The Hydes pub, on Wilmslow Road, was recognised for being a ‘standard bearer of hospitality’, and was praised for its ability to welcome in a varied crowd of regulars spanning from university freshers to 90-year-old pensioners. The pub, which is also a regular fixture in the national Good Beer Guide, was also praised for its on-going charitable work which has been instrumental in life-changing fundraisers and campaigners (we’ll hear more on that very shortly).<\/p>\n
Click here <\/a>for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter<\/strong><\/p>\n “We are delighted the Victoria has been recognised with this award,” Adam Mayers, managing director of Hydes, recently said. “It\u2019s a real testament to the passion and dedication of the whole team. The Victoria is a much-loved pub at the heart of its community, and this recognition reflects the brilliant job the team does every day to create a welcoming and memorable experience. We couldn\u2019t be prouder of what they\u2019ve created and recognition by CAMRA is richly deserved.”<\/p>\n So, of course, with this recent recognition esteemed upon The Victoria, it was no question that the venue had to take our Pub of the Week spotlight. Whilst it’s small-fry in comparison to the CAMRA honour, it’s a chance to learn more about Alyson and Paul and the team at The Victoria, and why they are worthy winners of Pub of the Year and Pub of the Week all in one month.<\/p>\n ‘Withington has many drinking spots all with something different to offer, which makes for a great pub crawl’<\/p>\n How did you get into the pub industry in the first place?<\/strong><\/p>\n Paul was actually serving in the British Army and I had three jobs. When he decided to leave the Army, we discussed it with family, in particular Paul\u2019s grandparents who were incredible landlords themselves. So this influenced us to give it a go!<\/p>\n What is the significance behind the pub\u2019s history and name?<\/strong><\/p>\n Our lovely pub has been part of the Hydes Brewery estate since 1905, making it one of its longest-standing establishments.<\/p>\n Given that Queen Victoria died in 1905, I\u2019m guessing the name is connected to her 63-year reign and the Victorian era.<\/p>\n The Withington pub was praised for its community spirit(Image: Hydes)<\/p>\n What\u2019s your best-selling drink?<\/strong><\/p>\n Guinness is very popular in the Victoria. In terms of cask ales, Hydes Original or Lowry are our front-runners.<\/p>\n We have some really amazing offers on during the weekdays and especially on a Sunday evening! And after just being announced as CAMRA\u2019s regional winner of Pub of the Year 2026, there\u2019s no better time to call in and enjoy a quality pint or two.<\/p>\n What\u2019s an unusual or stand-out thing that’s happened at the pub?<\/strong><\/p>\n One of our proudest moments came recently when we were named CAMRA Pub of the Year for Stockport and South Manchester. It was a huge achievement for the whole team and recognition of everything the pub stands for within the local community.<\/p>\n We are equally proud of the charitable work we support, particularly our long standing partnership with the Mero\u2019s World Foundation. The charity was founded by local mother Kelly Brown in memory of her son Rhamero West, who was tragically killed in Manchester in 2021 at just 16 years old. Its mission is to tackle knife crime and create better opportunities for young people across the community.<\/p>\n Over the past two years, the pub has raised funds for the foundation through New Year\u2019s Eve events, raffles and sponsored marathons. That support has helped fund one of the charity\u2019s most important initiatives, the installation of emergency bleed control cabinets across Greater Manchester. The cabinets contain potentially life saving equipment designed to help people respond to serious injuries before paramedics arrive. One of the kits installed outside the pub was credited with helping save a life during an incident nearby last year.<\/p>\n Paul and Alyson Mitchell, with Adam Mayers, MD of Hydes and Alice Hennessey, deputy manager at the Victoria(Image: Hydes)<\/p>\n![\"'Withington](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_AMR_MEN_130526_TVjpeg.png\")
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