Regular drinkers at the Victoria Tavern were mystified a few months ago when former bartender Jade Rose asked them to donate their old foreign coins, along with 1ps and 2ps, for a mysterious cause. But all was revealed on 22 August when Jade and pub manager, Lindsey Flint, unveiled a brand new art installation: a stunning mosaic created on the top of the bar from the hundreds of coins that Jade had collected.
Says Jade: ‘Lindsey was planning some refurbishment works in the bar side of the pub, so I decided to create a unique feature for the customers to remember me by after I left in September. I’d like to say a big thank you to Rob Mascari (pictured with Jade), who helped make the new bar top, and to Emily Smith who helped me stick down all the coins. And of course to all the customers who donated their old foreign currency and coppers.’
Lindsey adds: ‘Creating the new bar top took a lot of work but the end result looks fabulous. Jade was a popular member of staff and will be greatly missed – but as she’s spelled her name out in coins on part of the new bar, it looks like her legacy is here to stay!’
Faye Stenson