The Victoria, May Bank, Newcastle under Lyme

The Victoria is an imposing sight when lit up on a dark Autumn evening, as it was during my visit on a recent Tuesday. Set back from the A257 by a car park and picnic seating areas this pub could easily be mistaken for a manor house. The large interior of this food led pub houses a central bar that is surrounded by different seating areas, most of which were being used by diners. At the rear access can be gained to a nicely tended beer garden with picnic tables. On the bar I counted thirteen hand pumps that were drawing eight different cask ales and I noted that CAMRA members get 20p off a pint. I recognised all the ale names so they were mainstream, which isn’t surprising for an Ember Inns pub. Standard and premium keg is also available and the pub co food menu was reasonably priced. I spotted one plasma screen that was airing muted rolling news and there was some low background music playing. There is no live sport in this family friendly pub, although there is a weekly quiz on Wednesdays from 20:00 and every other Sunday is acoustic open mic night. This is the sort of pub I would take the family too, but I would be less inclined to visit on my own.

Official page of the Victoria, contains menu and wine list - www.greatbritishcarvery.co.uk

Official page of the Victoria, contains menu and wine list - www.greatbritishcarvery.co.uk