Tyla Fergusson-Platt returns to The Princess Victoria 10 years after Anthony Bourdains visit with Nigella Lawson in 2016.

The Princess Victoria on the 26th September 2026 on the precipice of Autumn. It is ten years since Anthony Bourdain graced this old Victorian pub and it seems to have changed a little from when he was last here. Which includes the menu (more on that later). The pub is almost completely empty, apart from a couple of bar staff and a couple of presumably regulars.

There is almost a ghostly atmosphere in the air, an analogy maybe for the huge hole left in Bourdains passing.

It was strange when I first I saw the entrance of the Princess Victoria. I was expecting it to be located in the heart of a boujee London suburb, Notting Hill perhaps, but it was situated on a fairly lifeless busy road, looking out of place within its surroundings. I walked in and was taken back to Victorian England, a world lifetimes away from our modern lives.

The posh Scotch egg as seen in Anthony Bourdains TV show with Nigella Lawson at The Princess Victoria

Has the menu changed?

The menu has unfortunately changed since Anthony Bourdains visit. I was looking forward to trying the ‘White-bait’, an unusual bar snack, but one that Nigella Lawson lauded over during the episode. However when I asked the bar staff I was met with an indifferent look and was told that they were only serving what was on the menu. No ‘White-bait’ then.

What they did still have though was the famous ‘posh’ scotch-egg, a dish I have been dreaming about ever since seeing it ooze from Nigella Lawson’s mouth. The liquid yolk was something I had never seen before in a scotch egg and while I was eating it at the The Princess Victoria I wondered to myself, how did they get the yolk so perfect?

I re-watched the episode and the scotch-eggs are deep fried, perfectly cooked to the right amount to give them the famous liquid yolk. The trick as Nigella tells us, is to use good quality ingredients. A traditional scotch egg uses cheap ingredients, usually sold cold in pre-packaged wrappers at a supermarket. The Princess Victoria at the time was revolutionising a common everyday snack and making it something luxurious.

Is it worth it? – The verdict

Don’t get me wrong the Scotch egg is good. But is it as good as it looked on the documentary? I’m not so sure. I have a feeling that the food scene has changed a lot in 10 years.

Most cafes now serve good restaurant style food, poached eggs with smashed avocado, eggs shakshuka…the list goes on. In 2016 this was just starting to creep in to local eateries. For me this dish hasn’t changed with the times to be a standout in the crowd. Although I still think it is worth visiting and trying – I should also say the mustard sauce is a nice accompaniment.

The bar itself is a lovely spacious place to get a drink, its walls are dripping with history. Can you imagine the scenes they have seen over the years since its inception in 1829?