This Lostock Hall pub has seen a major makeover

A South Ribble pub has its doors back open after a major refurbishment.

The Victoria in Lostock Hall was shut for five weeks while the £250,000 revamp was carried out.

A new sign also hangs out the front with the pub’s name shortened to The Vic – reflecting its nickname amongst locals.

Major work has seen a live entertainment added, a new games room and a pizza oven.

Disabled access has been improved as well as a major coat of paint both inside and out.

The toilets have been done up and there’s new seating too at the Watkin Lane pub.

One of the pub’s longest serving staff Elizabeth Waddington, who has behind the bar for 30 years, helped to reopen the pub.

She’s celebrated her 40th, 50th, 60th and 70th birthdays at the pub and she met her husband John there.

Elizabeth said: “I felt at home in the Vic straight away and that’s never changed. It’s always had a fantastic atmosphere and now it has got a fantastic look to match.”

Star Pubs are the pubco behind the refurb and they are expanding the offering the food offering at the pub, and also put in a barista coffee machine.

Licencees Ian Molyneux, Kevin Franklin and Kelly Moran took over the Vic just over a year ago.

Ian said: “I’ve managed pubs in Lostock Hall in the past and loved it. It’s a really friendly village and it’s a dream come true to have a pub here again.

“The Vic was tired and needed TLC and investment. We’ve given it lots of TLC over the last year and are delighted it has now got the investment too. We’ve not tried to change the essence of The Vic, just make it even better and we hope the community likes it.”

Operations director for Star pubs David Pritchard said: “The Vic is a well loved local and we’re delighted to have worked with Ian, Kevin and Kelly to give it a new lease of life. It looks great and is comfortable and welcoming with the quality food and coffee pub goers now want.”

Do you drink in The Vic? What do you think of the new look? Let us know in the comments below