The popular Vikky’s bar was turning the clock back as it opened under new management in a special feature in the Largs and Millport Weekly News in 2005.

Vikky's closed in 2010, and was demolished a few years ago to be replaced by new housing, but many locals and visitors have happy memories of the seafront venue from the upstairs vodka bar to the live music and entertainment in the premises which attracted big names including The Alarm, Spencer Davis and Colin Hay of Men at Work fame when it was run by Tam Skinner.

Fifteen years ago, the seafront premises had been taken over by Matthew Smith.

The change has been dramatic; with a stylishly refurbished dining area, tantalising home-cooked menus at reasonable prices courtesy of the excellent new chef - not to mention a return to traditional, family values of good service.

As part of that new inclusive ethic, little ones could play in the custom-built children’s soft play area, and they even had a no-smoking area - two years before the smoking ban came into law.

Largs and Millport Weekly News:

The bar boasted a 42” plasma screens, available for all major sporting events while there was a refurbished back room for special occasions. And the facility was still operating as a hotel at that point.

The feature stated: "And if you just don’t feel like making the long journey home, five comfortable and well appointed bedrooms await to take the weight off your feet. It’s just as well, because the Victoria’s new, all-dancing entertainment programme is sure to make any weekend you can choose go with a bang before exploding in style with its special festive party nights."