Victoria Tavern

To round off our day in Ruddington, we decided to drop in to that beautiful old pub The Victoria Tavern.

We were interested to note that the owners, Enterprise Inns, are looking for a new publican for this quaint old pub.

This is what they have to say:

“…this site has the potential to be the hub of the community and is ideal for someone who has a passion for cask ale and quality home cooked food…
Traditionally the ‘locals’ pub within the village, the Victoria still has strong links to its days as a managed house with Bass. The pub appeals to all within the village, along with the loyal daytime regulars and the lively circuit trade. There is a great opportunity to further enhance the food offering.”

Enterprise, now back in profit again after a couple of years in the doldrums, appear to be pushing cask ale and food in their pubs. Bring it on, I say!

Despite the impression that I may give you with this blog, I actually don’t go out all that often. In the old days, I’d be out several times a week. These days I can’t afford to. BUT when I do go out, I like it to be a bit special. And when I go out for a meal I want that to be a bit special too.

Home cooking

Take a look at this snapshot of the current menu:

Beer Battered Fish and Chunky Chips

There are three words on this item that catch my eye. Got it? Well, it’s the words “our very own”. Look, realistically. What’s going to entice people like me out to eat? Is it really going to be frozen food? Or is it going to be “home cooked fresh fish in our very own Guest Ale batter” ?

Cosy Lounge

If you want to know what makes a good pub, do your research. Go to places like the Crown in Beeston, Poppy and Pint in West Bridgford, or the Hand and Heart in town (or indeed most of the pubs featured in this blog). The difference between good pubs and bad pubs stand out like the nose on my face. All these places clearly focus strongly on providing a quality customer experience that relevant to the catchment area. They have enthusiastic, well informed management and cheerful well paid staff. Atmosphere is everything and grumpy staff kill atmosphere stone dead. It’s obvious isn’t it?

All the above is in no way a reflection on the current situation in this pub which is a lovely cosy tavern of enormous character much loved by the locals. It’s just a general outpouring of despair. I live in a village where there are eight pubs and there’s not a single place that I’m prepared to to turn out to!

Instead, I catch two buses to come all the way to the Victoria Tavern in Ruddington. What does that say to you?

Rant over.

Rather than attempt to review the pub as is, I’ll keep an eye open and make a date to revisit it once the changeover has taken place.

I hope they do a great job – they’ll have a lot of very happy locals if they do!