June - Victoria (Withington)
Victoria Hotel
438 Wilmslow Road, Withington M20 3BW
June's award goes to the Victoria on Wilmslow Road in Withington. Sue Lightfoot is a fan and explains why it won.
Hydes bought the Victoria in 1905, subsequently rebuilding and extending it. Over the years, 
the interior has been sympathetically refurbished, and opened out to provide separate areas, each with its own character; there's a mixture of upholstered bench seating, and tables and chairs. There is seating outside, too.
The Victoria is a traditional, friendly, hospitable pub and dog-friendly pub, and the clientele is a harmonious mix of local residents, after-work drinkers and students. There are several television screens, on which various sports are shown, especially football, and there is often a lively community atmosphere on match days. For anyone just wanting to sit and read the paper, there is a quieter area.
There's a competitive darts team, and a poker school on Mondays. A quiz is held twice a week and there is live music on Fridays and Saturdays. The Victoria holds regular raffles to support local charities. Frequent posts on social media provide information about forthcoming events, TV showings and offers.
Five beers from Hydes are available, including Lowry and the ever-popular Dark Ruby, plus two others, generally from the Ralf+Alf range, and all are consistently well kept. There are discounts on cask ale at certain times. Opening times are 12 noon until 11pm (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays).
This is a thriving and popular pub which serves its community well. Please come along on Thursday 29 June, from 8pm, when we will be presenting Alyson and Paul with their well-deserved award.
Situated in the heart of Withington village, on the main Wilmslow Road, the Victoria can be easily reached by bus. The 142, 143, 42 and 42A are some of the services.