Review: Victors, Afternoon Tea

This was my first time visiting Victors, and I’d heard good things, so it was high time I experienced it for myself. Victors always gave me a bit of a Made in Chelsea vibe, drawing a specific, stylish crowd. The menu and aesthetic remind me of the popular Ivy Brasserie. I visited on a gloriously sunny afternoon, and the terrace was buzzing, giving off strong beach vibes despite Oxford being one of the most landlocked cities around. Judging by the look and taste of the cocktails, it’s clear Victors is as well-loved for being a drinking spot as it is known for its food.

Victors has recently launched an afternoon tea, which is what lured me in. You can choose between a ‘Vegetarian’ or ‘Classic’ afternoon tea, but everyone in your party has to opt for the same one. We went with the ‘Vegetarian’ as the sandwich fillings were more appealing to us. While we waited, we ordered a Kiss and Candy cocktail (£11.75), featuring Cîroc vodka, lychee juice, fresh lemon juice, Monin vanilla syrup, Monin candy floss syrup, and prosecco! It was as beautiful as it was delicious, with the candy floss adding a playful “pop” and the lychee flavor being absolutely divine. I also ordered a glass of prosecco, which arrived in a generous glass and was suitably dry and bubbly.

As we chatted, my guest, who had a view of the restaurant, mentioned a man approaching with what looked like a theatrical display. It was either our afternoon tea or someone’s birthday nearby. If you’re the shy, unassuming type who prefers to avoid attention, Victors might not be for you. Our afternoon tea arrived on what can only be described as a wooden island (imagine it floating in a Maldivian pool) with our treats nestled on a bed of ice. To top it off, there were two very large indoor fireworks and some dry ice theatrics creating a smoke effect. It was all rather fun, causing a few blushes and giggles, and drawing attention from other guests—a real spectacle.

Once you get past the theatrics, the food needs to do the talking. The savoury selection included an egg mayonnaise brioche roll, a cucumber cream cheese bagel, an avocado hummus & feta brioche roll, and a cheese & spring onion finger sandwich. I’m not sure if it was the bread or the fact it’s served on ice, but the brioche buns were slightly dry. However, the cucumber cream cheese was a standout, with refreshing, finely cubed cucumber. Despite usually avoiding cheese and onion sandwiches, I was pleasantly surprised by the soft bread and the chunky pieces of mature cheese.

The mini desserts were a delight. We enjoyed a lemon meringue tart with perfectly crisp pastry and a balanced lemon flavor, a small Basque-style cheesecake with a fresh slice of strawberry, and a peanut salted cookie with a biscuity texture. The saltiness of the cookie was a wonderful contrast to the sweetness of the other desserts.

Then came the scones, where things took a downturn. They didn’t feel particularly fresh, were slightly dry, and lacked flavor. Disappointingly, the clotted cream wasn’t the luxurious texture and taste one would expect either. Given that the scone is the star of any cream tea, it was a letdown to end on a lackluster note.

Overall, it was a fun experience. The service was warm and friendly, the atmosphere was great, and you could definitely see how an afternoon tea could easily turn into cocktails and a brilliant night out.

Considering Victors advertises itself as a Pan-Asian restaurant, they could be a bit more creative with their afternoon tea! If you’re after a classic afternoon tea, you can probably find better elsewhere, but if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience with a bit of food theatre, Victors is the place for you.

Afternoon tea is available every day from 12-4:30 pm and costs from £32.50 (booking 24 hours in advance is required).