The Victoria in Woodham re-opens its doors on Thursday 3rd December following a major refurbishment and joint investment by the pub’s new operators, Prospect Pubs & Bars2, owned by Mark Draper and Dan Shotton, and Heineken-owned Star Pubs & Bars1.
The sympathetic renovation of The Victoria, which dates back to 1861 and was once a mainstay for the people of Woodham and the surrounding areas, has revived the pub and aims to put it back on the map.
Featuring a Covid-safe 100-cover restaurant and bar plus expansive alfresco eating and drinking area for up to 160 customers, the site also has parking for 40 cars and a child-friendly garden.
The rustic interior highlights many of the pub’s original features, all centred around an inviting and well-stocked bar. There’s plenty of different spaces to enjoy a bite to eat, from the light and airy dining room, spacious lounge, private dining area, and warm and cosy bar complete with an attractive focal woodburning stove.
The menu at The Victoria focusses on using locally sourced, premium produce to create best of British pub classics and a range of seasonal specials. Dishes include mains such as pan-fried grass-fed calves liver with maple smoked bacon, black pudding fritter and bubble & squeak, served with a Malbec and shallot jus, and free-range pork & leek sausages from Surrey’s award-winning butcher, Conisbee’s, served with buttered mash, crispy leeks and rich onion gravy. You will also find a range of homemade pies, market-fresh beer-battered fish and chips, with proper pub mushy peas, and a full selection of dishes for vegans and vegetarians.
Alongside this, The Victoria will also serve its legendary Sunday roasts complete with all the trimmings, followed by an indulgent array traditional and sinful homemade puds.
The drinks offer will focus on a range of local and well-known beers and ales, alongside premium international beers and ciders, and a premium spirits list. There will also be an extensive wine menu including all the classics as well as a selected number of fine wines from lesser-known grapes and vineyards and an interesting and eclectic array of low and no alcoholic options.
Mark Draper, director of Prospect Pubs and Bars says: “We’re excited to finally be able to open the doors at The Victoria and to bring this iconic neighbourhood pub back into action. The Victoria has been an integral part of Woodham for well over 100 years, and the interest and enthusiasm we have received from locals during the run up to launch has been incredibly positive.
“The Victoria is a fabulous new addition to our expanding pub company, and it has been great to work in partnership with Star Pubs & Bars on this project. Myself and my business partner, Dan Shotton, have spent a number of years creating and developing a strong portfolio of independent pubs, all very much centred around the communities in which they thrive. Never before has this community focus been more important, and it remains an integral part of our future expansion plans.”
Dugald Macer, Star Pubs & Bars Regional Operations Director said: “The Victoria has had a chequered history, having closed on more than one occasion in recent years. It is fantastic to have operators of this calibre taking The Victoria forward as it will transform the pub’s future and the area. Mark and Dan are very experienced pub operators and have a clear vision and a great track record of creating fantastic popular neighbourhood locals, places where all ages can come together. This investment together with Mark and Dan at the helm will take The Victoria to a new level and ensure it stands out from other pubs in the area.”
For more information on The Victoria, to book and to view its menu, visit www.thevictoriawoodham.co.uk.
