Pub of the week: The Victoria makes pitch for mature crowd

It is obvious that Aash Ganatra has a clear vision for The Victoria, Bushey, after he took over in November.

When he visited the Chalk Hill boozer to take a look around before joining, he was struck by the same attractive location and classy interior which is obvious to any visitor.

Aash Ganatra. (Image: Newsquest) The aim was therefore to use his 10 years of experience in hospitality, which has included work at Bodega and Cassio Lounge in Watford, as well as The Coach and Horses in Croxley and businesses in London, to get rid of any “disjointed” elements and create the perfect area for the mature crowd.

Aash, who grew up in Watford and went to school in Bushey, said: “So many places in Watford have closed now, so there’s nowhere else that I would see as that ‘grown-up’ bar, so I think there is the potential to be that here – for Watford, Bushey, Stanmore and all of the local areas.”

The drinks menu will be expanding through the year. (Image: Newsquest)It’s all change at the moment; a new food menu with more substantial small plates and sharing boards arrived this week, and a happy hour has brought cocktails to the offering on the same day I visited. ‘Treat wines’ are also on the way, with £70-£80 bottles bringing something for the particularly special occasions.

Meanwhile, the 'over 21s only' rule that had apparently existed in the past - without really being used in practice - is now being enforced.

'Bottoms up', says our reporter, Fintan McGuinness. (Image: Newsquest)

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Outdoor decking was added in a boost to the garden offering in 2024. (Image: Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest) What is clear is that these decisions are not haphazard or being done 'for the sake of it'. The management have a vision of the experience they want to offer in mind and each move is progressing towards it.

At the same time, Aash, 38, emphasised that the most important thing is “doing the basics well”. The new Birra Moretti Sale Di Mare has apparently proved a hit as an addition to the core beer offering – it definitely hit the spot for me.

“I think customers are really enjoying it now,” the manager added. “We’re seeing a lot more people being positive about the environment and the atmosphere.”

(Image: Newsquest)

The area may be turned into an outdoor bar for the summer. (Image: Newsquest) The new food and cocktail menus. (Image: Newsquest)