The Victoria (Barking), pool in Barking (IG11)

Photo: CAMRA WhatPub

The Victoria (Barking): Pool & Snooker in London

FreeWalk-inPool tableDartsGroups

86 Axe Street, Barking · IG11 7LZ · Mo-Sa 12:00-23:00; Su 12:00-22:30

The Victoria is a proper old-school Barking boozer on Axe Street, a 1960s two-bar pub that pulls in a steady local crowd and runs its own pool and darts teams. If you want a casual frame after work without booking anything, this is the kind of place you just walk into. It is a home venue for the Barking & District Pool League, so the table sees serious play on match nights, but the rest of the week it is there for whoever fancies a game.

Expect a traditional pub feel: two separate bars, Sky TV on for the football, a weekly quiz and karaoke. There is no food-led dining or fancy setup here, just a pint, a pool table and darts. Opening is daily from noon, so afternoon and evening games are easy to fit in.

The pool setup

This is a single pub pool table rather than a dedicated hall, set in a traditional two-bar local. It is the home table for teams in the Barking & District Pool League, so on league nights the play gets competitive and the table may be tied up. Outside fixtures it is a casual coin-op style pub frame, the sort you grab between rounds. Darts and dominoes are also part of the furniture here, so if pool is busy there is usually something else going. Best to come on a quieter afternoon or early evening if you just want a relaxed knockabout with mates.

Good to know

No booking, you just walk in. It is a proper community pub, not a sports-bar setup, so do not expect food menus or table service for games. There is Sky TV for the football, a weekly quiz and karaoke nights, which means the place can get lively. Drinks are standard pub prices. It sits on Axe Street near Barking town centre, a short walk from Barking station which is on the District and Hammersmith & City lines plus Overground and c2c. Daily opening from noon makes it easy to drop in for an afternoon game.

Get directions

Common questions

What is The Victoria in Barking?
It is a traditional 1960s two-bar pub on Axe Street in Barking with a pool table and darts. It is a home venue for the Barking & District Pool League.
Is there a pool table at The Victoria?
Yes. It has a pub pool table and is listed as a home venue for the Barking & District Pool League, so it sees regular match play.
Do you need to book to play pool?
No. It is a walk-in pub, so you just turn up and use the table when it is free. Expect it to be busier on league nights.
How much does it cost to play pool?
It is a standard pub pool table, so play is casual rather than a paid hourly booking. Check the table when you arrive as some pub tables are coin-operated.
What are the opening hours?
Monday to Saturday noon to 11pm, and Sunday noon to 10:30pm.
Where is it and what is the nearest station?
86 Axe Street, Barking, IG11 7LZ, near Barking town centre. Barking station is a short walk away on the District and Hammersmith & City lines, Overground and c2c.

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