Peckham has changed. If you’ve stepped off the Overground at Peckham Rye lately, you know the drill: trendy coffee shops, rooftop bars, and a lot of people wearing Carhartt beanies. But tucked away at Victoria Inn 77 79 Choumert Road Peckham, there is a corner of south London that feels remarkably grounded. It’s a pub. It’s a boutique hotel. Basically, it’s a bit of everything that makes this neighborhood work.
You’ve likely walked past it if you’ve been hunting for the best sourdough on Bellenden Road. It’s an imposing Victorian building that looks exactly like what you’d want a London "local" to look like. Dark wood, big windows, and that specific kind of warmth that only comes from a building that has been serving pints since 1878.
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Honestly, the Victoria Inn is kind of an anomaly. In a city where pubs are either turning into soulless chains or overpriced "concept" bars, this place has managed to keep its soul while getting a much-needed facelift. It’s managed by Greene King now, but don’t let the corporate backing fool you—it doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter establishment.
What's the Vibe at Victoria Inn 77 79 Choumert Road Peckham?
The first thing you’ll notice is the horseshoe bar. It’s a classic Victorian feature that they thankfully kept during the 2014 and 2016 renovations. It creates a natural flow where locals reading the paper at 4:00 PM mingle with travelers who just checked into the rooms upstairs.
The decor is a mix. You’ve got the original brickwork and dark leather banquettes, but then there are Scandinavian-inspired touches in the dining area. It shouldn't work, but it does. It feels "Peckham"—vibrant, slightly messy in a good way, and unpretentious.
The Food: More Than Just a Bag of Crisps
If you're coming here for a meal, you’re looking at a seasonal British menu. They do a Sunday roast that is—let’s be real—a bit of a pilgrimage for people in SE15.
- Sunday Roasts: They aren't reinventing the wheel, but they do the basics right. Think massive Yorkshire puddings and gravy that actually tastes like it saw a vegetable at some point.
- The Burger: Time Out once called their burger one of the best in London, specifically citing a version with Bovril mayonnaise. While menus rotate, the "pub classics" section usually stays strong.
- Vegan Options: They actually cater to the plant-based crowd well. The vegan fish and chips is a surprise hit even for meat-eaters.
- The Prix Fixe: If you’re visiting midweek (Monday to Thursday, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM), they often run a deal—two courses for £18 or three for £22. It’s a solid shout for a cheap but "fancy" date.
Sleeping Above the Shop: The Boutique Hotel
There are 15 rooms upstairs. They used to have 19, but they knocked through some walls to make them bigger. Good call. London hotel rooms are notoriously tiny, and while these aren't "palatial," they’re definitely breathable.
Victoria Inn 77 79 Choumert Road Peckham offers four main types of rooms:
- Standard Double: Your bread and butter. Great for a solo traveler or a couple who doesn't mind being cozy.
- Twin Room: Two single beds. Rare in boutique pubs, so it's a win if you're traveling with a mate.
- Superior Double: A bit more floor space and usually a better view of the Choumert Road bustle.
- Feature/Family Room: This one has a sofa bed. It fits two adults and one child (usually under 12).
One thing to keep in mind: it's a pub. If you’re staying on a Friday or Saturday night, you’re going to hear the crowd. You might hear the kitchen extractor fan. It’s part of the charm, or a massive annoyance, depending on how much you’ve had to drink downstairs. The rooms come with Nespresso machines and Bose Bluetooth speakers, which helps drown out the "vibrant" street noise.
Logistics You Actually Need
Check-in is at the bar. No stuffy reception desk here. You just walk up to whoever is pulling a pint and tell them you’re staying the night. It’s informal, which some people love and others find a bit confusing.
- Check-in: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
- Check-out: 11:00 AM.
- Parking: Forget it. There is no on-site parking. You’re in Peckham. Take the train to Peckham Rye station; it’s a six-minute walk.
- Accessibility: The rooms are upstairs and the building is old. That means narrow stairs and no lift. If you have heavy luggage or mobility issues, this is a tough one.
Why Location Matters for the Victoria Inn
Being at the corner of Choumert Road and Bellenden Road puts you in the "posh" part of Peckham. It’s leafy. It’s quiet-ish. But you’re only a few minutes away from the chaos of Rye Lane.
If you’re staying at Victoria Inn 77 79 Choumert Road Peckham, you’ve got some of the best of London right on your doorstep. You can walk to the Bussey Building for a rooftop film or a club night. You can hit up Peckhamplex for a £5 cinema ticket—the best deal in the city.
The Horniman Museum is a short bus ride away, and Peckham Rye Park is literally just down the road for your morning coffee walk. It’s a great base for someone who wants to see "real" London without being stuck in a tourist trap in Leicester Square.
The Reality Check: Is it Perfect?
Look, no. It’s a 19th-century building. Some guests have mentioned the rooms can feel a bit "tired" or that the heating is a bit temperamental in the dead of winter. It’s a two-star or three-star experience depending on who you ask, even if the "boutique" styling suggests more.
If you want a sterile, silent Hilton room, go to the Hilton. If you want a place with character, great beer, and a staff that actually knows the area, this is it.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Book Direct: Usually, you’ll get the best rate through their website, but check Expedia or Booking.com for "last minute" drops—sometimes rooms go for around £110-£150.
- Happy Hour: On Fridays, they’ve been known to run a "Happier Hour" from 5-6 PM with 2-for-1 deals on Asahi and house wine.
- Wing Wednesday: Five wings for £5. It’s a steal and popular with the local crowd.
- The 58th Street Connection: Many people stay here because it's convenient for the nearby jazz club and music venues. If you're in town for a gig, this is your best bet for a bed.
The Victoria Inn is a survivor. It has lived through the era of "rough" Peckham and the era of "art school" Peckham. Now, at 77-79 Choumert Road, it stands as a pretty perfect middle ground. Whether you're there for a quick pint, a massive Sunday roast, or a weekend stay, it gives you a slice of London life that feels authentic.
Grab a pint of the local Peckham Pils, find a corner in the bar, and just watch the neighborhood go by. That’s the real reason you come here.
To make the most of your trip to the area, you should check the local event listings at the Bussey Building or Copeland Park before you arrive, as many of the best night-time activities in Peckham require advance booking.