As St Andrews students progressively left for the break at the end of the semester, the Vic, a staple club in the town’s nightlife, vanished from social media. Students, naturally inquisitive, started to wonder what it would become upon their return.
Over the break, the pub, which belongs to the nationwide Scotsman Group, underwent a series of changes to change their reputation in the town. As announced on its Instagram, the Vic wishes to impose itself as more of a pub – rather than a club only frequented by party-goers during organised events.
Credit: The Vic Facebook.
The video posted by the group takes us through all the major changes to the locale. Not only has what was previously the dance floor been turned into a retro-style pub, with ambiance lighting and comfortable orange booths, but the menu has also been refreshed with additions such as more finger food and a longer list of cocktails at student prices. A conscious effort has also been made to attract bigger crowds by hiring local entertainers to play live music in the dining area.
But what does this change mean for nights out in St Andrews and at the Vic? In the effort to stray away from their ‘club’ image, the Vic has relegated dancing and events to only the social bar. They have opted to permanently keep the pub area as is. As students discovered on Monday, during the first refreshers event of 2025, the dance floor is now significantly smaller – leading to a more crowded and pushy experience overall.
Credit: TripAdvisor.
We are left to see how this change plays out for the Vic. Will it manage to impose itself as a frequented pub? Or will its choice to sacrifice its ‘club’ status mark the end of the Vic as a nightlife staple for students?
NOTE FOR READER:
Since writing this article, it seems that the Vic has been revamped again! This time into a cafe-type establishment? Bizarre!
Great read. I would agree - Bizarre!