CAMRA turns the spotlight on Bramhall's The New Victorian for the month of March
The New Victorian pub in Bramhall, Cheshire, is celebrating after CAMRA awarded it 'Pub of the Month' for March, just over a year since it launched to bring back the traditional pub to the village.
CAMRA, which campaigns for real ale, real pubs and consumer rights, plans to
coincide the award presentation evening with its 40th anniversary
celebrations at the venue on Thursday 24th March, starting at 8pm. The pub
plans to mark the occasion by dropping all real ale prices to £2.50 for the
following month.
CAMRA's John Sutcliffe nominated the pub, calling it a 'owelcome addition
to a previously troubled site'. Northern family brewers John William Lees
took over the failed Orange Tree boozer in 2009 and re-opened the venue in
December as The New Victorian following an extensive refurbishment.
Tenant Max Kalton and his friendly team have built up a very successful
business, and given Bramhall 'a real pub again' said Mr Sutcliffe.
Mark McConachie, Secretary for CAMRA Stockport & South Manchester, added:
'The pub has really improved from its latter dire days as the Orange Tree'.
Now under the ownership of JW Lees, the building has been greatly
enhanced, the environment and hospitality vastly improved, and most
importantly for CAMRA, real cask beer has returned to the bar from the
well-respected JW Lees range of beers.
The pub is now a real credit to the village, and is the only outlet in
the village (excluding the Bramhall Park area) that sells cask-conditioned
beers. So well done to Max and his team there.
The New Victorian is the first sole venture for 28-year-old tenant Max
Kalton, a local man with a strong family pub pedigree, through his father
Stephen Kalton, with the likes of The Governorâ?Ts House and The Samuel
Finney. He has also worked at The Woodstock and other Mitchell & Butlers
premises further afield. But Kalton returned to his hometown in 2009 with
ambitions to bring back a much-needed traditional, quality pub to the area.
Tenant Max Kalton, 28, said: 'Tve lived in Bramhall all my life and the
area has been crying out for a good, traditional pub for a long time. I'm
very proud to accept this award just 16 months after we've opened and I
believe it's a reflection of the hard work and dedication we've put in
to creating a quality pub with local values that appeals to all'.
The New Victorian has been beautifully restored to combine traditional looks
with a contemporary feel for an appeal-to-all environment. The decor is a
complementary mix of purple leaf-patterned wallpaper, polished wood,
mix-match upholstery and floor-to-ceiling curtains, finished by striking
features like the classic oak bar and exposed brick fireplace.
Framed portraits of former Royals and bookshelves cluttered with ornate
trinkets such as old books, an antique globe and the iconic bronze statue of
Queen Victoria's head, hark back to the period of discovery at the turn of
the century.
The New Victorian prides itself on a quality offering of real ales J. W.
Lees Bitter, Coronation Street and two seasonal options homemade food
sourced from local, fresh produce and a friendly service.
Head chef Chris Davies (formerly of No. 15 Wine Bar in Alderley Edge) serves
the finest in traditional pub food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with
most mains under £10. Choose from the highly popular, homemade New
Victorian speciality burgers, Steak & Ale Pie or treat yourself to the Chip
Shop Platter. There are also salads, children's meals and a selection of
sandwiches.
The New Victorian hosts a monthly quiz night, burger night every Wednesday
(two burgers and two drinks for £16) and shows every Manchester United and
Manchester City on its 92inch drop-down HD screen.
Opening Times editor John Clarke said: 'I can only echo what Mark has
said - the New Victorian is a hugely improved pub thanks to its purchase and
revamp by local family brewer JW Lees'.
