Travelling to North Wales this year and you may come across the new refurbished Victoria Inn at Llanbedr near Harlech.
The Victoria Inn, Llanbedr owned by family run Stockport based Robinsons Brewery since 1964, has just reopened following a 6-week £230K refurbishment in conjunction with licensees Gemma Barry and Gareth Jones. The pub is a wonderful representation of a traditional historic Welsh inn that has retained many of its original historic features dating back many centuries. Set within the beautiful county of Gwynedd, home to the Snowdonia National Park, the Victoria has become a destination for tourists from all over the world who visit to experience the countryside, the coastal views and the local history.
The pub, built from Welsh slate and stone has been sympathetically restored. The original oak beams and slate floors have all been stripped, exposed and cleaned. The alterations to the layout create a better use of existing spaces, customer journey and the opportunity to add additional covers, which are all part of the new scheme. The new dispense bar, now in a central position, has become the focal point in the heart of the pub. Oak plank wall panelling has been used throughout and has created the feeling that the internal spaces now all flow whilst still maintaining a cosy inviting atmosphere and ambience.
Gemma Barry, Licensee at the Victoria Inn, said: “My family have been at the Victoria for over 30 years, so this pub is very dear to our hearts. It needed a fresh new look to bring it back to life, and to reignite the traditional Welsh feel throughout. The Victoria’s new look is stunning, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. Trade has been fantastic since the renovation, with customers taking full advantage of our delicious home cooked food in cosier, relaxed dining spaces. Our existing customers are over the moon with it and we can’t wait to welcome new customers too!”
Inside the Victoria, features that include the restored original open inglenook fireplace in what was the original Settle Bar are a perfect setting for those cold winter evenings. New or restored upholstered furniture sits alongside the use of elevated booth seating, all of which enhance the traditional, snug feel throughout.
The scheme has introduced traditional oak floors, floral wallpapers, persian rugs and textured furnishings and fabrics alongside a light fresh colour pallet of greens and soft creams, all of which have added to fashion the feel of an eclectic, up-to-date country pub.
Robinsons Design Team commented: “The Victoria Inn has embraced its heritage and is a perfect representation of a wonderful Welsh pub that will offer a calm atmosphere throughout. The furniture was dated and tired, the pub was dark in areas and required a better solution for creating a more comfortable mood and ambience. The main bar was limited on the retail drinks offer available, due to the restrictions of structure and limited space. However, the new look bar now has scale and, with its relocation, retails an extensive new drinks range, including Robinsons new lager bier Helles.”
Outside, the Victoria has been transformed with a new external paint scheme, Robinsons signage and lighting. Works have also been carried out to the external beer gardens that sit alongside a bespoke children’s play area and covered alfresco drinking and dining area; perfect for all seasons.
The Victoria Inn is open 7 days a week, serving delicious pub food such as beer battered cod with mushy peas, homemade curries and Robinsons’ ale pies. The pub also has 5 en-suite rooms, each with their own contemporary design and character… the perfect spot to relax after exploring the picturesque Welsh countryside.
