Vic-tory for north Essex's best real ale pub

6:00pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News

Vic-tory for north Essex's best real ale pub Vic-tory for north Essex's best real ale pub

COLCHESTER'S very own "Vic" has been voted the top pub in north Essex.

 

Members of the Colchester and North East Essex Campaign for Real Ale gave their seal of approval to the Victoria Inn, in North Station Road, for 2013.

The pub, known to regulars as ‘The Vic’, is run by Sheena Valentine and Andy Pilgrim and was opened in December 2010.

“It’s great news for us, seeing as we have only been open for just over two years,” said Mr Pilgrim, 52.

“We pride ourselves on running a good, traditional pub, so there are no pool tables, no dart boards, no food and no Sky TV.

“Some people are put off by it, but more people really buy into it and I think when you’re doing that sort of stuff, you can take your eye off the ball and lose sight of what a pub is all about.”

Members of the North East Essex Campaign for Real Ale voted online and by post.
Alan Wareham, branch chairman, said: “The quality of real ale pubs in our area has really risen in the last few years.

“It's always a hard decision to take, but we've had a record turnout of votes from members this year, which gave us a good representation of opinion across the board of what our members appreciate and enjoy.”

Comments(12)

super waluigi says...
6:29pm Thu 14 Feb 13

I went in there for the first time last month and thought it was a joy. Great atmosphere that offers something else.

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Jess Jephcott says...
10:40pm Thu 14 Feb 13

I totally agree with this award. Well done the Victoria. But let's not forget that we have several good pubs in Colchester as well. Pubs all over are under attack from pubcos and market forces and, sadly, the Shoulder of Mutton in Fordham closes its doors tomorrow night.

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sandgronun64 says...
8:56am Fri 15 Feb 13

Well done to them both. I use the place from time to time and it's a cracking pub, good beer, nice surrounds and no pretentions. Thoroughly deserved.

Oh and Jess, stop pontificating for once and concentrate on their story.

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romantic says...
9:15am Fri 15 Feb 13

I also go to the Vic now and then, and it´s a fine place.

Jess is right in what he says: pubs are still closing at an alarming rate, and that is certainly not helped by the pubcos such as Punch, Admiral, Enterprise setting their leases at crazy prices and increasing them if a place does well.

But anyway, well done to the Vic, good to see a place that has been turned around after being closed for some time a few years ago. It does show that pubs can come back if they do things right.

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Grahamsue2000 says...
12:53pm Fri 15 Feb 13

No Food? Andy will always let you have a bite of his dripping sandwich.
Great pub and staff.

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25414nora says...
5:24pm Fri 15 Feb 13

'Wow' No Food ? darts, Pool, Sky sports tv,etc.

Sounds like the visits to my mother-in-laws place years ago, (bless her).

Seriously tho..I wish the Pilgrims all the best, they have lasted two years, so who's to say it wont be a success.

Personally If I'm going to leave my fireside for a pint at the local, I want more than idle chat, and gossip, (sometimes called 'healthy conversation')

Supporting the ladies dart team, the occasional game of pool, and most importantly 'Sky Football' is an absolute must.

There are many pubs in and around Colchester that cater for the real ale boffins, The Playhouse always has on tap, a wide variety of 'guest ales', and at much cheaper prices to boot, and next door, the 'Fox & Fiddler..To mention just two.

Good luck to the Victoria Inn, may it continue for evermore,

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angryman!!! says...
8:22pm Fri 15 Feb 13

always good for a few before going to the u's (god knows youd need it) and works well with Norfolk, bricklayers trotters etc

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Boris says...
8:48pm Fri 15 Feb 13

And of course the best pub of all, the Odd one Out. But well done the Victoria Inn, let's see more pubs with no TV, no piped music, decent beer, etc.

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Jess Jephcott says...
10:16am Sat 16 Feb 13

RIP Shoulder of Mutton in Fordham. Last night last night.

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iwitness says...
10:40am Sat 16 Feb 13

Popped in there before christmas. Left once I had visited the toilet. They were disgusting.

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Noah4x4 says...
10:38am Sun 17 Feb 13

The emphasis at the Victoria is upon fabulous beer and super music (great juke box even when no live entertainment) plus staff that ask your name once and remember it forever.

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shandyv says...
10:18pm Mon 18 Feb 13

Thanks for all the lovely comments. We really are chuffed to bits at this award, and would like to thanks everyone for their support over the last 2 years.
To 'iwitness' - we endeavour to keep our toilets clean & tidy at all times & check them regularly. If you find a problem at any time please come & let us know & we'll put it right immediately.
Thanks again.
Sheena
(Landlady)

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