Newton: Landlady 'loving every minute' after taking over Victoria pub

After briefly working in pubs in her earlier years, Maria Muggridge had switched careers and didn't expect to be back behind the bar until the perfect opportunity presented itself last year.

With the management of the Victoria pub on Wargrave Road becoming available, which was Maria's former local, she felt it was the right time for a change and took over the business in May 2023.

The Wargrave Road pub has multiple areas for customers to drink and watch live sport
Although the Vic is a large venue to maintain, Maria feels that the pub has gone from "strength to strength" under her leadership as she has been able to foster a community spirit that is prevalent across Newton.

This spirit and connection with customers have been seen in the various fundraising events that Maria has organised over the past year, such as raising money for an in-house defibrillator, charity walks, and special events held in memory of local people.

The darts board in the Vic's side room
Maria, who is originally from Hastings, said: "We are definitely a charity based and community-minded pub here, and I think this has been really helpful in bringing our regulars and the community together.

"We have got some fantastic staff who work their socks off, so we want to get involved in as many events as we can and continue supporting the community."

The large beer garden at the rear of the pub
Listening to what customers would like to see is another reason why Maria feels that the Vic is thriving, as she says their suggestions have helped to create a diverse offer that includes quiz nights, karaoke events, and monthly live singers.

There has also been a "mini refurb" completed to "brighten up" the back area, install a pool table, and make space for more live sports screens.

With the Vic also hosting a local darts team and sponsoring Earlestown Athletic's Open Age football team, the refurb shows an increased effort to make the pub more sports-orientated, which has become more important after the difficult decision to cull the food menu.

The Victoria pub, on Wargrave Road
Maria added: "It can be difficult [running a pub] at times, particularly when we have quieter periods, but that's why we are constantly listening to what customers want and doing as much as possible to diversify our offer.

"We've got a good group of regulars and still attracting new customers so everything seems to be going in the right direction - I'm loving every minute of it!"