Jamie Younger to relaunch The Victory pub on Lordship Lane with modern British-French menu

This May, hospitality operator Jamie Younger will open The Victory, a refurbished neighbourhood pub, on Lordship Lane in East Dulwich. The site, formerly known as Franklins, will revert to its original name following a full refurbishment, with Younger overseeing the relaunch alongside his wife, Rema Waterhouse, who will lead front of house. Booking lines open on the 11^th.

The restaurant has operated for a number of years, supported by local residents and regular customers. Under its new ownership, The Victory will aim to retain its standing as a neighbourhood pub while drawing custom from across London. The kitchen will be led by executive chef Seán Breen, with a menu described as “British ingredient-led cooking with a modern French bistro influence”.

Younger is also behind The Begging Bowl in Peckham, which recently marked its 15^th anniversary. This new opening represents his return to East Dulwich, where he previously worked at The Palmerston. His earlier career included a period as head chef at Bibendum. Breen has previously worked at Henry Harris’s Hero of Maida Vale, Noble Rot and Noble Rot Soho, and in fact began his career at The Begging Bowl under Younger 14 years ago.

The menu opens with snacks including Fresh Baguette and Butter, Oysters Mignonette and Salame Delicato. Starters, from £9, are Bayonne Ham with celeriac remoulade, Salsify Fritters with aged Comté and truffle, Steak Tartare with dripping toast, or Cornish Crab Vinaigrette with fresh herbs.

Mains start at £19 with options such as Poached Sea Trout with trout roe and dill beurre blanc, Sauté Veal Sweetbreads Grenobloise and Butterflied Red Mullet with asparagus and bottarga. A Roast Poulet Jaune for two will remain on the menu year-round, with seasonal sides. Sharing options for three to five people include a whole charcoal-grilled fish and Galloway Beef Steaks.

For dessert, from £8, there’s Fig Leaf Custard with Gariguettes, black pepper and Beaujolais, and a Chocolate and Hazelnut Choux Bun. A Baba au Rhum, designed for sharing, will appear as a recurring dish with seasonal accompaniments.

The drinks list incorporates a dedicated martini menu featuring classic serves and house variations such as The Victory, Vesper and Nelson’s Blood. Wines will range from £36 to £200, with an emphasis on French regional producers alongside New World selections, among them low-intervention, organic and biodynamic pours. Wines will be available by the glass across all categories.

Updated interiors at the pub combine modern fittings with traditional features like the zinc bar top, porcelain pendant and wall lights. There’s a bespoke back bar and floors are polished wood throughout. The downstairs dining room will seat 70, with banquette seating and antique mirrors along one wall, while the bar area accommodates a further 40.

The Victory will accept both walk-ins and reservations. Lunch will run Monday to Friday from 12 to 2.30pm, Saturday from noon to 3pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm, with dinner served Monday to Thursday from 5 to 9.30pm, and Friday to Saturday from 5 to 10pm. The nearest stations are East Dulwich (a ten-minute walk away) and Forest Hill on the Overground.

Food Desk

The Victory opens in May 2026 at 157 Lordship Lane, London SE22 8HX. For further information and updates, visit the pub’s Instagram here.