Prospect Bars and Pubs adds second site

Prospect Bars and Pubs’ Dan Shotton and Mark Draper have taken on a second site, The Victoria in Woodham. The former owners of Redcombe pubs are undertaking a joint £580,000 refurbishment with Star Pubs and Bars, owners of The Victoria, which has been closed for 14 months. Following the launch of their first pub under the Prospect Bars and Pubs banner, The Evenlode in Oxfordshire, the duo are looking to turn The Victoria into a ‘‘family-friendly village local’’. The Victoria will open for barista style coffees and speciality baked goods from 11am, and will serve food everyday between 12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 9:30pm The new investment will see a 120-cover restaurant and bar that meets Covid-19 safety guidelines, as well as seating for 160 on the pub’s terrace and child-friendly garden. Menu options will include affordable pub classics, with a focus on quality meat and sustainable fish, as well as vegan options. Drinks on offer will include both local and international beers, ales and spirits, with an eclectic mix of non-alcoholic beverages also. Draper said: ‘‘Despite the current situation, our strategy remains to acquire three to five sites a year for the next five years. Our ambition is to create a group of successful and profitable pubs with rooms that are accessible to all, with a well-positioned premium offering. "The Victoria, like The Evenlode, is ideally located to attract both a local audience as well as those travelling through the area for business or pleasure." He added: "We follow the same simple philosophy for every site we are involved with, and that is to create authentic, timeless, quality pubs that are as well-known for their friendly welcome and independent spirit as they are for their fine food and drink at fair prices. ‘‘Covid has delayed our plans but not dampened our enthusiasm to take on The Victoria. We’re now on schedule to reopen the pub early-November.” Dugald Macer, Star Pubs and Bars’ regional operations director said: “This investment will take The Victoria to a new level and ensure it stands out from other pubs in the area. “Mark and Dan are very experienced pub operators with a proven track record of running successful pubs. They will do wonders for The Victoria and give the local community a great place to meet up after these difficult times.”