Stunning hidden treasure

ON Dovecote Lane in Beeston is the Victoria Hotel – an absolutely beautiful red brick building lovingly restored in 1994 after years of being in disrepair and neglect.

The Victoria Hotel – although it has not been a hotel for a century – was built in 1899 with many of the original features still evident today, along with pieces of art deco due to some renovations in the 1930s. The Victoria has been run by the same people for 27 years has had heart and soul poured into it.

The Victoria is a large pub with the main bar split between two rooms with cask pumps in each. The quieter, adult-only bar has a Victorian tiled floor, art deco brick fireplace with low tables, benches and stools, and the walls filled with beer memorabilia.

The other half of the bar, attached to the dining room, has a much cosier feel with dark woods, a coal fireplace and ornate stained-glass windows. Outside the beer garden, decorated with blooms, leads directly on to Beeston railway station, with marquees to protect you from the turning weather.

The Victoria has up to 14 cask ales available, with four permanent lines and the rest guest.

There is always at least one stout on and also a dedicated vegan line. Local beer is very much in the heart of the Victoria’s beer ethos and, wherever possible, Locale beer is used under the Camra initiative to promote local beer and reduce the “beer miles” from brewery to cellar. I was allowed a peek into the cellar, and Demi, the woman in charge, keeps it in impeccable condition. There is a selection of continental beers and two craft keg lines, plus two traditional ciders always available. Now I don’t usually ask for tasters of beers, but the bar staff offered me a try of one of the ales served in a miniature “stein” glass, which really did tickle me.

Such a fun novelty and it’s little touches like that which show the dedication here.

The Victoria regularly hosts live music events and has food events which tend to get booked up very quickly due to the high quality of the fare. This stunning pub, inside and out, is a true treasure.

The welcoming and knowledgeable staff show their dedication to good beer, from the cellar to the pint.