Are Victoria Plum and Victorian Plumbing the Same Company?

If you’ve ever shopped for bathroom fixtures online in the UK, you’ve probably come across both Victoria Plum and Victorian Plumbing. With such similar names and overlapping product categories, it’s no wonder many shoppers ask: “Are Victoria Plum and Victorian Plumbing the same company?”

You’re not alone—and you deserve clarity before making a purchase decision. In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion once and for all, compare their histories, ownership, product lines, and customer experiences, and help you choose the right retailer for your bathroom project.

Are Victoria Plum and Victorian Plumbing the Same Company?

Short answer: No, they are not the same company.

While their names sound nearly identical and both specialize in bathroom products, Victoria Plum and Victorian Plumbing are completely separate businesses with different owners, histories, and brand strategies.

This common mix-up stems from clever naming that evokes a shared nostalgic aesthetic—Victorian-era design—but beyond that, they operate independently.

Who Owns Victoria Plum?

Victoria Plum was founded in 1999 by Mark Bristow and quickly became one of the UK’s first online bathroom retailers. The brand built its identity around premium, design-led bathrooms with a focus on heritage styles, quality materials, and aspirational visuals.

In 2017, Victoria Plum was acquired by Bathroom Brands Group (BBG), a major player in the UK bathroom industry that also owns other well-known brands like Roper Rhodes, Crosswater, and The Bath Co.

BBG itself is part of the Masco Corporation, a Fortune 500 company based in the United States, which owns global brands like Delta Faucet and Hansa. This backing gives Victoria Plum access to strong supply chains and product innovation—but positions it as a premium-tier retailer.

Who Owns Victorian Plumbing?

Victorian Plumbing, despite its name, is actually the newer of the two brands. It launched in 2007 and was created by Andrew and David Morris, entrepreneurs with a background in e-commerce.

In 2021, Victorian Plumbing was acquired by Pibank, a subsidiary of the Spanish retail giant El Corte Inglés, one of Europe’s largest department store chains. This acquisition signaled a major expansion push, including investment in logistics and digital experience.

Unlike Victoria Plum’s premium positioning, Victorian Plumbing focuses on value, affordability, and massive product range—offering everything from budget taps to luxury shower systems, often at heavily discounted prices.

Key Differences at a Glance

Note: According to Statista, the UK online bathroom retail market grew by 12% annually from 2020–2024, with value and convenience being top purchase drivers—factors Victorian Plumbing capitalizes on.

Why the Confusion?

The similarity in names isn’t accidental. Both brands tap into the aesthetic appeal of the Victorian era, known for ornate tiles, roll-top baths, and classic brassware. This nostalgic design language resonates with UK homeowners renovating period properties—a huge market segment.

However, naming similarity ≠ business connection. In fact, the UK Intellectual Property Office approves business names based on distinctiveness and sector, not phonetic resemblance—so legally, both can coexist.

For context, this isn’t unique to plumbing. Think of Budget and Budget Rent a Car vs. Budget Insurance—same word, different industries, different owners.

You can learn more about UK trademark rules via Wikipedia’s entry on intellectual property in the UK .

Which Should You Choose?

Your choice depends on your priorities:

Choose Victoria Plum if you:

• Want curated, high-end designs
• Value in-person showroom experiences
• Are renovating a period home and need authentic styles
• Prefer strong brand heritage and premium customer service

Choose Victorian Plumbing if you:

• Are on a tight budget but still want quality
• Need fast delivery (often next-day)
• Want the widest possible selection (including obscure parts)
• Prefer digital-first shopping with frequent discounts

Pro Tip: Many savvy renovators actually use both—Victoria Plum for statement pieces (like a freestanding bath) and Victorian Plumbing for taps, waste kits, or accessories.

Customer Experience Comparison

Returns & Warranty

• Victoria Plum: 14-day return window, 10-year warranty on many products
• Victorian Plumbing: 30-day returns, warranties vary by brand (typically 5–15 years)

Reviews (as of 2025)

• Trustpilot:
  • Victoria Plum: ★4.3 (15,000+ reviews)
  • Victorian Plumbing: ★4.6 (100,000+ reviews)
    Source: Trustpilot UK, November 2025

Victorian Plumbing’s higher volume and slightly better rating reflect its focus on operational efficiency and customer support scalability—key for value-focused shoppers.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a Victoria Plum gift card at Victorian Plumbing?

A: No. Gift cards are brand-specific and cannot be used across the two retailers since they are separate companies with different payment systems.

Q2: Do both companies deliver nationwide in the UK?

A: Yes. Both offer delivery across mainland UK. However, Victoria Plum charges for delivery on smaller items, while Victorian Plumbing often offers free delivery on orders over £75.

Q3: Are their product warranties interchangeable?

A: No. Warranties are honored only by the brand you purchased from. Always register your product with the correct retailer to activate coverage.

Q4: Which brand has better eco-friendly options?

A: Victoria Plum leads here, with a dedicated “Sustainable Bathrooms” collection featuring water-saving taps and FSC-certified wood vanities. Victorian Plumbing is improving but lags in sustainability marketing.

Q5: Is one more reliable for spare parts?

A: Victorian Plumbing has a broader inventory of replacement parts (e.g., tap cartridges, flush mechanisms), making it better for repairs. Victoria Plum focuses more on full installations.

Q6: Do they ever collaborate or share suppliers?

A: They may source from some of the same manufacturers (e.g., Crosswater, Hudson Reed), but there is no business collaboration between the two companies.

Conclusion

So, to answer the big question once more: No, Victoria Plum and Victorian Plumbing are not the same company. They’re independent retailers with different ownership, pricing strategies, and customer experiences—despite their nearly identical names.

Now that you know the differences, you can shop with confidence. Whether you’re after luxury elegance or budget-smart functionality, there’s a perfect fit for your bathroom project.

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