In a quaint corner of Maldon, Essex, a peculiar celebration recently took place at a historic pub known as The Queen Victoria. Nestled on Spital Road, this charming establishment, under the stewardship of landlord James Burrell-Cook since July 2018, played host to a rather intriguing guest – a bust of the iconic Queen Victoria herself. The timing of this peculiar visit was no mere coincidence; it coincided with the momentous 40th anniversary of the beloved soap opera, EastEnders.
Formerly known as the Victoria Inn before adopting its current regal moniker in 1855, The Queen Victoria pub holds a special connection to the popular TV show. Notably, it has become a familiar haunt for the family of Lewis Bridgeman, the talented actor behind the character Barney Mitchell on EastEnders. As Mr. Burrell-Cook proudly shared, “We’ve got a Mitchell, we have three Queen Victoria busts in the pub already, and many of our customers have moved here from London’s East End. But I’m not a Pat Butcher, Peggy Mitchell, or a Frank.”
The pub’s ties to the local community run deep, with Lewis Bridgeman’s family frequently patronizing the establishment for drinks and dinners. The sense of pride and camaraderie was palpable as Mr. Burrell-Cook expressed his joy at Lewis landing the role on the soap opera, a sentiment shared by many within the close-knit community.
The arrival of the replica Queen Victoria bust, part of a BBC initiative to mark EastEnders’ milestone anniversary by touring various Queen Vic pubs across the country, stirred excitement among regulars, former landlords, and even the local darts teams. Mr. Burrell-Cook emphasized the unique and vibrant community spirit that defines The Queen Victoria pub, attributing its success to the unwavering support of its patrons and dedicated team. “This pub is always about the customers and the team. It’s all about the people,” he remarked warmly.
Reflecting on his journey to becoming the landlord of The Queen Victoria, Mr. Burrell-Cook shared his initial attraction to the venue’s character and history. Despite considering another pub by the same name in Essex, he was drawn to the charm and potential of the Maldon location. “It had an amazing feel. It had also had a fair bit of trouble – I like fixing things,” he confessed, underscoring his commitment to preserving and enhancing the pub’s legacy.
While Mr. Burrell-Cook confessed to not being a devout viewer of the soap opera, he acknowledged its cultural significance and praised its portrayal of life behind the bar. Drawing parallels between the on-screen drama and the everyday interactions at The Queen Victoria, he lauded EastEnders for capturing the essence of pub life – from heartfelt conversations to moments of turmoil and
