Over the past four editions of Discover Cleveleys we’ve celebrated the pubs, clubs and people that have helped shape today’s beer scene. Yet throughout that story, one of Cleveleys’ most recognisable pubs has remained absent.

About this series

Discover Cleveleys is a six-part editorial series from Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre CAMRA. Together we’ve explored the pubs, clubs and people that make Cleveleys a great place to enjoy a pint and why the town is worth another look.

The Missing Piece

Over the last four editions of Discover Cleveleys, we’ve celebrated everything that makes the town’s pub scene special. We’ve explored the long-established pubs and clubs that have served generations of local people. We’ve looked at the independent businesses that have brought fresh ideas and new investment. We’ve celebrated the beer festivals, community events and the people who turn good pubs into great meeting places.

But throughout every article there has been one notable absence.

Not because we overlooked it. Because it hasn’t been able to take part.

For generations it welcomed residents, visitors and holidaymakers. It was part of the rhythm of the town. Whether people were shopping, heading to the promenade or simply meeting friends, the Victoria was a familiar sight and, for many, a familiar stop.

Today, its doors remain closed.

This summer marks three years since the Victoria Hotel last welcomed customers. Three years is a long time in any town.

During that same period, Cleveleys has continued to move forward. Existing pubs have continued investing in their businesses. Independent venues have opened their doors. Beer festivals have introduced visitors to new breweries. Community events have brought people together.

The town has gained more choice, more variety and more reasons for people to spend time here.

As we’ve discovered throughout this series, today’s pub scene didn’t appear overnight. It was built one venue at a time. The Victoria Hotel has simply been unable to share in that journey.

That’s what makes its absence so noticeable.

This isn’t about looking back through rose-tinted glasses. It’s about recognising what the Victoria could still become. Its location, its history and its place within the town mean it still has the potential to make a valuable contribution to Cleveleys.

Reopened, it could welcome residents and visitors once again. It could become another stop on a walk around the town’s pubs. It could support local events. It could create jobs. It could add another chapter to the story we’ve been telling throughout this series.

That opportunity still exists.

Over the past month we’ve told the story of a town that’s quietly built one of the Fylde Coast’s most varied pub scenes. We’ve celebrated its history. Its independent businesses. Its community spirit. Its people. Throughout all of that, one building has stood quietly on the sidelines.

We hope that won’t always be the case.

Because the best ending to this story would be seeing the Victoria Hotel welcoming customers once again.

Looking Ahead

Part Six – Looking to the Future

In the final edition of Discover Cleveleys, we’ll look at the possible reopening of the Victoria Hotel and what the future could hold for both it and the town.