Queen Victoria Bust Visits EastEnders-Inspired Pub to Celebrate the Show’s 40th Anniversary

A Queen Victoria bust has visited The Queen Victoria pub in Maldon, Essex, to mark the iconic soap opera EastEnders’ 40th anniversary. This unique celebration not only honors the historical figure but also connects the local community with the longest-running British soap opera.

Connecting Soap Opera and Community

James Burrell-Cook, the landlord of The Queen Victoria pub, expressed excitement about the arrival of the bust. “Our pub is deeply tied to EastEnders. We’ve got three Queen Victoria busts in the pub already, and many of our customers have moved here from London’s East End,” he shared.

The connection between the pub and the show goes beyond the name and the busts. Notably, Lewis Bridgeman, who portrays Barney Mitchell, frequently attends the establishment with his family, further solidifying the pub’s role in the local community.

Famous Faces Regularly Gather

BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Burrell-Cook is particularly proud of the relationship between the pub and the Bridgeman family. “Lewis’ family come here for drinks or dinner. We were very pleased when he got that part,” he said.

The pub’s special connection to the show’s cast and crew is evident in the community’s excitement about the bronze bust of Queen Victoria. Regular patrons, former landlords, and the pub’s darts teams planned in advance to attend and witness the bust’s installation.

A Community Hub Celebrating History

“This pub is about the customers and the team. It’s all about the people,” Burrell-Cook emphasized, highlighting the community-oriented atmosphere of The Queen Victoria pub.

Before taking over the site, Burrell-Cook considered purchasing a different pub named The Queen Victoria in Essex, but he was drawn to Maldon’s version due to its unique ambiance. “It had an amazing feel, and it had also had a fair bit of trouble – I like fixing things,” he explained. His efforts have transformed The Queen Victoria into a community hub appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

Timeless Appeal: The Legacy of Queen Victoria and EastEnders

The Queen Victoria

The pub’s history dates back to the reign of Queen Victoria, as evidenced by a sepia-toned photograph from 1890, which includes the Scott family. Descendants of the Scotts are still regular patrons, adding another layer of history to the venue.

Although Burrell-Cook does not watch EastEnders religiously, he stays updated with the show’s plot developments. “Although it might be condensed into a short period of time, it represents everything in a pub: the conversations, the troubles, the heartbreak(all of that),” he said, highlighting the show’s realistic portrayal of pub life.

The Legacy Continues

The Queen Victoria pub, with its rich history and strong ties to the community, serves as a testament to the timeless appeal of both Queen Victoria and EastEnders. As EastEnders celebrates its 40th anniversary, the pub continues to play a pivotal role in connecting the past, present, and future of Maldon.

“We’re very lucky to have such an amazing community pub. Every time something like this happens, it reinforces why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Burrell-Cook concluded.

The presence of the Queen Victoria bust marks a weekend of celebration for The Queen Victoria pub, a venue that has become as iconic as the busts adorning its walls.

For visitors to Maldon, The Queen Victoria pub offers more than just a pint of ale. It serves as a living museum, a spot where history and contemporary culture collide, making it a must-visit destination.

As EastEnders continues its传奇 run, The Queen Victoria pub stands as a reminder of the enduring power of storytelling, community, and the legacy of Queen Victoria.

Join the Celebration

We encourage readers to visit The Queen Victoria pub and experience the celebration first-hand. Share your experiences, photos, and thoughts on how the pub and the show connect in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!