The Wishing Well on Bellenden Road

[Huguenot]

Yarp, tried that. It came up with...

We couldn't find anyone named @victoriainse15.

It had the same answer for any variations on that that I could think of :(

Maybe Singapore have banned it. ;-)

[SeanMacGabhann]

aha - think i have it

@victoriainnse15

note second n in "inn"

[Huguenot]

Aha, indeed.

So here it is...

[bob]

Thanks to the both of you could not work it out.

Bob S

[plimsoul]

a twitter feed for the opening of a local pub, whatever next, a twitter for the roundabout on goose green? please don't tell me it already exists...

[thebestnameshavegone]

Imagine if 'dulwichmum' had one, can you imagine how funny it would be?

I think I've sat through funnier paedophilia trials

[scott]

TODAY. THE VICTORIA INN. MIDDAY. WE'RE OPEN...

[SeanMacGabhann]

Today. Midday. I?m still at work. Bugger!

Seriously tho the place looks great ? I?m looking forward to having a jar there as soon as possible

[woofmarkthedog]

Scot

I can't make it today as planned

So take the day off & I'll try to get in tomorrow & yes I will bring my silver

shears to cut the opening ribbon

w**F

[ratty]

Is there a kiddies bit as planned? If so will pop in with my toddler tomorrow!

[MrBen]

I think its a race to see which forumite gets there before Sean -looking forward to one of his "opening night bar reviews" for which we've not had one for a while?

[david_carnell]

People - behold - the Sean McG posse have already experienced the delights of the Victoria. A twitter account gained a select group entry to the pre-opening party last Thursday evening and I can report the following:

The space is big - very big. I'm not sure where it was hiding before considering they've added a kitchen. But nicely turned out and cosy. Hard to tell about this "family" area but there are curtains that could separate the back bar from the front. Not sure who gets what though. The exterior paint job and new Victoria signage all look top notch. A Fuss-ball table was unplayed but a nice touch.

The staff - attractive. Very. If that sort of thing matters to you. But then they may have shipped in the good looking ones from all the sister pubs. But all were friendly as well.

The drinks - Well, they were free this night and only draughts on offer but it'll be the same schtick as the Bishop/Florence so decent, mid-market booze without being overly eccentric or different. 3 draught ales and half a dozen lagers and wine.

Food - again free, but only a limited choice (fair enough), and all of it was lovely - especially the fried chicken.

Clientele - freeloaders, the lot of 'em. But with free food and beer everyone was in good spirits. A few sad faces from those not on the guest list being turned away.

All-in-all it's a very welcome addition to the Bellenden area and will give the Gowlett and Montpellier some needed competition.

ps. Rumours were heard that evening that the old Bellenden Brasserie (which closed in, ahem, murky circumstances) is to be bought by the Petit-Tou cafe for larger premises. There's still life in the area yet.

[Huggers]

Does anyone know who did their carpentry? The library stylie bookshelves are awesome.

[scott]

I can answer all questions...

The kid's room won't be open until early July, due to a few planning issues, but families are more than welcome in the back half of the pub.

The booze offering is a little more than 'mid-market'...I'd like to think.

It's been packed for two days straight now, which has been a surpise, to say the least.

ta

[SeanMacGabhann]

no soft opening for you m'lad!

Good to hear tho

[Help-Ma-Boab]

Enjoyed the opening night (nice touch re comp booze and food). Think it will be busy most of the time and I am planning on taking it for a test run on saturday again.

Good change of use of space, back bit very nice and better than previous by a mile (unless you like playing pool). Glad the old wooden bar intact and its been a while since i drank Murphys and pleased to say I liked it.

[MrBen]

Darn...I've just noticed four emails asking me about that opening night! I didn't stand a chance with work - I'll take a look at the weekend if I get a sec....Help-ma-boab see you there (or at our usual Sat early pint meeting spot).

Does it have any outdoor seating?

[SeanMacGabhann]

Plenty of seating out the front ? the old wooden benches from the wishing well have been replaced with some spanking new (white?) tables and chairs

Don?t think there is a rear garden tho?

If I was review bookshop I would be anticipating an upswing in sales as well ? it just looks too tempting when one is sat outside

[Brendan]

You do realise there?s a chippy just across the road.

[Jeremy]

What are their sausages like?

[Brendan]

I don?t think its? really that sort of place.

[Tarot]

I heard it was a house of disrepute, and the wrong kind of room rental was going on, I think the police heard that too, Lets hope the new broom sweeps clean.