THE Victoria in the Valley has a new tenant who plans to give it a makeover and promote it as a traditional country pub serving real ales and home-made food.

Justin Pledger (32) moved to Jersey from Lossiemouth in Scotland 11 years ago with a degree in hospitality from Aberdeen University. He worked at the Smugglers Inn before moving to the finance industry. However, he was itching to get back into hospitality so he took over the St Peter’s Bars and transformed it into St Peter’s Country Inn.

He moved to the Boat House when it opened three years ago and has been the manager there ever since.
‘I have always wanted to have my own business, so when the opportunity to take over the Vic in the Valley came along I felt it wasn’t something I could turn down,’ he said.

‘I think the Vic has lost its way over the years. When you go inside it looks tired and in need of refurbishment. Yet it’s so imposing when you turn that corner into the valley. I think it’s a fabulous place.’ Mr Pledger gets the keys to the Victoria in the Valley on 20 October and will close the pub for four weeks while he renovates the building.

• Picture: Justin Pledger outside the pub which he is refurbishing