PUB GUIDE
There are over twenty pubs around Wellington and a dozen more in nearby villages, so which to choose? With character, a warm welcome and real ales in mind, here's our pick of the best. All, in our experience, are well-run and inviting - whether you're taking out your girlfriend or your granny. Some have restaurants attached, and you'll find a guide to other local restaurants in the menu on the left of the screen.
THE WHITE LION PUB
Crown Street, Wellington
This black and white Jacobean pub is Wellington's oldest and can be found between the meandering medieval lanes of Duke Street and Crown Street near the Square. Usually two or three real ales available.
Location: Town Centre, walking time from Market Square: c.1 minute
(No car park)
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THE WREKIN INN REAL ALE HOUSE PUB
Wrekin Road, Wellington
Closed for several years and facing an uncertain future, The Wrekin re-opened to fanfares in Autumn 2008 as a smart new addition to Wellington's real ale revival. Six pumps offer a range of quality ales from small independent breweries, and hearty pub food is served at lunchtimes.
Background jazz sets the tone and an array of Wrekin-themed pictures adorn the walls, so the two flat-screen televisions are easily ignored. The Wrekin is also establishing itself as a live music venue - see their website for details.
Location: Town centre, walking time from Market Square: c.5 minutes
(Small private car park, large public car park across the Road)
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THE OLD WREKIN TAP at THE COCK HOTEL PUB / ACCOMODATION
Watling Street (Holyhead Road), Wellington
An important posting house in the days of the coach trade, this CAMRA award-winning 17th century inn is now renowned for being one of the best real ale pubs in the county. Hobson’s is on as standard, with a further 5 local and regional ales and ciders available at any one time. The pub now even houses its own Belgian Beer Bar, the 'Brasserie de Haan', offering around 30 beer varieties (Friday and Saturdays only).
Pork pies and other snacks but no meals, no music, and no games machines - regulars come here for the very good beer and convivial atmosphere.
Location: Town outskirts, walking time from Market Square: c.15 minutes
(Moderately sized car park)
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THE OLD ORLETON BAR / RESTAURANT / ACCOMODATION
Holyhead Road, Wellington
Primarily a hotel and restaurant, you can also just drop in for a drink at this most gentrified of local establishments. Cool contemporary design set against elegant Georgian detail makes this recently renovated coaching inn really stand out as one of Shropshire's best boutique hotels and restaurants - and with two Hobson's bitters on tap, there's certainly substance to go with the style.
Both the bistro and restaurant menus are locally sourced - and brilliantly executed.
Location: Town outskirts, walking time from Market Square: c.15-20 minutes
(Moderately sized car park)
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THE RED LION on HOLYHEAD ROAD PUB / RESTAURANT AREA
Holyhead Road, Wellington
Originally a solitary building backing onto rolling fields, the Red Lion once catered primarily for those travelling the Holyhead Road. The growth of Wellington’s leafy suburbs in the 1920s has provided it with a bustling local trade ever since, but it still offers a warm welcome to people who are just passing through. Usually two or three local real ales available.
The restaurant area is cosy and informal, and food is at the top-end of the pub fayre repertoire.
Location: Town outskirts, walking time from Market Square: c.10 minutes
(Large car park)
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THE WICKETS PUB / RESTAURANT AREA
Holyhead Road, Wellington
Smaller than its Holyhead Road neighbours The Cock and The Old Orleton, The Wickets was never a coach house but an inn for commercial travellers. Recently renovated, some of us bemoan the loss of its old nooks and crannies, but it is comfortable and inviting nonetheless. Usually two real ales available.
Dinners can eat in the bar or the adjoining restaurant.
Location: Town outskirts, walking time from Market Square: c.10 - 15 minutes
(Large car park)
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COUNTRY PUBS
THE PHEASANT at ADMASTON GASTRO PUB
Less than five minutes drive north of Wellington, The Pheasant is a popular pub that now finds itself in a somewhat suburbanised village, but which still retains the atmosphere of a bustling country inn. After a change of management in 2007, the establishment has become known for a good selection of real ales (usually three or four) and high quality locally sourced food in an informal setting.
Dining throughout. Large car park. A half hour walk from Wellington, the best route is along the wildlife-rich Silkin Way (starting from Wrockwardine Road in Wellington).
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THE GATE at BRATTON PUB / RESTAURANT
The Gate reopened under new ownership in April 2009, offering a range of well-kept Shropshire real ales and fantastic restaurant-quality food. Its lime-washed walls, tiled floor and scrubbed tables ensures an interior that is simple but also cosy, and in summer visitors can make the most of the large beer garden to the rear, which looks out across open country.
5 minutes drive north of Wellington, just past Shawbirch
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THE HUNTSMAN at LITTLE WENLOCK PUB / RESTAURANT
Tucked away behind The Wrekin, many a walker passes through Little Wenlock and is glad to come upon The Huntsman. There are usually two real ales available, which you can enjoy in the large, cosy lounge at the front.
Diners at this country pub can eat in the lounge or, if they're feeling more spruced-up, nextdoor in the restaurant. (Large car park.)
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THE QUEEN'S HEAD at HORTON PUB WITH DINING THROUGHOUT
Situated at the near-end of the Wealdmoors, Horton is about five minutes drive north of Wellington on the same road as Hoo Farm. The awkward junction at which this pub sits means that you can't miss it - if you do you'll probably be in someone's hedge. Usually two real ales available.
Good quality traditional pub food, dining throughout. (Large car park.)
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Every effort is made to ensure that details of real ale and food availability are accurate. To confirm details, we advise you phone ahead.
