Residents of Newport have been overcome with sentimentality after a photograph dating back to 1991 surfaced, inspiring locals to exchange stories about the Victoria drinking establishment.

Many townsfolk took to the Argus website to share tales of their time at the beloved venue, which has since been demolished to make way for new homes.

Tommy Farr expressed that there were so many years of enjoyment within those walls.

Keri O’Connor labelled it the finest pub on any given day, highlighting its significance to the community.

Brin Summerhill commented that it was a wonderful establishment that is deeply missed, adding that he spent numerous delightful evenings and quite a few enjoyable lunchtimes there.

John F Walker noted the venue hosted his stag do, highlighting how the pub featured in important life events, including where Stuart Anthony met his future wife.

Sheena John stated the Victoria was her neighbourhood boozer during her childhood, demonstrating how the venue formed part of many childhoods.

Marion Paulson recalled patronising the pub in the 1970s before emigrating to Canada, while Ian Ratty Humphries declared it was an excellent pub.

Bobby Bell remarked that it was a wonderful pub and he would call in there after Saturday football matches, illustrating its popularity among sports fans.

Michael Mahoney recalled beginning his drinking career there in the mid-1970s, stating it was a fantastic pub where he experienced the best times.

David Reardon shared his unique memory of working there in the early 1970s, where he partook in skittles during his lunch hours, while Margaret Cowling recollected that her father had run the pub during the 1980s for a three-year stretch before stepping down.

Anthony Nolan warmly remembered the wonderful evenings he experienced there during the late 1980s and early 1990s, a sentiment shared by many others.

Gareth Porretta, who apparently visited the venue regularly in the early 1990s, described it as an outstanding pub, especially on Sunday evenings.

The Victoria clearly holds a special place in the affections of many Newport locals, with numerous people grieving its loss.

It seems countless individuals treasure memories of the venue that no longer stands, having been razed with flats erected on its former footprint.

This constitutes a republished piece originally appearing in the South Wales Argus during March 2024.