Victory Opening
5/7/08
Well, they finally did something that falls on my day
off, so I made plans to attend the opening of the newly-renovated Victory
Brewpub in Downingtown, PA. And was I glad I did!
Accompanied by my friend, Kevin Kelly, we made the 2
hour drive and arrived a full 5 minutes prior to opening. It was a beautifully
warm and sunny day that made the trip that much better.
The new decor is spectacular! The wide open space is still
there, but there is much better use of the expanded area. Where the long
bar was is now lined with comfortable booths and the dining room is still
there though much larger. The use of warm, dark woods and contrasting light
floors gives this venue a stunning appearance. There are several nuances
that remain from the old space that still give it that old feel....the
opaque windows that lined the rear wall and brought in natural light to
the space and the high open ceilings that pay homage to its industrial
beginnings.
The bar is what will floor you! Another long bar but with
the dark woods and lines of glasses and growlers filling the shelves. Rows
and rows of taps greet the patron with a selection that most brewpubs would
give anything for! 21 taps in all and 4 handpumps to boot! I understand
from Uncle Jack that there will be 15 of these taps populated on a regular
basis. This day, all 21 were pouring!
The covering of the bar is most unique. They bought copper
tops of large mash tuns, cut them and draped the bar with the halves. There
is also another one off to the side surrounded by a curtain that Mr. Ruch
told me is a special brewer's section for them to enjoy after work.
They've also made accomodations for a German-style Bier Hall
that will allow you to have a private party or special event.
New hours also prevail. They will be open Mon-Fri 11:30AM-Midnight,
Sat. 10AM-Midnight and Sun. 10AM-10PM. Brunch is now served Sat & Sun
10AM-1PM.
Victory still sells their swag and takeout beer as before
and they've added new technology to the task of growler-filling.
An automatic filler!!! This little bit of technology saves both time and
beer. It was not functioning the day we were there, but Mr. Curtin put
his first fill on his blogsite
and assures us that it works beautifully. All they have to do is insert
the growler and turn the switch for the selection. It doesn't get any better
than this!
This is more of a must-visit now. With lots more space,
beers and time, there is no excuse not to make the trip. Even at $4 a gallon
gas, it's worth the trip.
Check out their website
for lots of info on selections, etc.
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