Thousands of passengers rush through one of London's busiest stations every day without realising there's a pub hidden above their heads.
Sitting high above the station concourse, Victory Pub Waterloo is a modern British pub tucked away on The Balcony.
Directly over Waterloo's famous Victory Arch, the pub is easy to miss if you're focused on catching a train.
Despite its location inside one of London's busiest railway stations, it offers an escape from the crowds below, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply a drink before your journey.
The Victory, found on the upper level of Waterloo station, boasts a unique position directly above the Victory Arch entrance.
The large half-moon window at the centre of the arch is part of the pub, making the unusual location a feature of the space.
From its elevated position, the venue sits away from the constant stream of passengers crossing the main concourse below.
The pub is relatively new compared with many of London's historic railway watering holes, having officially opened in October 2023.
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Inside, The Victory combines a modern interior with references to its railway surroundings.
Old posters, paintings, and photographs displayed across the walls pay tribute to Waterloo station's history and the broader story of Britain's railways.
Exposed brickwork and statement decorative trees give the pub a more contemporary appearance alongside its historic railway references.
Its location makes it particularly handy for commuters and visitors who have time to spare before their train, while its position above the station means it can easily go unnoticed by people passing through Waterloo at ground level.
The Victory operates as an all-day pub and restaurant, opening early enough for passengers looking for breakfast before a journey.
Food is served throughout the day, with breakfast followed by lunch and dinner, while traditional roasts are available on Sundays.
The drinks selection includes craft beer, wine, and cocktails.
Its location also means you don't have to venture far from the platforms if you've got some time to kill before your train.
Currently, the Victory is located at Unit 1, The Balcony, Waterloo Railway Station, London, SE1 8SW, and is open from 8am until 12.30am from Monday to Saturday.
On Sundays, it opens from 10pm until 10pm.
The kitchen currently serves food until 10pm from Monday to Saturday and until 9pm on Sundays.
So, the next time you're rushing across Waterloo's enormous concourse, it might be worth looking up.
Hidden above one of the station's best-known entrances is an entire pub that many passengers could have walked underneath countless times without ever knowing it was there.
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