dish in the UK.
(5)Thom M.
FINALLY made it in here last night, after years of absolutely loving The British Chip Shop in Haddonfield, NJ. I was very impressed with the location, ambiance, service, and quality and tastiness of the food. Yes, this location is somewhat more expensive than the Haddonfield, NJ, location, but hey, this IS CC Philly and it's still a darned good value for your money, boys and girls! Bottom line is, I love everything about this place, and now that I've been there, I'm going to try to become a regular!
(5)Michele J.
We came here for the birthday celebration of a friend who is a true Anglophile. We ordered several appetizers, entrees, and desserts with the goal of sharing everything. I have to say all of the dishes were delicious. All of the choices were attractively presented as well. The service was excellent and the atmosphere was warm and inviting. Our birthday Anglophile was over the moon! On the downside, I found the portions to be small for the pricing. 17.00 for the large portion of fish and chips, which was comprised of one fish filet and chips. Mind you, the fish and chips WERE delicious, but that's too much in my opinion. The benefit of their pricing structure is that the 'riff-raff' will be discouraged from making it one of their regular haunts, and the place will instead be frequented by well heeled 40 somethings and older looking for an enjoyable evening. SO....if you have a couple of bucks, and are looking for a lovely evening of British dishes, drinks, and desserts, mosey on down to the Victoria Freehouse!
(3)Suzanne C.
It was my first time here and I was very satisfied with pretty much everything. It's no lie, the fish and chips are great. I have to admit I found the fries/chips a little boring, but the fish was flaky, moist and delicious. There were some exciting beer choices and the service was great. I will definitely be back.
(5)Kathleen A.
Went there last night for dinner on recommendation from a friend who's eaten at the Haddonfield location, and while the beer selection is good, the atmosphere is nice (but dead at 10p on a Saturday night), I was very disappointed with the entrees. Do not order the chicken tikka masala (yes I know, ordering Indian at a British pub)- I could not eat the fatty thigh meat they chose to serve in this dish. Also, the bangers & mash was in unimpressive. Read some other reviews, and see I should've gone with a British staple- fish & chips.
(1)Emma E.
I'm an expat from London and was craving a non-gimmicky British pub with good food; I was so excited to try this place. The pub itself doesn't feel very "British" I guess that's partly why it doesn't feel like I've walked onto a British soap set ;) but the food and drink list is great; VIMTO! haven't had that in years! Fish and chips are actually better than the plate I had in London last week and i love that you can order small or large...with Malt vinegar of course.
(4)Gerard Z.
Very happy to see this place in Old City. A good spot to go to to avoid the Jersey nightclubbers and people that treat the city like their garbage can when going out in Old City. Love cask ale and they always have a couple on tap. The English pub food is great. I recommend the scotch egg. Overall, the staff was very helpful and attentive and the ambiance was great.
(4)Scott S.
Great new addition to Old City. Definitely worth the price if you bring a Groupon.
(4)Sean H.
I know I went here really early and on a weeknight, so I'm not completely writing the place off, but I was seriously unimpressed. They have a good beer list if beer if your thing (it's not mine,) but aside from that, there's really nothing interesting about the place at all. I feel like it might be better on a busier night, but for me, it's not worth the schlep to the very edge of Center City when there are so many better options closer to the action.
(2)Courtney C.
Really enjoyed this place. Went on a Sunday afternoon and that section of Front Street is pretty desolate and quiet at that hour. The restaurant was empty, perhaps two other customers. I was pleased that they had Tetley's Ale and Boddingon's on offer (cans), as they are my favorite English beers. My companion had a gin cocktail laced with real mint and thyme, which he enjoyed as well. We shared two appetizers, the crab salad on toast and the scotch egg. Both were delicious and the egg was particularly delicious with its side of Branston pickle. Not too crazy about our bartender. Typical out-of-towner college kid, didn't know about the age or history of the building, etc. We stepped outside for a cigarette break, alerting him to this fact. Our drinks were disposed of by his "associate" when we returned. They were replaced, but an "associate" ?? Really now. I also did not like the stools at the bar. They seemed abnormally high and were uncomfortable. Other than that, I look forward to coming for their traditional Sunday roasts.
(4)Becky R.
Deeeelicious! There are several things on the menu that I highly recommend trying. The Devils on Horseback are probably one of the most amazingly delicious things I have ever tasted. Being a bacon and cheese lover, the stilton stuffed dates are to die for! You wouldn't guess it, but the cheese and dates pair so wonderfully together, and bacon is always wonderful, so there you go. I've had the roast beef before, and it's amazing. Also, try the Chicken Tikka! It's safe to say it's just as good, if not better, than my favorite Indian restaurant, and the rice is cooked to perfection... and it looks pretty :o) If you're a brunch person, swing by on a Sunday and try their Potted Ham and Eggs. Whew! So good. The eggs are served over ham and croutons in a cheese bechemal sauce, and it's so very tastey. There's also an extensive craft beer menu, and if they happen to have the Love Stout on cask, make sure you order a pint or two ;)
(5)Rachel R.
This place has a great variety of tasty food items - something for everyone. It's a friendly, warm atmosphere. They offer a selection of British beers and spirits that are hard to find elsewhere. The food is very well prepared and offers a creative, modern twist on classic British dishes. The duck rillette appetizer was excellent including all the accompaniments. The vegetable curry was great, and the fish and chips were a big hit with everyone. This place should be busier - spread the word!
(5)George F.
love cider, and the freehouse has some i've never seen anywhere else. visited on a quiet tuesday afternoon with a friend and took advantage of their happy hour. pub snacks were half price, we ordered curried cheese chips which are kind of like cheese fries but sooo much better. I'm not a huge spice fan and was worried the curry would be spicy but it wasn't. the fries were seriously amazing. the bartender was very knowledgeable and talked cider with me at length, ended up ordering Aspall cider brewed with blackberries- holy shit! it was so good. My friend ordered a beer on special and enjoyed his as well. really cool place planning to bring friends back for the weekend.
(5)Nancy M.
The third star is for the bartender. We came for dinner but never got past a first drink because it was very poorly air conditioned. The beer selection was broad, maybe I'll find out about the food after a good frost.
(3)Alex N.
We much enjoyed our first visit to Victoria Freehouse on a midweek late afternoon -- A wide selection of beers to choose from, with pints of Innis & Gunn and London Porter our final choices. Fish (cod) and chips, and Bangers and Mash followed appetizers of Welsh Rarebit and Devils on Horseback (never had the latter, which I now highly recommend!). A shared rhubarb ginger fool ended the evening. All in all, competent service, well-crafted menu, and a place where conversation can be had. This place should be in it for the long haul.
(4)William V.
The Tiki pizza was amazing and the roast beef sandwich with the Stilton cheese was one of the best roast beef sandwiches I have had! Would differently go back!
(5)elaine s.
Pretty good British pub food. Did not have anything fried (fish and chips, etc). Friendly waters and very nice interiors.
(4)Brian W.
In Philadelphia rivals Dandelion as an authentic British pub. 7 British beers on draft. Extensive menu. Great for Old City!
(4)Scott K.
I had the chicken tikka masala which was great, and reminded me of the masala I"ve had in London. Their beer selection is fantastic. At the time they had a nice bitter on tap, which always makes me happy. Sometimes the service can be a little bit slow, but when you're drinking good beer it doesn't seem that big of a deal.
(4)Gerry S.
After an evening of activities in Old City on a cold day, I came here with my friend to grab a bite and warm ourselves up. We fell in love with it instantly! It has a very old, classy vibe to it, in a sort of rustic British way. I'll admit my food wasn't the best. The fries (chips) weren't crispy and the sauce they put on it was like a blend of ketchup and barbecue sauce with curry... BUT I am still giving 5 stars because 1. my friend got something that looked and tasted a lot better, and 2. the desserts and drinks!! Our cocktails were perfectly blended and chilled, and the chocolate/toffee cake was to die for. They also have a fried Mars bar, which we didn't get, but I'm definitely trying that one of these days! Overall loved the experience!
(5)Davey W.
Fantastic beer selection. The fullers porter is worth the price of admission. But the veggie curry was to die for. the atmosphere was perfect for relaxing at the end of the week. Meghan the server was friendly and helpful. Dug the Brit tunes as well.
(5)