05/06/2026
The Story Behind Ronnie’s
Ronnie’s has been proudly owned and operated by mother-and-daughter team Victoria and Sydney since September 2019.
The journey began following a devastating family bereavement earlier that year. Faced with uncertainty, Victoria made the bold decision to invest her life savings into a small local business in the hope of creating a future for her family. The name Ronnie’s was retained in memory of a dear friend who had sadly passed away shortly before the purchase. His wife, Diane, was one of the business’s biggest supporters and was delighted that Ronnie’s name would continue to live on through the bar.
Like many independent businesses, Ronnie’s has experienced its share of highs and lows over the years. There have been moments of celebration, moments of challenge, and more than a few tears along the way.
The business survived the Covid pandemic, Victoria met her husband through Ronnie’s and married in 2023, and in 2024 the family faced another significant challenge when Victoria was diagnosed with breast cancer. During her treatment, Sydney stepped up and ran the business almost single-handedly for an entire year. Thankfully, that difficult chapter is now behind them, and mother and daughter are once again working side by side.
Running a small hospitality business has never been easy, and in today’s economic climate it remains more challenging than ever. Unlike many industries, businesses like Ronnie’s rely entirely on customers choosing to walk through the door. With this in mind, the venue has recently undergone refurbishment and introduced new opening hours and menus, creating a fresh and inviting destination for those looking to enjoy an afternoon or evening out in Hockley.
Looking ahead, Victoria and Sydney remain committed to evolving and improving the business. New ideas are constantly being explored, including the return of regular live music — something many customers have been asking for. Ronnie’s is also expanding its opening hours and will be opening on Sundays from 12pm from 7th June.
At its heart, Ronnie’s remains what it has always been: a welcoming, independent local venue in the centre of Hockley. Whether you’re visiting with friends, family, or simply enjoying a drink on your own, you’ll find a warm welcome, reasonably priced food and drinks, and a relaxed, modern atmosphere.
As Victoria and Sydney look towards the future, they hope local residents will continue to support independent businesses and think of Ronnie’s when deciding how to spend their leisure time. After all, every customer who walks through the door plays a part in the continuing story of this much-loved little bar.
