The Victoria Heeley — Restaurant in Sheffield

I by chance, walked past this public house recently. I was on my way to frequent my local tavern further towards the more eloquent 'lentil belt' area of Heeley bottom, where I could enjoy such fine craft ales as 'Oakham's Old Tosspot' or 'Tha knows nowt!' and be surrounded by like minded Guardian readers.

It was apparent that The Victoria had only recently reopened, and as I champion the supporting of local businesses, I thought I'd pop in and sample what fine fair they had to offer.

As I entered I was heartly greeted by a lovely lady behind the bar, who seemed genuinely happy to welcome new custom. she suggested I try a delightful microbrewed ale called Stella, I thought why not sample the local brew. The slightly bedraggled, but friendly, ginger bearded, balding, middle aged, slightly rotund gentleman propping up the bar, also recommended it. Whilst it wasn't quite to my palate, it slipped down easily enough, partly due to being joyously regaled by previously mentioned ginger bearded fellow, who took gleeful delight in having someone listen to him while he recanted his derision for modern music and DJ's aren't 'proper' DJ's anymore as they don't play vinyl like he does. Sharing his selection of corn based snacks, I noticed the pub had a fine variety of crisps and nuts, another plus point.

After finishing my pint, thanking the lovely lady behind the bar and wishing all the best to my new friend Andy, I was about to leave and head for my intended watering hole. Looking forward to meeting my more upwardly mobile friends (who also merit music on vinyl) where we would debate the merits of more cycle lanes in the area and what could be done about the proposed drive through McDonalds being planned, I bid them farewell. It was then at that moment things changed! A portly young gentleman entered the bar holding a carrier bag full of fish and chips, kissed the attractive young lady behind the bar, passed the loudest wind I'd ever heard, then immediately started refilling my empty glass. I tried to remonstrate with him that I was leaving but he insisted. I felt, initially, very uneasy at first, but as he pulled the pint he introduced himself as the new landlord, Dan, and the young lady was his wife, Lisa. Local to the area, they were making, 'a go of it!' They seemed so pleasant I thought it was the right thing to do to stay for another. The most friendliest a welcome I'd ever experienced in all the public houses of the area, apart from the wind!

As I bid farewell for the second time, Dan questioned where I was going, he was just about to start the quiz, "best quiz in Sheffield", the now, slightly befuddled, Andy responded, before returning to his moaning about Oasis reforming. Dan, introduced me to some of the regulars and suggested I join their team. The hospitality was so nice, it would have been impolite to refuse. My desire for the planned pint of Tramshed Bazookas at The Brothers, and conversation about boycotting Lidl was long since forgotten, as I truly wonderful night at The Victoria was had.

As last orders where called, I didn't think the night good have been better, even Andy, the local, had perked up and was humming a Stereophonics tune. Then, as we all left into the night, Dan, one of the best landlords I'd ever met, treated us to a wonderful rendition of Elton John's, I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues.

I cannot recommend this pub...

Looks nice, but literally the worst atmosphere. Asked politely where their toilets were and got the most horrible response from both the staff and the customers it was laughably rude. Bar tender literally laughed in my face. Also stank like cigarettes and weed 0/10 go somewhere else

Oh, and the...

A great little pub off the beaten track and all the better for it. A well served pint of Guinness with friendly staff and locals. I really liked the semi-circular lounge bar. I always try to drop in here when planning a walk. Thankyou to...