After over a decade in the same hands, one of Ruddington’s much loved pubs has had a change of management today – but its new boss is reassuring regulars that everything will stay the same!
Prior to November 2013, The Victoria Tavern on Wilford Road went through a number of tenants, who never quite seemed to work out. Then, Lindsey Flint took on the lease, promising to restore it to being a traditional inn. She’d already made a big impression in Ruddington when she took over as manager of The White Horse on Church Street in September 2004 for Tony Beecroft and Jez Curtis. Among other things, she was instrumental in starting ‘RuddFest’ at the pub – Ruddington’s now famous annual beer festival – which later was enlarged onto The Green and into other village inns.
Lindsey recalls: “When Tony and Jez sold the pub, it coincided with the Tavern coming on the market. It seemed as if it would be a great move for me, despite never having run my own business before. When I moved to Ruddington, I knew a few people from my old school days (Rushcliffe) but over the years I have seen Ruddington expand beyond all recognition. I am so grateful that a lot of people who supported me at The White Horse would walk down to the Tavern, it is quite a walk for some, and that new faces (to us) also gave me their support. Best of all, I have been supported by some brilliant staff, without whom my life would have been a lot harder. Thanks guys, you know who you are!”
As Lindsey wanted The Victoria Tavern to revert to being a ‘drinkers’ pub’, she decided under 18s would no longer be allowed in, dogs restricted to the bar side only, and there would again be a concentration on real ales and conversation, rather than entertainment and food. Ten years’ on, it’s fair to say the inn’s many regular customers love it that way.
However, earlier this year, Lindsey decided to retire: “My health hasn’t been the best for a while. It is now time for me to step back and focus on that and I am looking forward to spending time with Trev, my husband” she says. When a sign then appeared outside the pub, inviting applications for a new publican, many feared the worst.
Thankfully a collective sigh of relief can now be breathed with the announcement that its new tenant is Mark Watson – someone who’s already been at The Victoria Tavern for six years and who took over many of the management duties, including looking after its highly regarded real ales, when Lindsey became unwell. Today he officially became its new boss – on his birthday!
“I’ve been negotiating with the brewery for the past few months and we managed to reach a deal” reveals Mark, who’s signed the lease for five years. “I won’t be making any changes, and we’ll have exactly the same team, though Helen Cresswell is now a ‘Person of Significant Control’. She is a company director and has been with me for three and a half years. My thanks to Lindsey – who can now enjoy life in retirement and many holidays with Trevor!”
Lindsey says: “I am delighted that Mark has taken the pub and wish him the best of luck. I know he works to the same principles as I have. He may change a few things but it will remain a drinking pub. Your customers are wonderful and will add to your experience.”
She adds: “Trev and I are looking forward to travelling and already have a few trips lined up. I am also going to be spending time in our garden, as it has been rather neglected for a couple of years. Any volunteers to help?!”
