UK first as Leicestershire bikers' pub is put on the tourism map
Its rock nights and chip butties have been pulling in bikers, rockers and scooter boys from across Britain for 14 years.
Now, The Victoria Bikers Pub's status as a destination for fans of all things two-wheeled has been made official – with the erection of five, distinctive, brown and white tourism road signs.
They have been put up on approaches to Coalville by Leicestershire County Council in what is thought to be a national first for a dedicated bikers' pub.
The boozer, on Whitwick Road, has grown in popularity since its first bikers' night in 1994.
Over the years, it has attracted motorcycle enthusiasts from as far afield as New Zealand.
As a no-frills bikers' bar, it stages regular live rock and blues nights, year-round biker and scooter rallies and has walls adorned with posters and photographs.
Landlord John Commons, 58, said: "I asked the council about getting the pub's name on one of those brown tourist signs in February.
"They said we needed to prove that at least 50 per cent of customers were from outside the area, so we left a form on the bar asking people for their names and addresses.
"We had people from Holland, France, Germany, even New Zealand come and see us.
"After we showed the council the results, they agreed. The guy from the highways department told me we are the first bikers' pub in the UK to be recognised in this way."
Mr Commons said it was "humbling" to know people travelled so far.
"It's almost like a pilgrimage for some," he said. "It's almost like you've got to come and see the famous Victoria Bikers Pub.
"We're a close knit community but always welcome strangers interested in finding out a little more about the scene."
The pub's accolades include being named the top bikers' and truckers' pub in 2008, being voted best bikers' pub in 2006 and being featured in The Rough Pub Guide's top 50 British pubs.
It has even appeared on television programmes Holiday Showdown, Hairy Bikers and The Al Murray Show.
The Vic has been standing for 160 years but became a dedicated bikers' pub in 1998.
Mr Commons said: "We've come a long way in a short time."
Biker and pub regular "Big Al" Cayless, from Loughborough, organises the Vic's fortnightly Coffin Scratchers Motorcycle Club.
He said: "We hold rock nights, ride-outs, rallies and family events for riders of classic motorbikes, cruisers, scooters and trikes.
"The Vic is just a great little pub. There's always something different going on."
A Leicestershire County Council spokesman said: "We believe this is the first time we have highlighted a bikers' pub on a sign like this.
"The pub is a popular venue which draws a number of people to the area, so it seemed appropriate to include it."
5 Comments
by Kate M, Coalville
Wednesday, September 08 2010, 8:41PM
“Ann - have you ever been to a pub? They do serve 'soft drinks', you know? I am a regular at The Vic and a fine pub it is too! If you ever bothered to go there then you would see that the bikers stick to tea, coffee and coca-cola. As for the signs being a waste of tax payers money, those signs didn't go up lightly - John had to prove to the council that a large proportion of his trade is from outside the area, which he did successfully. Surely, as a resident of NW Leics you would want to welcome trade in to the area, the signs do this perfectly. So cheers to the Vic and all who drink in her! xxx”
by Ann, nwleicestershire
Thursday, September 02 2010, 7:10PM
“Not sure I agree with council tax money being used to direct people on motorbikes to a pub.Beer And bikes don't mix! In the interests of safety I find it odd that the council have agreed to do this and have failed to look at the wider implications of this kind of promoting of a venue. For instance you don't have a designated driver on a bike, pillion passengers are a risk to themselves and the rider if they have had a drink even though they are not at the controls of the bike, and because of the high value and likelyhood of a theft bikers who find themselves having consumed a little more than they intended are most unlikely to leave their bikes at the venue and make their way home by other means.I could go on! Overall a dumb idea and unnecessary coz anyone who wants to go there does'nt need a stupid sign to tell them where it is!”
by Fiona, Loughborough
Thursday, September 02 2010, 5:22PM
“The best thing about it is that you don't need to be a biker to have a fab nite out - it is such a warm and friendly pub !”
by martin, le3
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 4:51PM
“I saw one of these signs a week or two ago: now I know what they are for!”
by John Legrys, Coalville
Wednesday, September 01 2010, 1:21PM
“This is excellent news - puts Coalville in the postive for a change. Well done John and the crew for all the hard work in building a good businss that brings in folk from outside the area.”