please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
I was really excited about visiting the Wellington but for some reason it just didn't do it for me. Can't quite put my finger on why as there was an extensive selection of beer on offer. Maybe I will have to give it another go and prove myself wrong.
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A remarkable range of real ales (16 when I was there recently) makes this a must-visit place. Helpful staff and no "music" as well. They have resisted the gastropub tide by not serving food at all, but you can bring food in from the Philpotts down the street.
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I went in here for the first time in several years.
Not much has changed (except that the screens showing the beers available seem smaller). So plenty of reasonably priced real ales (with rather a lot of Black Country).
One thing I discovered: the back entrance is very close to the back entrance to the Old Joint Stock.
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Excellent ale house with a great choice of beers in excellent condition. Enjoyed an excellent pint of Titanic Raspberry Wheat. Friendly, knowledgeable staff and a relaxing atmosphere. A must visit when in the city centre. 10/10.
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The Wellington is always worth a visit in Birmingham, if you're into real ale. There's plenty of them - Wye Valley HPA, Black Country BFG, Pig on the Wall & Fireside, Purity Mad Goose, Froth Blowers Piffle Snonker, Malvern Hills Radar Love, Burton Bridge Top Dog Stout, Kendricks Winter Warmer, Derby Penny's Porter, Abbeydale/Brewdog/Skull and Bones Boys Club Chockwork Orange, Elland White Prussian, Beowulf Dark Raven & Small World Long Moor Pale. Ciders were Springfield Wobbly Monk, Hairy Ferret Cherry & Farmer Jims Copper Top. The clientele was as varied as ever, with people gathering for a folk evening and mingling with football fans. It was busy for a Tuesday evening. Quality pub.
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Wednesday night. Quite busy. 14 of 16 pumps on. 9 yes 9 of these graded by the landlord as pale, 2 were pale verging on not so pale, 1 porter, 1 dark. That left only 1 beer that could be described as classic British bitter. Skaters Autumn Red at 5.0%. That meant 1 drink then off. Regrettably landlords with 16 pumps need to cater for good old fashioned bitter drinkers and not just pander to new age lager drinkers. It is a shame, because this pub could be a cracker.
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After indifferent experiences further down the hill this place was a diamond. Not a place for the undecided with a billion pumps to choose from. My (Freudian?) choice was the extreme right edge, Wye HPA (3.30) which was very good. In my halcyon days I might have looked left & tried them all, but I'd already had a few elsewhere so limited my intake. Happy punters, knowledgeable bar bloke, a top pub.
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16 real ales on in this place, which is plenty by anyones standard. Place was very busy with a mix of all sorts - suited yuppies, hipsters, smelly tickers and even a substantial dose of normal people!
The Captain had a pint of Oakham Citra, it was struggling a bit but not enough to bother returning.
Previous comments about the rude bar staff are understandable, none of them looked as though they have smiled in a good while; perhaps they just need a bit of love? The pub practise of ordering pints by their pump number contributes I guess-it's very clinical and precise and may disuade them from forming normal, healthy relationships with punters.
The pub isn't memorable, but does have a roof terrace which could be amazing - the weather wasn't conducive to a visit this time however.
Not as good as the Post Office Vaults then: beer choice isn't everything. 8/10.
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In last night for the first time. We came to Birmingham on a weekend pub crawl and the Wellington was recommended above all else. It is a fantastic pub, it has fantastic beer- unfortunately our experience was completely ruined by the staffs attitude and customer service! They were miserable, unknowledgable and seemed more interest in talking at the end of the bar than actually serving.
Shame on you guys, it could be the best pub but your service lets you down so much.
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Spent most of yesterday at the nearby Post Office Vaults. But I did pay the Wellington a visit later in the day. It was busy as usual. The new upstairs bar was quieter and more relaxing. They do have some different beers and ciders up here to what is listed downstairs. So it's worth checking out. Yesterday's selection over the two bars was Wye Valley HPA, Black Country BFG, Pig On The Wall & Fireside, Titanic Plum Porter & Mild, Oakham Citra & Deep Thought, Purity Mad Goose, Burton Bridge Porter, White Rose Pints In White Satin, Ramsgate Gadds Number 5, Riverhead Deer Hill Porter, Toll End Coal 'Ole, Cottage Big Ben, Springhead Outlawed, Kelham Island Old Blue Eyes & Rat Ration. Ciders and perries were Gwatkin Squeal Pig Perry, Orchard Pig Maverick Ginger & Chilli, Twisted Misty Cider & Hogans Panking Pole & Hazy Daisy. Still an easy 9/10.
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14 pumps on, not bad for a Monday, but over half of these dedicated to the scourge of British beers - the pale, citrus ale. I tried locale BFG from Black Country. Not bad but that too was nearer in colour to lager than bitter and tasted the same way. With the number of pumps available, there really does ned to be a wider variety of flavours on show. Still, we'll worth a visit.
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Visited on 3 May after celebrating the mighty U’s remaining in league 1. Had a couple before catching the train home and had two marvellous ales one of which the Purity Saddle Black was superb, not a stout but a sort of sharp smoky taste – excellent stuff. Large pub with a very large selection of ales which you order by number from the informative screen which gives ABV and type of ale. Always well worth stopping off either before or after a game in and around Birmingham, as it’s only a couple of minute’s walk to New St station. Thoroughly recommended. 8/10
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One of the many great pubs we visited in Birmingham over the weekend attending Mammal Conference...we had a great time and the beer is top notch.
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Excellent pub, the best in the city that I have found so far. 16 pumps with beer graded from pale to dark. My only gripe is that 8 of them were pale, 5 were dark and absolutely none were traditional bitter colour. All the beers that I tried were in excellent condition.
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They have done a lot too this pub but I am pleased to say the beer and service not changed. Good beer good service.
Nick S Phillips
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My definition of a fine pub. Packed on a saturday afternoon, with people escaping the nonsense that is the German Market.
But dont fear, they have added an upstairs bar and a roof terrace. And as I have a new fjallraven alpine coat, I was prepared to pretend it was summer.
Superb beer. Mrs Mappiman went belgium and had a leffe in a cermonial glass and i went for the hearty ale. The bloke before me had it and it looked the right colour. Superb pint.
My place to go in the 2nd city.
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Anoher visit to Brum and of course I couldn't leave without going to The Wellington. Still smells of "new" (paint/carpet wood etc etc) but that's not unpleasant and it soon pales in to insignificance once you start on the beer! Terrific range (I always start with HPA) and a great choice of beers from dark to light: weak to strong and hoppy to malty ! Even the most selective drinker should find something to suit them here. The new terrace and first floor bar is a superb addition - you can even watch the drinkers in the Fullers pub across the way!
Do not go to Birmingham without visiting The Wellington!
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Had the pleasure of visiting the Welly on Friday night - my first visit of 2013 and since the refurbishment. Have to say that the character of the place is unchanged and the roof terrace is a great addition.
Whilst the pub was busy there was still room for all and the various conversations going on add to the atmosphere. Add to that a knowledgeable, friendly and attentive staff and you are heading towards perfection.
As always the beer was top notch and 16 available. My two - Titanic Plum Porter& Pig on the Wall - were delicious.
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16 beers on last weekend but the strongest was only 5%. All in good nick though. I had the 3 Black Country beers.
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A decent pub, in spite of the downstairs bar being closed for refurbishment (I thought it was shut at first!) there were loads of apology notices and the upstairs and outside bar open. Well worth a visit - sure it will be superb when finished.
alexw - 24 Jun 2013 22:48 |
Beer quality was the best I've had there tonight, perhaps helped by as reduced range during refurbishment. Black Country Pig, Mad Goose and especially the Wye Valley HPA were superb, and enjoyed on the outside terrace. Busy and mixed crowd.
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Pub is in the middle of a major building project to create a new upstairs bar area, causing some access difficulties. Beer range is reduced by 3 ales during the refurb, sampled two ales , both in good condition
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A cracking pub, great staff and punters but more importantly, the BEER is top notch! The pub is going through some refurbishments at this moment in time so a few of the taps are not in use, but there is still a fantastic selection of beer on offer. I can't help but lick my lips when I see whats on offer on the board. I've introduced a fellow work colleague to this pub and usualy this is the first pub we go in straight after work on the last Friday of every month. Sometimes we decide to have one, but the chances are we end up legless because it is quite a hard place to leave, even though there are some other cracking Ale pubs within a 5 minute walking distance. Just brilliant and can't wait when the pub is all done up.
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Popped in on Saturday morning , pubs was busy as always, beers where from larger micros's, struggled to find anything interesting.
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Made a return visit to the Wellington on Saturday morning, as most other pubs in the vicinity were still closed. For ale range, the Wellington is not matched in Birmingham and the good news is that the pub is expanding upstairs to create more drinking space. Beers on during my visit were Wye Valley HPA, Black Country Pig on the Wall & BFG, Oakham Citra, Random Rabbit & Scarlet Macaw, Purity Mad Goose, Elgoods Cambridge Bitter, Exmoor Antler, Crouch Vale Snow Drop, Worthington White Shield, Titanic Chocolate & Vanilla Stout, Malvern Hills Feel Good & Cotleigh Barn Owl. The 3 ciders and perries are still dispensed from the rear of the bar. They had Meare Farmhouse, Hogans Vintage Perry & Rogers Sweet. Service was friendly. At the times I visit, the clientele is generally a mix of real ale drinkers and football fans from all manner of teams. I hadn't realised Stourbridge Town were playing St Albans on Saturday. But fans from both teams were present!
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Called in the other night. Beer at normal high standard.
Some work going on to give some more space.
This is a great pub and you know the beer going to be of high standard and staff who also care.
Nick S Phillips
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A "must visit" pub in Brum with a fabulous selection of real ales and ciders; great staff and you can even bring your own food. My only complaint (if you can call it that) is the way you order the beer - by number off the TV screen. I never do and I don't care if that annoys them - I can easily identify a beer by its pump clip but I have never had real hassle with this and it does give customers an idea of what the beers are like and how much they cost so fair-do's.
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I was wandering around trying to find a pub on New Years Day before the lunchtime kick off at The Hawthorns and stumbled on The Welly by mistake. I saw someone sat outside with a pint down the alley.
I walked into my sort of dream boozer. The staff were friendly and helpful. The beer choice superb even though I stuck on the amazing Oakham Citra, putting down 3 in short time - it was that good.
Went back for a swifty before the train home after the match. A lovely atmosphere. Fans of all clubs chatting with some listening to the radio and giving updates.
Exactly how a pub should be - chav and kids free with cracking ale.
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Must be the 'go to' pub in Birmingham with choice of 16 real ales available and friendly efficient busy bar staff. Ales are shown on on a flat screen with gravity, colour code and price to help customers. Otherwise a traditional pub.
The Oakham Citra went down a treat on a number of occasions during my relatively short stay in Birmingham.
While there do pick up a Camra pub map showing all the Brummie pubs (if only to spread your support for real ale) before returning to The Wellington.
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Great pub and well kept beer
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Beer Heaven in the centre of Birmingham. No food (although youre welcome to take your own), no telly, no chavs, no gimmicks just top notch beer (and 14 pumps worth (plus 3 ciders) and filled with intelligent people drinking good beer.
I visited last Saturday when 4 football team fans had coverged for local games (WBA, QPR, Huddersfield and Birmingham City). But don't be put off. The atmosphere was convivial, conversational and down right friendly.
Why would you drink anywhere else in Brum if ale is your prime reason.
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Went in here after travelling from Ireland to see Mastodon in the HMV Institute. It became my local for the 4 days that I spent in Birmingham.
A real ale Mecca. 16 taps constantly changing (except for Oakham Citra which is one of my all time favourites after having it in the Wellington) along with a nice range of spirits.
No TV (save for the screen detailing the beers on offer) and no background music either just proper beer, conversation and laughing.
Nigel, the boss, was a true gent who remembered my good ladys order every time even though the place was packed.
I have made it my business to get back to the Wellington as soon as possible.
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Can't dispute the ale selection, no problem with the quality on this visit (a packed saturday afternoon crowd). Service was a bit slow as one of the staff was fannying around with stuff behind the bar and not serving the thirsty q of customers. Still this pub is a must on a birmingham pub crawl.
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We always visit the Wellie when in town and the beer range never fails to please (although I still cannot on get on with the numbering system and keep wanting to ask for extra rice with my No.12 !!). Anyway, the pub is always popular simply because of the range of beers and ciders and the good quality of each ale. Snacks (crisps;dead pig etc) are available but you can bring your own food and they will even give you a plate and cutlery!! There is usually plenty of staff on duty so service is pretty good and conversation rules in the bar. Highly recommended. Note: If you come out of New Street station via the Temple Street exit the pub is no distance and we often squeeze in a pint between trains.
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Busy freehouse on edge of city centre. Large range of beers in good condition. Could do with more dark ales. Try also the pub's sister pub the Post Office Vaults.
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still know as the smelley wellie in desprate need of some windows that open or air con as gets so busy some of the prices can be way over the top for the ales,decent choice ,although not enough dark ales quality can be abit flat at times.
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Great ale pub. Splendid staff. They will sell you two pints in a carry-out container, which is handy if you are aiming for curry in one of the many BYOB places in the Balti Triangle.
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Multi real ale pub with a wide range of clientele as well as beers. On every Brum centre crawl as a well deservedly renowned central Birmingham pub.
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Good as part of any City Centre crawl or day out. Lots of choice.
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With 16 handpulls and a detailed beer board it would be hard for any drinker to be disappointed with the Wellington. The board details pump number, brewery, beer name, ABV, price and colour.
No food is served here except for bar snacks (mmmm pork scratchings!) but you can take in your own, whilst supping on a pint of your choice. They even provide the plates and the cutlery, this to me is one of the best selling points of the Welly.
First impressions could lead you to assume it�s an old mans pub but its really not and plenty of women drink there too. Anyone could feel comfortable in this pub, which is encapsulated by the pub cat that can sometimes be seen perched on a stool taking a nap. I have never seen such a mish-mashed varied group of people in such close proximity before, but it works to form such a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. It also has to be noted that no woman will ever leave the Welly without failing to be impressed by the toilets. Strange point to make, but take your Mrs and get her opinion!
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable about all that they sell and will let you sample if you�re unsure. I once stumbled in on a �Cheese Night� this was where people who wanted to partake had taken in some cheese, crackers or other accompaniments to share and enjoy whilst tasting with ciders and ales for that perfect harmony of taste. Totally unaware about this evening but was warmly welcomed and soon engulfed in friendly conversation enjoying a nice cider and bit of cheese. They were hoping to make this a regular feature every 6 weeks or so.
Albeit a bit shabby, a little on the small side this pub is great. It can get very busy but I�d be disappointed if a pub of this calibre didn�t have such a dedicated following, however this is probably the downside as at times you may have a bit of a wait, you wont get a table or a spot at the bar and will have to wrestle to get to the loo, the back or the exit.
Oh� almost forgot, they also have a dartboard.
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Was in here around 11am yesterday and the pub was a little busier than I anticipated. But there were still a couple of tables available. For once, not all of the handpulls were clipped and the electronic screen wasn't on, but the barstaff still expected you to order by number which involved counting the handpulls! One cider went just as we arrived and was not replaced, leaving only the Bennetts Hill Blend and Westons Country Perry to choose from. Beers on were Oakham Citra, Black Country BFG, Purity Gold & Mad Goose, Cottage Mini Cooper, Teme Valley T'Other, Everards Tiger, Orkney Skull Splitter, Morgans Black Sabeth, Falstaff George Bailey, Moles Mole Lang Syne, Warwickshire Churchyard Bob, Silhill 3.7% & Wye Valley HPA. I'm not sure if it was still a hangover from New Year's Eve (the pub not me), but I was not quite as impressed as I normally am when visiting here. In fact, the nearby Post Office Vaults proved to be a better choice later in the day. I'm not sure if the pub is affiliated with the Wellington, as it's advertised in the Wellington's toilets. But with 8 ales and 7 ciders, it's as good as if not a better alternative.
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Outstanding city centre pub, a permanent ongoing beer festival! 16 wide ranging ales on, and the ones we tried were all well kept, the place gets an unreserved 10 from me. Seems like nobody is mad enough to try to offer any competition in the city centre, however we did later discover some excellent boozers in the Jewellery Quarter/Hockley area which are well worth exploring if you're up for a stroll.
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You known that you will get a welcome when you arrive, and the reward is a good beer.
With only 16 beers on tap you can always find one to enjoy.
Thanks to all the staff for the service in 2011 and look forward to another year which I am sure will be good beer after good beer.
Nick S Phillips
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Went in here the other day at about 6pm to get away from the Christmas market. They had Harvest Pale on. They soon didn't. Only left as it was midnight and they'd stopped serving. All pints imbibed were in top condition, and my group of four barely made it home. You're always in for a treat at the Welly! Just make sure you take a nose peg, as it always smells of B.O. when it's busy. Which is always.
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Always my first choice for a pub to visit when in Birmingham. Great beer choice (normally up to 15) and always kept well. It is pricey but if you like real ale then it's well worth it.
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Called in on Saturday lunchtime and again in the evening. Busy both times, first with the football crowd and later buzzing with the Saturday night beer enthusiasts. We drank a variety of pints all in good condition and served quickly and efficiently. As it was a long day, we avoided the 12% ABV ale at �7.40 a pint; although we calculated that two pints of this would have had more effect than 5 of a "standard" ale and cost less, we were not in that kind of a hurry. Remains one of my first points of call when in the city. Also sells a good variety of snuffs.
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A great pub but I'll get some minor criticisms out of the way first. Slightly pricey beer by Brum standards, the pub was extremely busy on a Saturday afternoon which is good to see but loads of tables & chairs that add to the crush. Sticky carpet. An enormous number of real ales available in decent nick and a must visit pub for real ale fans.
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I think they had 16 ales on & you can see the list on a TV screen. We got here late Sat afternoon & it was very busy but getting served was no problem, although forget about sitting somewhere (Real ale is dying, no one drinks it anymore etc etc). I tried the Elland brewery Whistleblower. Despite the number of beers they do lean somewhat on the lighter side of the ale spectrum - couldn't obviously see any dark beer beers & their colour grading system for beer confirmed this. Still this was only one visit & coming back is a must.
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You are always sure of a warm welcome, and staff that understand how a beer should be.
Nick S Phillips
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I adore this place, there's more handpumps than you can shake a stick at and there's always something for everyone. Light, brown and dark all year round. A TV screen tells you the colour of each beer and where it comes from. No food is served but you can take your own in to eat there. There need to be more pubs like this in other cities!
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Great pint every time you visit here!
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A super selection of beers and the place was bustling with conversation, the Wye Valley HPA was a lovely pint.
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in a word, best real ale pub in brum, with the best selection of ales and best atmosphear
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Should be fair and say that I came in here a week or two back and it weren`t three bad. Not a lot to knock it for, helped that it wasn`t rammed for once.
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Called in here before we played Villa last week. Beers were all fine, except for the Wye Valley which wa average. But a big plus was Tracy behind the bar. Even though the place was chokka she remembered our round of 12 drinks perfectly - total professional and a credit to the licenced trade .
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One good thing about this place not selling Guinness, is that on St Patricks night, it wasn't plagued by Plastics.
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A number 1 Odin?......sounds like a bit of a number 2 to me.......
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A few notable events on my last visit that I observed from my perch. Didn't seem to be as busy as usual.
Beer I had (number 1) was perfectly acceptable.
Some geezers took their pints back and got them changed, overheard it was something to with sparklers.
A tramp was going round selling the Big Issue, only it wasn't the Big Issue. He was waving some free magazineabout, hoping, people would pay him to go away.
Couple of middle aged blokes almost came to blows, one left, after a very heated debate and some handbags.
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@Citizenwolfie "As for the Welly "dumbing down," I would have nothing of the sort - I meant it more that people sould broaden their horizons instead of flocking to the Wellington all the time. The other local pubs should indeed strive for greatness but it's difficult when the Wellington is as popular as it is."
I agree wholeheartedly, although the Welly is the pub I use most at weekends it does not always have my total beer trade there other pubs I
use, including the three you mentioned. Weekdays however it is difficult to drink in the city, due to lack of connecting public transport.
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Bookworm - I understand that not every beer can be perfect every time it's pulled, and I'm certainly not casting aspersions on the staff that pull it, but the times I've been in there I have not had very good pints. Maybe I'm just unlucky? The other pubs I drink in regularly (The Old Contemptables, Lord Clifden, Black Eagle to name a few) seem to be keeping their beers in top condition. I realise the Welly has a great range, but I think in this instance it's a case of quantity over quality. I can only be honest in my review from the experiences I've had (and I still gave the Wellington an above-average score).
As for the Welly "dumbing down," I would have nothing of the sort - I meant it more that people sould broaden their horizons instead of flocking to the Wellington all the time. The other local pubs should indeed strive for greatness but it's difficult when the Wellington is as popular as it is.
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@ citizenwolfie; there is nothing wrong in playing devils advocate, but I do feel that its a tad unfair of you to suggest that the welly should somehow "dumb-down" its act; surely the other pubs should try to improve their game?
I'm worried about the pubs you've been drinking in, mate; the ale in the welly is kept as per the guidelines issued by the breweries themselves - keep in mind that a real ale is a living entity, too cold and you'll do irreparable damage to the beer which would *really* give people cause for concern. if you like your beer bubbly, I'm sure the staff would add a sparkler for you, but real ale has a natural condition; lack of bubbles does not equate with flat and the addition of bubbles may well compromise the flavour.
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@bookworm - Somebody has already pointed out that they serve lagers, I hadn't realised this and so retract that part of my review. Besides which, I don't drink lager very often but I meant it more as a comment on how this might seem to a non-ale drinker.
As for the number system, I do agree that with the sheer amount of beer they stock, it does make more sense. I just don't like it personally. My real problem is that I found the majority of pints I've drank in there were just of an average quality - not taste so much since of course, that is objective depending on the brewery - but I feel the drinks weren't in good condition on serving.
You make a good point about being busy in an uncertain climate for pubs, but I feel that The Wellington doesn't *quite* have the facilities to cope. The past couple of times I've been there there have been only a couple of staff working and people wait for a long time. It's great being busy but not when it's near impossible to be served. It also seems strange to me to have such a small toilet space for the amount of customers expected on a daily basis.
On the flipside of your comment, one could argue that there are loads of dead quiet pubs in the city centre. If the Wellington is pulling in all the customers, then it could be at the expense of these pubs as well, hence more closures. But this is just me playing Devil's Advocate :p
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@ CitizenWoolfie; the Wellington sells numerous bottled largers and three draft, what it does *not* sell, is near-frozen gnats urine, which in a speciality pub comes as a relief not a shock.
the numbering system is the only effective way they can operate; if you are a part time member of staff who finishes work on a sunday evening and don't go in again untill thursday, you will find a completly different set of beers on sale and there is simply no way anyone can keep up. the numbering system means that the customer has the drink they want. Ok, *you* may have to exercise the old brain a little more, but that is no bad thing, right? and don't forget they have two large TV screens in the pub which give you all the detail you need about all the beers they are serving that day.
personally, I think if the atmosphere in there gets any more relaxed we'll all be asleep; if you want to go in and have a natter, there will be someone willing to chat, equally, if what you want is a quiet pint while doing the crossword and stroking the pub cat, this will be perfectly acceptable.
it seems a pity, at a time when so many pubs are closing on a weekly basis to complain that the pub gets so busy on a saturday, you may not like the crowds, but tastes differ.
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@Backlash - Fair enough, I must have missed those. I know they sell bottled lagers but not draft though right?
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Replying to Citizen Wolfie: The Wellington does sell lager like Bitburger and Veltins.
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First off - The Wellington has a well deserved reputation for being a hub for all things Real Ale and CAMRA. The staff there are very knowledgable about ales so you can rest assured you will get exactly what you want. Likewise, the range of beers they have is second-to-none.
But unfortunately I fail to see why this has won B'ham CAMRA Pub of the Year so many times. The beers, while numerous, were flat and a bit too warm. The atmosphere was pretty much non-existent whenever I've been in (with the exception of Quiz Night) and generally I find the "number system" of ordering drinks a bit impersonal - like I'm in a factory line or something. Considering it's a pub that likes to promote beer, it seems a step backwards to effectively remove the names of the drinks. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact I was sitting at the bar and drinking the nearest beer to hand, I doubt I'd have remembered which beers I liked or not. And I'd also advise against going on a Saturday or any time while the Frankfurt Market is on as you will be waiting a long time to be served and be forced to stand uncomfortably close (almost nose to nose at one point) to people while you wait. They also refuse to stock lager of any sort as well and despite being a real ale drinker, I couldn't really bring many of my friends here to be honest. I realise what they are trying to do in terms of promoting ale, but for a "pub" to not sell lager is a bit shocking.
All in all, The Wellington is great if you are all about the real ale. A good place to find beers you wouldn't normally find anywhere else and well trained staff but if you like a relaxed pub atmosphere or somewhere to grab a traditional pub meal you'd be better off going elsewhere. I wouldn't say it was a pub so much as a headquarters for CAMRA members. And if that's what you're after then bring a clipboard and you'll be right at home.
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just about the best pub ever. I'd agree with saitontour's comment about it being a very comfortable place to be even for an unaccompanied female [although, alas! I'm no longer 30]. the staff have excellent product knowledge, the cellar is very well kept, and the fact that you can sample before you buy means that you never need to have a pint you don't like. without any offence to tprobins, I'd recommend you stick to the carling.
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for as pub with such a good reputation it's a shame they can't sell a decent pint, they might have hundreds but they are all undrinkable, been about half a dozen times and never finished a pint yet.
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Old man's pub with a fantastic selection of real ales...yet I don't feel out of place in here as a thirty year old female. Pretty much anyone welcome, as long as you can squeeze in.
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well what a surprise- a matter of hours and someone has to respond because Ireland has been mentioned! Noone is allowed to say anything about Ireland at all, that's because of the legendary 'Irish Pub', the scourge of international destinations from Lima to Lusaka- the irish pub actually doesn't exist in this form anywhere in ireland- it is an international brand that has been created from a myth, much like the myth of Ireland itself. Yes, some places in Ireland you will get personal service, but the two places the previous reviewer has mentioned are about 200 miles apart, hardly representative of an across the board customer service standards. Generally, as a rule, Ireland has BAR service, EXACTLY the same as in the UK. Oh and by the way, I'm Irish and any ordinary Irishman just has a laugh when you talk about the downsides of our country, they do not take it personally and do not try to pretend that Ireland is this cradle of fabulous culture with blokes playing the fiddle at random on street corners. That's why so many of us are over here! Let's not talk about food in Ireland either. If you've not been off the tourist track across the globe then yeh, I guess Ireland does look fantastic, but each to their own limitations.
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A joy to have a pint in this good old brummie pub. alezilla have you been to Ireland in person and sampled a real Irish pub with service to your own personal snug - I doubt it. I suggest the Crown Bar in Belfast for you - despite being a tourist bar you will get service beyond your expectations if you have the minerals to visit the north. If not go south and west to Matt Molloy's bar where your pint will also be brought to your table. This will happen in many pubs in Ireland - have a proper look and drik before posting ill informed facts.
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Yeh- the Wellington....not seen as many beers on tap anywhere in the UK....and all brilliantly kept and an exciting selection.....but.....AS if we weren't becoming more accustomed to an absence of cusotomer service in this country, the Wellington takes us already to the logical conclusion....NO SERVICE AT ALL!!!! You order your beer by way of an electronic scoreboard akin to that at New Street Station...then you just say NUMBER 4 to a disinterested teenager behind the bar who then robot-like, pours your beer and you back off to allow for the next punter in this packed-to-the-underpants joint....more disturbingly, you can bring in your fat and grease-soaked soggy takeaway and sit there eating it in teh pub with the stench of transfatty acids and grease wafting about....this country is so weird- this is all a consequence of the only country in the world (except the overrated Ireland) in which there is no table service- fighting at the bar and eating fish and chips on your lap- its all so ....uncultured- the french would have a heart attack. SO....great beer but an opportunity squandered, but it will still get a 5 as no pub in Britain has service anyway. There is a system in Holland, called the 'muur', meaning wall. You go up and stick a few euros in and out of the wall in a drawer you pull out your noodle snack or whatever- no need for staff- this is the future of britain...insert coin in the wellington...why have staff at all?
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4th pub on Weekend pub crawl. Great selection of 16 beers including Purity - Pure Gold, Sadlers - Full Moko, Black Country - BFG & Two Towers - Mild & Brazen. First time I've seen beers listed on digital TV above bar! Great to see so many local ales on offer. Nice relaxing place, very central and for this reason can get very busy with away Football supporters on their way to a game.
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Had some friends from Daventry, where did we end up? you got it the Wellington.
You are always sure of a welcome and Nigel proved this when we arrived even though they had not been for four months.
And you are always sure of a Great pint.
Nick S Phillips
Birmingham
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16 hand pumps of well tasting ale, one long room. You order your ale by number, Im used to getting fried rice when I order by numbers but they do not do food in here. I liked it alot but prefer the Pubiness of the Anchor . Only been here twice so might find it more cosy if I was a regular, which I would be if I was local.
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Had a pint of number 1 the other day (Wye Valley I think), served by a fairly surly member of staff. Although perfectly drinkable, I wasn't over impressed with it, and have had better ales in the last couple of weeks such as ESB, Badger and Black Sheep.
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No fruit machines, no juke box, no Sky Sports, no food (but if you take your own they'll give you a plate and cutlery)
But 16, yes, *16* handpumps. All of which had something interesting on them at reasonable prices. The staff know how to pull a pint and usually don't need asking to top up once the head's subsided. Yes, it's a little bit shabby, maybe, but if you want a massive choice of ale in a congenial atmosphere in Birmingham, this is the place to go. And they have a quiz on Sunday
Actually make that 18 handpumps. I forgot the two cider pumps at the back of the bar.
Royed - 25 Oct 2010 17:07 |
Paid another return visit here last Saturday night and can vouch for the reviewers that say this is getting more and more popular. Finding a table is now nigh on impossible, which deters a little from the pub. Nevertheless the beer selection remains good with Wye Valley HPA, Black Country BFG & Pig on the Wall, Silhill 3.7 Per Cent, Purity Mad Goose & Ubu, Falstaff Hippogriff, Hopshackle Double Momentum & Dragon Porter, Elland Elant, Oakham Alkhenaten, Hobsons Old Henry, Derby Old Target and Beowulf Dragon Smoke Stout all on. In addition, Kinver Aldo's Ale appeared whilst we were there. Two of the ciders were Saxon - Platinum Blonde and Route 66 whilst the third was their own marketed Bennetts Hill Blend. Still a brilliant place to visit. But with the crowds, it's now harder to enjoy.
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I was indeed fortunate enough to be at the Wellington 9 nights ago, on a drop-in whistle-stop tour of Brum's finer hostelries. Naturally it draws innumerable plaudits from CamRA-affiliated reviewers and ale-lovers across the piece, as its pride and joy is a boastful but spectacular row of 16 handpumps, all dispensing every style of cask beer and cider one could ask for. During my visit 15 of these were active, and many intriguing choices could be found, not only from the West Midland locus, but farther afield too. Most of these were sampled by at least 1 or more of our 8-strong party, and I heard no complaints about conditioning or presentation from anybody. They adopt a useful and relatively unseen system of an electronic display which provides constant updates of what's on - in any other pub this would be used for yet another tedious big screen for sport lovers, but here they know the true accent is on the ale!
Service here needs to be on the money, and happily, notwithstanding the huge number of punters all wanting attention, we found we barely had to wait more than a minute or two for complete dispensation of an 8-pint round. Each ale was dished out with a happy-go-lucky air that suggested these guys and gals really enjoyed being a part of this ambitious ale-based outlet, which can safely rely single-handedly on wet sales. Don't concern yourself with food while here; all you'll need is a packet of scratchings and let the beers speak up for themselves without tainting the palate!
Decor-wise, the pub is somewhat unexceptional, although pleasant enough and broadly in keeping with the large Victorian structure it occupies; no outlandish over-contemporary touches have been added here thankfully. That said, a little more care might be in order, as we all found our shoes adhering to the sticky carpet where countless spillages from pintglasses in transport across the room had landed. Maybe this is unavoidable on a busy Saturday night when the beer is flying off the bar, but it didn't inspire great confidence. I don't recall the lavs being that decent either!
On the matter of atmosphere, which others have passed negative comments about recently, I sort of know where they're coming from. If I imagine the Welly on a quiet night (assumung they have one?) it probably would lack distinguishable character besides the beer range. The hurly-burly did mean that any lacking in this department was effectively negated.
Perhaps to those for whom a vast array of cask ales is not sufficient and who require a more rounded pub experience, this may not result in an outright 10/10. However, to me and my crowd, it would've had to have done something far more heinous than lack a little character to qualify for any less than a very good rating on this site.
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Is it not a great pity that some people have to express comments on this site that families can read, that use such words that were used by nokegthanks on 15/09/2010.
If he does not like this or any other pub I would fully support his views, but would he like such words to be used with regard to himself.
I shall be going to the Wellington tonight. I known that I will be a warm welcome when I arrive. Then I will have to choose from 15 beers.
It is well worth a visit. I often take visitors to the Wellington, the next time they arrive they ask to revisit the place.
Nick S Phillips.
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Great range of Beers, always take people who are in Birmingham there. Plus they sell Tastees, a proper snack.
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Unless you can get a seat by the windows on the street, it's a bit of a dark womb, this pub. But the beers are many and varied. You can take your own food. The pub cat, Wellie, is delightful. Staff friendly. Sweeties in the loos! What's not to like?
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Agree with with nokegthanks about the general ambience. Can't fault the beer though it does seem to have a stalinist attitude to anything that hasn't been brewed in a micro brewery, and this type of attitude seems to be reflected in the dullards who frequent the place. There are plenty of better places selling a range of quality beers within walking distance of here, where you can enjoy yourself. Anchor, Old Joint Stock and Old Contemptibles to name a few.
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Quality ales with eccentric clientele. 8/10
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Nothing wrong with a cloudy pint if it`s a wheat beer.....always said the customers at the`Wellie` take it too seriously. And another thing, if your drinking ten pints of premium real ale in a session, how do you know it tastes any good? Should think your spannered after six and your tastebuds have gone on strike.
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Well said "fluteharmonique8" this place just can't be faulted.
Anyone not happy with their beer just has to say so and I am sure it would be changed
To all at the Welly "keep up the good work and well done"
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Having read the previous review about the Wellington might I add that the Wellington must be congratulated on is continuing achievement and commitment to providing quality real ale to the public in the centre of Birmingham. I was disappointed in the previous review that the ales weren't changing very often when us locals know when an ale is about to go (probably because we drink to quickly because they are so good!) I'm 29 years of age I drink in the Welly 7 days a week and the beers are always changing. No's 1-5 as advertised are not changing ales i.e. the HPA Black Country and Purity Mad Goose. As for the others the management try their very best in keeping a balanced range to keep everyone happy. No beer lasts for more than three days as I discovered last Friday when they had Oakham Citra on for less then 24 hours! When it comes to quality no beer is served if it is cloudy. Other pubs around like Wetherpoons will sell you a cloudy pint. The Wellington will not. So why people say something to the tune of "the quality has gone downhill and we have had to discard at least one of our ales during the session" I do not know. Can you name a pub in the city centre or in the UK that will do 16 quality ales? I don't think anyone can neither will you get the quality than you get in the Wellington that is why it's packed out when so many M&B pubs in the West Midlands are so keen to turf out their customers at 10pm then wonder why pubs are closing down. I fins it offensive that these muppets say such derogatory things when those in question are doing their utmost best to try and keep real ale and the community going. OJ
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It pains me to say this, but this is probably the best pub in Birmingham's City Centre. Allow me to explain.
I first came here about 6 years ago, and was blown away. All the reviews below are completely accurate in that there are always 16 real ales to choose from. Trouble is, they're not as ever-changing as you may think. Wye Valley HPA is a standard, as are three Black Country ales and a Purity. Now I understand it's promoting local breweries, and for that, the pub should be applauded, but it does limit the amount of changing drinks on offer.
Aside from that, the other ten ales are sporadic at best. The quality has gone downhill over the years, which I suppose is only natural, as there's no competition to keep this pub on its toes. I've regularly been in groups of four or five, and we've all had to discard at least one of our ales during the session.
I suppose I'm being too harsh on this pub, but that's only because I expect the best. Don't get me wrong however - it's very good, but the ale is nowhere near as nice as a couple of years ago. It's perhaps the only pub I also know where the toilets smell a damn sight better than the pub itself.
Still, you can regularly get 16 different real ales, so let me stress that it is an excellent pub, and should be the last on any crawl to be able to sample as many as you can.
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Tickers paradise, millions of real ales on all in top notch condition, no footie, no music, very few mass produced brand beers. Always pretty rammed if you can get in the door - wins CAMRA pub of the year every year! Negatives...faint wiff of real alers breaking wind (I know, it proves the beer is properly brewed and in perfect condition) decor faintly reminds me of a railway station bar...lets compare train numbers....customers take it all too seriously!
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Was in the pub last night. Enjoyed a few great beers, all with a good head.
A well run pub, with only 15 beers on tap at any one time
Well worth a visit.
Nick S Phillips
Birmingham
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I am a regular of this place and must say I love it.
There are 16 real ales on hand pull all of which are of excellent quality and consistency. It has won Birmingham CAMRA pub of the year 4 years out of the last 5. They also have a range of quality lagers They don't do Carling and Guiness but can offer interesting alternatives. As the pub is so conveniently situated (just round the corner from Snowhill Station) it isn't really difficult to find somewhere which will give you a Carling if you are really that desperate for one!
The beer is served without sparklers being used to give the taste that most of the customers seem to prefer but I have asked Noige the gaffer and he says that if anyone wants to have a sparkler used for their pint they only need to ask!
I'm afraid they don't don't do food but you can actually take your own food or get some delivered and they will provide plates, cutlery and condiments. Because of the aforementioned location there are plenty of quality food outlets locally for you to choose from if you want to do this.
The staff are friendly and enthusiastic and, to be honest, I think the main problem with the place it is so welcoming it can be addictive! Over the last couple of years it has become my second home.
One more thing. If you go to the website wellingtonrealale.co.uk you will see a note for the beer board at the top of the screen. If you click on this you get a live feed to the beer board which includes pump number, brewery, beer name, price, strength and colour (A being light and E being dark). You can plan your pint before you go but remember that they have a very high turnover which ensures quality but does mean (apart from a handful of regular beers) that a beer on the board may only last 24 hours before it has gone.
I think I will pop down there now thinking about it!
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Nick S Phillips comments on 1st August 2010, "If you ask for a head on your pint the staff are more then pleased to do so.
He also questioned if the lines are kept clean?
The staff are seen cleaning the pipes regular.
To say that the beer taste the same, I have never had two beers that taste the same."
this is response to my earlier entry. Nick, the point is that the head goes very quickly, and surely it should automatically be served that way in any case, isn't that the way it should be served.
I have been to the welly many many times and have never seen the lines/pipes being cleaned, sorry, but that is my experience.
I would really love to like this place again, but I truly believe the standard and quality of beers has gone down over the years. So much so that I used to see some of the welly staff in the City Tavern, not a great advert!
I hope I'm proved wrong on my next visit
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Basically the best real ale pub I've been in- cannot understand the negative comments. OF COURSE it doesn't sell Guinness or Larger, that's kind of the point...
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Patrick66 comments on 22 July 2010.
I was pleased that he says he is "no expert"
If you ask for a head on your pint the staff are more then pleased to do so.
He also questioned if the lines are kept clean?
The staff are seen cleaning the pipes regular.
To say that the beer taste the same, I have never had two beers that taste the same.
Nick S Phillips
Birmingham.
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Pub full of pretentious tickers. Doesn't sell session lager or Guinness. Not a patch on the real ale pubs in Digbeth such as The Anchor, The White Swan and Lamp tavern.
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Re patrick 66 comment about "head". This is probably down to the use (or non-use in the Wellington's case) of a "sparkler". A sparkler is a nozzle with lots of little holes in it to create little air bubbles that make for a creamy head. It also diminishes the rawness of the taste. Pubs in the North tend to use Sparklers. I prefer my beer served "flat" and raw so I can get a strong hoppy taste rather than the blander creamy one.
I suspect The Wellington are very thorough in their pipe-cleaing duties!
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I have been drinking in the Wellington for few years and have never had a bad ale. The beer screen is useful and I couldn't care less about the interior. For me it's all about the ale.
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ThirstyAleMonkey.
There is some validity in your comments regarding "The Wellington". However there are at least four decent pubs in or very close to the Birmingham city centre that do not require you to "fight for" for your real ale. I'll name them if you insist, however I would hope you prefer to do your own investigations. Your personal criticisms of individual pubs are perfectly acceptable but to characterise a city using the same criteria is a misrepresentation that's both unhelpful and unbecoming.
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I used to really like this place, there are few places which can offer such a decent selection of ales in the town centre.
The problem, well for the couple of years I have noticed that within a minute or two the head on the beer goes completely and unless you have something fairly distinctive, then the beers all taste pretty similar. I'm no expert, but if Weatherspoons down the road can produce a decent pint with a decent head, then why can't the Welly?
I believe it is because the lines are not cleaned enough and the pub has become complacent in just expecting customers to turn up. I now only go as a last resort.
This could be so much better!
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FOA ThirstyAleMonkey,
I take exeption to your comments, as someone who uses the Wellington on a regular/irregular occasion, no matter how busy i've never waited more than about 5 mins to get served.
The "snazzie electronic board" is actually a computer sceen so that at anytime you can go to their website and veiw exactly what beers are on offer at that time, (it can be rather frustrating at times in that by the time you get there the beer's gone.)
As for sitting at the bar there is a strictly enforced policy that there is no seating in the middle of the bar, but i will agree that when it is busy the bar can be crowed with standing customers.
But once you've made up your mind from what can sometimes be a very intimidating range of ales you only have to attract a member of staffs attention.
Still if you don't like Gods own city (Birmingham) no-one will drag you here.
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Suffering from Over Popularity ????
If you enjoy a nice sit down and a quiet chat with your friends over a pint of fine Ale, then I would certainly recommend NOT going to this establishment anywhere near a Friday afternoon/evening.
Good selection of Ales and a snazzy electronic board is all good and well, but if you can't get within 2 metres of the bar due to the collection of patrons sitting at it, and then have to wait 30 mins to get served only to discover that during your delightful wait/fight to get served someone has stolen your seat, it tends to mar the experience slightly.
Maybe I was unlucky on my choice of days to visit, but I think the seating arrangements at the bar should be revised.
Love real Ale..... Hate having to fight to get to it.
But then again that is probably why I tend to avoid Birmingham.
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Great beer but a dire interior akin to a 1970's tea shop
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Went with several friends on a band trip to Birmingham. We got through all 17 draft beers on that evening (1 came off half way through the evening and was replaced with something else).
Beer colour grading system was generally useful we didn't always agree with them (one "black" was actually lighter in colour than one of the "browns").
We're from London so it was great to see the local beers clearly indicated. The "bring your own food" idea was a bit more unusual (being more used to curry houses which say "bring your own alcohol") but it clearly works well for those who want to make use of it.
Would definitely return if back in the middle of Birmingham during opening hours!
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Wonderful pub. The Black Country mild was delicious and the lady with the red tights is a perfect example of what a pub landlady should be. The beer range could be intimidating but just ask for a pint of something that most people have and you will not be disappointed. 10 out of 10.
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Still as good as ever with 15 ales on, had a cracking pint of aston mild which was 10/10 real good atmosphere at 8 on a saturday night with mixed clients in the pub
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Good pub with really superb bar staff. You never have to wait long to be served.
The only problem is that it's full of tickers (permanently single men aged between 40 and 70). There was a beer festival on tonight and the unwritten rule was that each ticker had to have 2 halves in front of them at all times( these were the beers they "needed"). So, apart from the social misfits, I would thoroughly recommend this pub.
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16 hand pumps when i was in,all different. What a choice. You can take in your own food and they will supply you with plates and cutlery. Get a take away currey and go in!! Keep it up.
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Welcoming pub with 15 real ales. A real gem.
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Best pub in Birmingham, 5 minutes from New Street Station if you leave by the back exit on Platform 2. 10 minutes if you leave by the front entrance. 15 real ale and you can take your own food in.
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Visited before the trip to Walsall FC on 20 March at 11am, and it was pretty full then. Good ale, tried the Purity Mad Goose I think and another later in the evening which was also good. Impressive range of beer and the morning pint was topped up without needing to ask. Given that my nearest decent real ale pub is about 8 miles away I'd love to have this on my doorstep, though there is something about the place which just doesn't work for me, it might be the ordering of the beer at the bar by number not name, but you can't fault this pub for the range or quality of ales. 8/10
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Enjoyable visit on 17th and managed to get to the bar OK. Had 3 new beers from the superb list from Moles, Morgans and Brew Co breweies. First class. Sad to have missed a green beer from Slaters called The Craic.
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Went here on a trip to Birmingham with Mrs Wolf on 9th March 2010. Had 16 different beers on, including a very nice Kinver Ales "Full Centurion" at 10%. Excellent pub, can't wait for my next visit.
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I always make apoint to take my visters too the Wellington. When they revisit they ask to return.
You are always sure of awarm welcome
Nickphillips
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What a fantastic pub this is. It's a must for real ale fans. Paid my first visit on 23rd January whilst visiting Birmingham and can't wait to return. Was impressed by the big TV screen advertising the range of ales, which made it much easier to select a pint given how busy it was. Prices were very reasonable as well.
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Great pub with fantastic selection of well-kept real ales on seventeen handpumps. Friendly, knowledgeable manager and staff who will willingly let you sample ales to help you decide from the vast choice. Extreme difficulty in dragging myself away from here and willingly missed my return train by more than two hours. Sorely tempted to stay longer for their beer festival with a further 24+ real ales racked up on tressles by the side of the bar but discretion had to prevail. Will definitely return asap and this will be my permanent outpost for future expeditions to Birmingham. Thank you so much Nigel and staff for making my trip to Birmingham so memorable. Definitely a pub not to be missed.
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Great place but I tend to avoid when there is a festival on cos its like playing sardines. awlays a great selction of beers and you always get decetn ales.
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I brought a view of my friends who came over from Ireland here last night (13/01/10) whilst on a bit of a pub crawl and it was so good we ended up scrapping the crawl and just staying here. The drinks were all fantastic and the staff were the most friendly and helpful I have ever known in a pub. Thank you to the delightful Berks (Hopefully not his real name) who reccommended us all the best beers to try and even joined us for a drink and a chat after he finished his shift.
Can't reccommend enough - a MUST visit!
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Visited again on 28/12/2009 and spent most of the evening here. Unchanged since last year. The service is great given that it was often 5 deep at the bar due to other local pubs closing early or not opening at all that day. Staff friendly despite how busy they clearly were, and the beer range was fantastic. Note the range always includes Wye Valley HPA and two or three from Black Country. Certainly the city's top alehouse and worth a visit whatever brings you to Birmingham.
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Becoming a victim of it's own success. Absolutley heaving on this early Saturday evening visit. After reaching the bar the service was excellent for such a busy place (a lot of places could learn how to cope with a busy bar from here) and I was served right away. There is a numbering system for beers and I went for No.3 which was the Purity UBU which was on top form. The main problem is that it is TOO popular. There was very little space, it was a little like being on an old fashioned football terrace. The pub, the beer and the service were all first class but it was just too crowded to feel comfortable.
anonymous - 13 Dec 2009 14:52 |
The cat is definately not a snack.
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Good atmosphere and terrific range of beers. Does not sell hot food which may be a disadvantage for some, but has a great range of snacks including Tastees. Not sure about the cat.
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I have to agree with previous reviewers Mr Monkfish and Rob372, this is a gem of a boozer and one to go into my select "I wish it was my local" category.
On my visit I took advantage of the bring-your-own-food policy and enjoyed my sandwiches while enjoying a great couple of beers. I was only sorry that I couldn't have stayed longer.
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A long over due first ever visit to the Weillington. A busy late saturday afternoon crowd, all loving their ale. Pick your beer from the list on the tv screens, theres 16 to choose from, order by number. Black Country beers seem to be the regulars (as per previous posts), Acorn, Burton Bridge were among the other breweries on offer.
Purely a proper drinkers establishment but I like the idea of being able to take your own food in and cutlery would be supplied by the pub. Friendly staff, quick service. The layout is a bit awkward but a fine place to visit.
One minus point, the pub cat was eating his dinner on one of the tables.
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Simply one of the best pubs for real ale that you will ever encounter. The environment is just a classic old-school local pub with no frills, but very comfortable. Ask the polite and proficient staff for any one of the ten or more ales by pump number from the beer menu displayed on screens in a couple of locations around the pub, or one of the real ciders, you will be served with a very good pint at a very reasonable price. No entertainment (save for a dart board), no food served, no gimmicks, but for a nice place to enjoy good beer and to have a nice chat with your mates, you really couldn't ask for a much better location.
The only problem for me is that I live in London and visit Birmingham infrequently, does anyone know of a similar pub to this in London? If there isn't one, somebody should definitely open one!
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Stopped in here rather than New Street Station whilst waiting for a train home. Glad I did, no music or telly, but 16 real ales to chose from, some local, some from further afield. The Black Country BFG and mild were excellent.
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Cracking place to stop off between Snow Hill and New Street. As well as the beers, there seemed to be about three quality ciders on too. Good, friendly match day atmosphere on Saturdays.
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Lovely beer, good food policy!
A bit crowded at lunchtimes, but a great pub.
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Top of the range real ale pub, with so many handpumps on I lost count at the time (although other reviews suggest 16). Totally spoilt for choice, I opted for Pig on the Wall, an excellent dark mild from the local Black Country Ales. Very busy, but still had a friendly atmosphere. Nothing very remarkable about the building itself, but a 'must visit' for beer lovers making a trip to Birmingham.
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WELLINGTON is our usual meet up place for pub crawls and last visit on the 29th August. We were playing cricket in the alley behind with a plastic bat and ball and got quite a few people involved, regulars and newbies alike. Just shows that over a large selction of ales and ciders just how much fun you can have and that the atmosphere in this pub is top class. Cheers to everyone who got involved
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Glad to see so many possitive reviews for the pub I like to call my local. I am travelling a lot these days, but always receive a warm welcome back when I visit after my travels to sample the excellent choice of ales in good condition served here by friendly staff.
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their beer festivals result in the pub smelling of rotting carpet the rest of the time. good selection of beer but whatever it is it tastes the same, there are better pints to be had, worth a look in but little more. go to the joint stock, a busy chain pub but better (i do wish they would turn the strio off though).
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Just got back to London after spending a week in Birmingham. Well, what can I say about The Wellington. !6 hand pump beers. Friendly staff and manager. I was made so welcome that every night I visited this great pub. All beers are well kept. The Wellingtn is a must, for the visitor to Brum.
I'll deffently be back there in the near future.
Keep up the good work in The Wellington.
Jef (London SW2)
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16 real ales, every one that I tried was in good condition, screens to list the beers and coded according to colour (A for light, E for dark). No food served, but if you take your own, cutlery, plates and condiments are provided. Lovely staff, very friendly and efficient service. A good mix of people in there. To be honest, I just don't know what more you could want from a pub. Handy for all 3 of Birminghams stations - and a great place to relax if you wish to avoid the Birmingham shopping 'experience'.
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For anyone dreading the prospect of whiling away time in the hellhole that is New Street station waiting for a connecting train, this pub is for you.
On the day of my visit there were 16 real ales to choose from, and all those I tried were beautifully kept. Woman serving behind the bar was rushed off her feet but remained frighteningly efficient.
Not only that, but you are positively invited to bring your own food. While there I witnessed some folk bring in a takeaway curry. Now I've been to Indian restaurants which allow you to bring in booze, but to be able to take your favourite curry to a great pub is my idea of heaven.
As for the criticisms levelled below, I do wonder what some of these people actually want in a pub. Let them go to some soulless corporate pine-and-steel "Pitcher and Piano" - or whatever they call themselves now.
The Wellington has plenty of comfortable seating and is ideal for all the other reasons I've outlined above. It makes changing trains in Brum something to look forward to - leave plenty of time for your connection!
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I have visited the this pub on numerous occasions and have never experienced any of the reservations stated in other posts. This a great place to meet, or just while a lazy afternoon. The range of available beers is brilliant and the quality can never be complained about.
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Despite reservations about the service, the general atmosphere of gloom and being allergic to cats, I cannot fault the quality or choice of ales.Anywhere in Birmingham city centre that can offer 15 ales including the nectar that is Wye Valley HPA can't be bad. Couldn't fault the beer - reservations about the pub itself have been well covered by previous reviewers.
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Whilst doing the Black Country Ring on a canal boat we researched a detailed list of pubs to visit. This was by far THE best pub that we found. A superb beer range and all the beers in excellent condition. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable bar staff. In fact we started and finished our evening there, only popping out to eat [we could have taken our own food into the pub it seems, and others were]. Hard to criticise - and why attempt to when the pub is really trying so hard? Deservedly one of Birmingham's top pubs for beer and pleasant unspoiled bar surroundings.
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I've been critical of this famous pub on 3 former visits (smelly, crowded, lacking atmosphere, average beer, no customer mix etc), but I found it greatly improved on visits early and late evening yesterday. Lively but not overcrowded, no obvious tickers, and most importantly really good quality Worthing "E" (�3.10) and Wye Valley HPA.
Still not a classic, but would go back soon.
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I hate to say it but this place is growing on me. Several recent visits have been very enjoyable. The fantastic ale range has been mentioned before, the ones we tried were Mad Goose (excellent), Erosion - 8 something % (gutt rotting but excellent all the same) and Titanic Iron Curtain which was my personal favourite, the chocolate and vanilla flavours mentioned on the badge really come through but arnt over powering or sickly making it stand out against other stouts I've tried. One of the group tried one of the foriegn largers on sale (I cant remember the country of origin) but it was one of the few largers I've tried which had some flavour to it. Ill be frequenting here alot more often.
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Visited on Easter Sunday lunchtime. There were 4 regular beers (Black Country Fireside, BFG & Pig on the Wall and Wye Valley HPA) plus 10 guests (Leeds New Moon, Brass Monkey Bitter, Everards Sunchaser, Pictish Agave Ale, Acorn Egg Cracker, Titanic Iron Curtain, Burton Bridge XL Bitter, Purity Pure Gold, Sadler's Sprung & Potbelly Best. In addition there was also a Saxon cider and 2 real perrys (Barbourne and 1 other I can't remember). With this range, this is an excellent stop-off point in Birmingham for anybody into real ales or ciders. It's also handy for both New Street and Snow Hill stations as well as city centre buses. I did notice the smell (funnily enough as I was coming out of the toilets back into the bar), but didn't find this too offputting. Will be visiting again!
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Went here early sat, could not notice the below mentioned smell. Enjoyed the HPA and the Mad Goose which was quality. Really cant fault this pub for quality ales and choice, my only problem is sometimes Im spoilt for choice, cant be bad!
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Great pub for the ticker with it's 12 changing guests plus the 4 standard beers. What can you say about this place that hasn't been said before? Not much is the answer. Needless to say the beer was great as usual I had a ABC Birmingham Standard, a Coastal Weird Beards No 1 (I think there were at least 4 weird beards in the pub) and a Wold Top Voluptuous Vicky. It's still a top pub with great service.
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You can�t argue with the quality or range of beers at the Welly, but I just can�t bring myself to spend any time in there since the smoking ban � it whiffs! Such a shame as I used thoroughly enjoy afternoons spent up there getting through as many top quality beers as possible. I wonder if there�s some kind of pipe smoke flavour air freshener you can buy...
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A Birmingham Institution and long may it remain so.
The choice of beers is hard to compete with anywhere, you get the odd one that's not quite right, but that's too be expected from a pub that keeps 15 beers on handpull. I've never been and not found a good one.
I have heard people say it's expensive, which is rubbish really. As far as I'm aware, they price by ABV, so some stronger beers top the �3 mark, some of the even stronger ones may top �4 but most of the session beers are priced as you'd find them in your corner local and lets remember this is a city centre pub, 5 mins from the main train station.
Sometimes its smells a bit, sometimes it's too busy, but well, it's a pub and a bloody good one!
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Best pub in Birmingham IMHO.
a must for all visitors
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What a cracking pub! One of my favourites, particularly as it serves obscure real ciders. Amazing choice of real ale and always busy (which says something in itself). Great idea to encourage people to bring their own food in and this definately adds to the friendly feel to the place. Highly recommended
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Another quality night over the weekend. This place is quickly becoming my favourite place in town.
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Love this place for beer and friendly banter, and yes I am lucky enough to be a short bus ride away. Congrats on the CAMRA award. Keep up the good work. Managed to see "WELLY" the cat on my last visit. Putting weight on!
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I visited the Wellington for the first time in almost a year last week and can honestly say how impressed I was with the place.
I hadn't read any of the reviews here prior to my visit and I'm glad I hadn't because in my eyes they are completely uncalled for. The range of beers on offer was as impressive as I remembered it to be and although I only popped in for a couple to see how the place had changed since my last visit, I ended up spending the best part of 5 hours sampling the wonderful beers available (much to the disappointment of the wife).
Purity Mad Goose easily topping my list- I would recommend this beautiful pint to anyone.
As for reviews of a bad spell I found no such evidence of this, although the toilet floor was a little wet, with what i very much doubt was water.
The only small complaint with my evening was with a certain barmaid who's main priority seemed to be spending as much time as possible on the end of the bar talking as load as possible and very little time actually serving the people waiting.
All in all a wonderful evening and I look forward to the next one. Keep up the good work!
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Popped in here on Saturday lunchtime and was impressed with the beer choice. I had drunk only one beer previously out of the fifteen available. The quality of the beers that we tried was first rate. I was surprised at the prices but living in the south-east I am used to paying far more in some pubs. I didn't notice any strange odour in the bar, even the gents smelt nice. If only I had a pub like this near me.
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I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Wellington last night between 2030 and 2200. It seems to have improved since I first visited, and there was a buzzing atmosphere within. Although it was doing a fairly heavy trade I did not need to wait too long to find an available seat, at which in friendly company of fellow lone visitors I supped three very enjoyable half-pint glasses of the following:
Purity PURE GOLD (3.8%)
Absolutely delicious. Very dry and sharply bitter in taste, both attributes lingering throughout.
Boggart BLACK CHRISTMAS (3.9%)
By no means flavourless, but more of a mild than a porter, and my tastebuds were likely still jaded from the first beer. An enjoyable, quenching dark ale nevertheless.
Purity MAD GOOSE (4.2%)
Utterly exquisite. Hoppy and very bitter, yet maintaining a delicate roundedness to give a trifocal flavour experience. A good zingy mouthfeel too. But for the plan to visit other pubs in the area I would have stood myself another pint!
Visitors to the Wellington will need to acquaint themselves with the numbering system when ordering beers. In an innovative way, beers are listed by pump number (1-15) on large tv screens which also give an A-E grading on how light or dark respectively the beer is, alongside its price and strength. Thus you need only quote the pump number when ordering. As the beers often change (and the screens update accordingly) this system appeared to work well last night.
It would be a good pub to spend longer in next time. Worthy of an 8/10 rating based upon my experiences.
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Called in here yesterday and hadn't read any of the comments below. Prices seemed fair for a city centre boozer, beer quality was excellent, and the ladies in out group commented on how nice the "facilities" were.
Definately be back.
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The welly smelt rank about 2 years ago and I said it to the "wonderful" Nige and got told abruptly where to go. The bar flies by the wash up drainer were like a plague of locusts. Never had a bad pint though,but its convenience for a quickie when changing trains at New Street is all that appeals to me. If I'm in Brum its the Anchor or the Lamp for me.
COULD DO BETTER-Not difficult words,please and thank you.
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I hate to say it Nige, the Wellie does now smell rather rank.
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All I can say is dont listen to the hype.
We were told it was the best pub in the region. Forget that idea...
The beer choice is fantastic, but choice isnt everything. You have to have the quality too, and quite frankly the quality was crap.. No other word for it.
When I ordered my first drink I didnt expect to take out a mortgage. Overpriced is not the word. Its scandalous.
The pub is highly over rated and not somewhere I will be rushing back to.
Far better pubs around.
Rate it 4/10
Oh and the other two posters are correct. Is does smell like a toilet.
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No coffee, no children, disinterested staff and a smell of urine - what more could you ask for ? Pop down the M5 to the Bell at Pensax and find out !
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Firstly the facts. This is an award winning ale pub which is hugely popular and is busy most of the time. As said before it has many ale pumps with a screen to the right of the bar listing each ale and information such as colour, strength and price. The pub is quite small as too is the bar; they also have a cat which roams the pub at its pleasure.
Now my personal opinion of the place. Well the use of sparklers is polarised in the ale world and from what I can tell the Wellington don�t seem to use them, now use that information how you will but I personally prefer the use of sparklers so on that front I don�t rate the beer to be too great. Now that does not mean I haven�t enjoyed a pint in here, on the contra I�ve enjoyed many but I do like my beer to be poured with a sparkler. Ok that takes care of the controversial stuff.
Now on occasions when I�ve visited I too have noticed a funny smell to this place it often having a urine hint to it. My first thought was the cat has had an accident (I�m still unsure where the cat does its business) then I thought maybe the toilets but on my visit to them noticed they were in good working order so the source of the smell will remain a mystery. Considering the focus of the place the staff seem very uninterested and uneducated in the beer their selling. I�ve noticed a lot of customers asking about the beer and often being told to look at the screen or being answered with a shrug of the shoulders with some annoyance.
Yet I still enjoy visiting The Wellington because it has some excellent features including NO COFFEE and NO CHILDREN!!!
What more could you ask for?
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Probably the largest range of real ales in any pub in Birmingham central area. I use this bar about once a week and always enjoy my visit - though it can be VERY busy lunchtimes and early evenings, with local office staff, and thus standing room only. Fifteen hand pulls serving wide range of ever changing guest ales, with four regulars - Wye Valley HPA, Black Country Ales Pig on the Wall and Fireside Bitter. Two German lagers (Ventins and Bitburger, and also the excellent Maisels Hefe Weiss) though costly. Good selection of bottled beers from Belgium and Germany too.
Always happy to try a new guest ale, though it can be pop luck as whether its sometime I like or not, but never had a "bad" beer. It is getting a bit pricey with most beers being �2.70 or more a pint. (Oct 2008)
Drawbacks...its not really a pub atmosphere, being more like an office space with seating, though rear entrance has standing room for smokers! To many customers insist of sitting on bar stools at the bar, making getting being served tricky at times (wish the boss would have a space reserved for those wanting to be served!) Service is usually good, though can be a bit sullen at times!!
You can take your own food, with plates and cutlery provided.
Plenty of publicity about local beer Festivals and Camra Newsletters etc.
Monthly Pub Quiz night is popular on Sunday nights if you into that sort of thing.
My favourite city centre pub, though does not have the cosy atmosphere of a pub pub !
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Really enjoyed my visit. Pub was quiet (Sunday afternoon), great selection of ales which are ordered by the number, displayed on a plasma TV. Bar staff were very friendly and even gave us a number of the local CAMRA magazines hot off the press. Also they permit you to bring in your own food and will give cutlery etc out.
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The cat is called Wellie!
When I visited she was feasting on Peperami curtosy of one of the customers, who she swiped when he wasn't paying her enough attention!
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good choice of ales but getting expesive for the ales
as no windows that open can get a bit smelly in there and why have bar stools hogging the serveing area on busy weekend nights?
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I really enjoyed the ales that The Wellington and was especially suprised to see a cat in there too!!
However when me and some of my other female friends came for a quick try of the drinks here, the manager gave us a discouraging look and muttered something to another member of staff which was not nice at all!!
Not too sure whether to return?!
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Slightly bewildered by people complaining the beer is flat - real ale is supposed to be! Even better, the head doesn't take up a quarter of the glass here. The Wellington offers probably the widest selection of ales in Brum, graded from A to E on the list according to how light/dark they are, so you're likely to get the sort of beer you like. What more can you ask for?
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I was up from London for a few days and fell upon this pub early one evening. What a cracking boozer! Fantastic choice of real ales from local breweries in a comfortable environment. I think I counted 15 real ales on tap! People very friendly - although I have to agree with one of the reviewers'comments about it getting a bit messy. This was the case when I went there on 2 occasions - it's a shame they can't employ someone to clear glasses, newspapers, etc from the tables and floor. You can also take your own food into the pub and the bar staff will give you cutlery to eat with. 9 out of 10! could be 10 out of 10 if pub was kept tidy, however, will definately return next time I'm in the West Mids. I wonder if anyone's managed to drink the whole range of 15 beers available in one session?
as025 - 23 Aug 2008 22:04 |
15 ales! Rated A to E. Splendid! You can order without fear of ordering the wrong type of beer!
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The three of us went for the first time on Friday August 8. The evening's music was acceptable to good and provided by a two piece combo squeezed into a corner. It didn't detract from the place and covered The Zutons, Amy W, to old classics.
The place was pretty rammed but there were still some chairs availible. We also got chatting to others for some of the time - two of us even got snogged!
The worst aspect was the lack of carpet cleaning - the pub didn't smell good, and in fact it was the most unpleasant smelling pub I have been in for some time.
The beers - in great condition and some really characterful ones availible.
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The Wellington arguably serves the best real ale in Birmingham, with perhaps only The Anchor in Digbeth rivalling it. The quality is so good, so consistent, the landlord (Nigel) is so well respected in the area, that really reviewers who post here doubting the quality are simply reviewing their own lack of taste! Whatever you think of the building or its service, it almost defines what real ale quality should be.
The fact that Nigel achieves this with 15 real ales, whilst many boozers struggle to keep 5 of them fresh, really says it all. The beer comes and goes fresh, peak condition, and no-one sets higher standards than Nigel. The beer list, displayed on large plasma screens, is actually a page from their website which they edit as they change barrels, so google this place and you can drool over the live display of what�s on right now. To the critic of the preferred �order by number� system, this is just a reflection of such a busy, sometimes noisy (with talk not music) place where beers change so fast.
Criticisms? Well, the pub itself only gets daylight into the front few tables, so yes it can be a bit dark. It�s a victim of its own success in terms of busyness, I would advise first timers to avoid evenings in the later week and weekend, as it gets so crowded with office workers etc that you may struggle to sit (or get to the bar!). And yes, it may not be the friendly service of a quiet little backstreet boozer, but the Welly ain�t quiet or on a back street. It would probably take some effort to become known here, so no, this is not a place to cry into your beer and talk to the barmaid about your broken marriage. It�s a place for superb real ale. The tendency to change beers endlessly, with only a few remaining constant, is more to the liking of �beer tickers� than me, but when the next lot are so damn good, who can complain?
But as a place to sink into after an afternoon�s shopping, or on your way home from work, you will truly not want to leave. The Welly doesn�t serve food, but provides crockery and condiments and encourages you to bring your own food. How many places do that? So whether it�s a takeaway from the Thai Garden restaurant opposite, or just some scoff from a city centre supermarket, you can save yourself a mint on pub meals whilst downing some of the finest beer you'll ever taste.
Well done Nigel, even if you probably don�t remember me!
Roy22 - 20 Jul 2008 15:57 |
Another great visit to this first class pub in the centre of Birmingham, and enjoyed beers from Derby, Worfield, Morton, Acorn and Tower. Good beer in perfect condition, and friendly staff make this a must when in Brum.
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Made my first visit yesterday. Lovely pub, tried three of the 15 beers on all were in top notch condition. The guy behind the bar was chatty and informative. Another great pub for Brum!
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Wow! Have to admit I was saving this until last on a visit to Birmingham recently but quite frankly I could have stayed all day here. 15 hand-pulls in a city centre pub. You don't see that often. And well kept too at a relatively decent price. Especially compared to the Fuller's place next door at �3 a pint compared to around �2.50 in here.
Was a little cramped when I went in due to a party of some kind. Loads of chairs but everyone was standing and in the way. Lot of quality beers on when I was there from Tower, Derby, Coastal and Woodlands (my favourite brewery too at the moment). And letting you eat your own food also is quite genious really. Why other pubs (that don't do food) don't allow it I don't know.
Customers/locals friendly. Lot of CAMRA members wanting to engage in conversation. Well worth a visit.
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Ah, The Wellington� I have a confession to make� I really dislike this place. I just don�t get it. Nice stone exterior � good. Basic d�cor internally with ample seating � average. Fifteen handpumps and beers available clearly displayed on a flatscreen above the bar area � genius. Condition - perfect... So why do I feel nothing but gloomy when I enter this public house? I think it�s a combination of the fact that unless you are a proper bona fide regular you will be served in the most cold icy manner possible, coupled with ordering your beer by number (conveyor belt imbibing, anyone?) and the overall unfriendliness that hangs in the air. Even the bloody cat was aloof and ignored me! We stood uncomfortably for almost an hour watching the suits pile in for their first pints of the weekend as we supped our halves and made our scratchy notes. I avoided the Fullers London Pride(!!) and needless to say opted for beers by Derby Brewing Co. and Tower instead.Unfriendly to say the least...
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A truly superb pub, every day they will serve you something totally different, whatever your taste in ale (or if you haven't found yours yet) then this is THE place
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Totally Amazing, No wonder the bar staff down the road reccommended the place! a well deserved 9/10, only sad thing is i make it rating number 99,not the elusive 100 haha, neway great pub, visit, NOW!!!
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Another enjoyable early evening spent with friends round a table with an excellent selection of ales to choose from. All in brilliant condition and promptly served. Also enjoy the anticipation of waiting to see what is to come on by watching the beer list on the screen when one of the beers is finished.
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Made my much-delayed debut here yesterday....
It doesn't matter that the seating areas are squeezed into near-alcoves meaning too many people are left standing by the bar, making geting served overly difficult.
It doesn't matter the barspeople (at least on my visit) seemed to lock all patrons with an icy and unwelcoming glare.
It doesn't matter the whole place looks like it's on the verge of crumbling in on itself(especially the tables)
Why do these things not matter? Because this place is solely, utterly and entirely About The Ale It Serves.What a rarity that is in today's Day-glo Two For One/chemical poison world.
Unlike many comments here, I found the ale to be lovingly kept and delivered too. Especially given its city centre location, what an absolute treat
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Great selection of beers, never had a bad one...
Nice and sociable in the evenings (but can be edging on dull during the day). OJS or Welly? No contest.
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I wouldn't say the welly takes itself seriously, it's all 11 types of ace! I've always had a right laugh in here,alright, one barman is a bit moosy, but Nige and Dave are ace blokes, as is the lady (sorry, i don't recall your name) Welly the cat is moody, but he pulls it off with style. Top banana! Best city centre pub by faaaaaaaar!
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Beer can be a bit flat and it takes itself tooooo seriously,manager a bit miserable.
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Just discovered this pub in the middle of town. What a rare gem. Plenty of interesting beers served well without lots of gas and at a sensible temperature. One assumes there is a good turnover of beer - the place was busy at four in the afternoon. Not the most charismatic interior but nice to have a beer without condiments and bits of cold chip on the table. I'll still visit The Joint Stock but this is a beer drinkers heaven.
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Offers the best selection of real ale for many a mile although most are micro's which you may not have seen before. This can be a problem for those who like certain "brand" beers and does tend to make the pub more of a real ale fanatics outlet but non the worse for that. love the fact that they do not do food but let you eat your own and provide plates/cutlery etc.
Bit like marmite really you'll either love it or hate it, personally it'll do nicely.
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I had a lovely Tuesday session in the Wellington, and found 5 new beers, including an Isle of Purbeck and Ufford that I have not seen very often. Great to see beers from newer breweries on offer.There was a lovely atmosphere due to the friendly staff and customers
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Decent, well-stocked and popular pub, but a definite real-ale mecca. This can be good or bad, depending on your interest in beer. As I am on the fringes (I like a good beer, but am not a fanatic), I found it pleasant, but slightly too earnest.
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Not a bad pub. A huge range of ales that are from small micro breweries, many of which I haven't seen before.
I didn't think they served a really bad pint but its one of these pubs that don't have sparkle's on the hand pumps which is probably why the beer can be a little flat.
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THIS PUB IS A FRAUD!!! the beer is never any good and they never serve any beer that actually gets you pissed! This place is for incontinent grey haired fools whole like the odd half pint of weak tea.
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Went with my Wife on the Friday before Xmas. There were 15 beers but only one that I was familiar with. With no tasting notes it was a lottery so I tried two halves at random. They were both served very flat and were nondescript in nature. Not to be daunted I tried another two but these were much the same. In the end we went out the back to The Joint Stock and had a good pint of London Pride for less money! Nuff Said!
However worth visiting for the novelty value of ordering beer by pump number.
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Called in on a busy Tuesday evening before Christmas and had 5 excellent beers. Enjoyed the banter with customers and staff. Much nicer without the smoke when it is so packed. Difficult to see the bar at times with so many drinkers sitting and standing in front of it with their drinks, but when it is so busy there is nowhere to disperse to after service.
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Terrible. really really terrible. Massive selection of ales, all served flat to people who think they know what they are talking about. There is a good reason why other pubs dont have a selection of 20+ ales. Because it is impossible to keep them all in good condition, this pub is the proof.A few decent boozers around this area. This is not one of them.
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Stopped in last Friday. Had a reasonable pint of Holdens Golden Glow. Packed full and rather smelly. Lacking in character in my opinion.
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Excellent idea for a pub to have so many brews on.I liked the hi-tech display of what was available.
Can't believe I hadn't found this establishment before. Sadly I only had time for a pint between trains but I fully intend to return when I can.
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After a couple of months not visiting the wellington, I decided to make it first stop on a pub crawl...
Well worth it as usual. I had a pint of ALElujah. Which was quality, in fact probably enjoyed it better than any other real ale ive tried. IMO
Will need to make sure viists arent restricted to once every months or so. Maybe just every time im in town :-)
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This pub seriously would take some beating!! Beer range is superb as is the quality.Everyone over 20 but no dirty mac brigade either.Can be hard to find for first timers but well worth a visit.The barmaid had 3 heads by the time I left.
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I recently visited the Wellington for the first time. It was a grey, miserable afternoon, and although the pub wasn't empty, it was certainly quite quiet. I was incredibly impressed with the range of beers on the bar, and certainly the one I tried was very good. I also tried a half of a very good real perry. There must be very few places that can match 15 hand pulled beers and then 3 extra pumps set aside for ciders and perries.
Having read that it was in the good beer guide, the drinks were everything I anticipated, amazing choice, and well looked after.
However, I was a touch disapointed by the slight lack of atmosphere I felt. Even when a few of the tables filled up, it was still subdued, and there was no background music, to lift the mood slightly. (I know piped music is contencious, but when done properly, it really does work).
Also, in terms of the decor / interior of the Wellington. Everything was clean and neat and fresh as one would hope, but alas I was left feeling, that for an obviously popular real ale mecca, it really lacked a bit of character.
I would certainly return... so please don't let my seemingly harsh words put you off.. its still a good pub.
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Would have given it 10 were it not for the tools, drills and smell of paint as the workmen had over-run.
Excellent choice of over 12 beers. Good surroundings (usually).
Probably the best pub in the world. Well almost
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lots of interesting beers to try. leave the car at home & enjoy. at lunchtime the office folk come in with their lunch in a carrier bag. the pub doesnt do food, they just supply plates cutlery salt pepper & sauces to go with your takeaway or whatever.
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The cat is called Welly. It has featured on pump clips and I believe is a star on photos in both ladies and gents loos. Was in a playful mood when we called in on Saturday. Beer was good too.
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Superb. 12 beers on. Tried 6 of them. All of them great, especially the Pig on the Wall mild.
The cat was about too... anyone know its name?
10/10 - outstanding!
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Another good night in the Wellington, and although there were only 2 new beers for me, I still enjoyed some old favourites. Agree it is hard to stay for only a couple as the range on offer is so good.
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A unique real ale drinkers Paradise (fools tolerated)
I make a 90 mile round trip to the Wellington most weekends, and have to say that I have never felt the lack of a pint of Stella to be a bar to my enjoyment. The Welly offers 15 real ales, most of which rotate on an almost twice daily basis, 3 real ciders, and a tremendous selection of bottled products. Three specialist lagers and a Weissbeer are also available for the discerning keg drinker. I have never tasted a bad pint in the Wellington, despite having quaffed many. The staff and customers are superb, and the atmosphere is second to none. However there is a downside. It is impossible to visit the Welly for just one pint!
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Top notch real ale pub is always busy and just 5 minutes walk from New St/ Snow Hill stations. Has 15 ales 4 of which are regulars from Black Country and Wye Valley.
No music or gaming machines. The only big screen is the one listing the 15 ales which you order by pump number. Food is not served but you are welcome to take your own and they provide the plates and cutlery. Be sure to visit if your in Brum.
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Great pub with an exellent range of ales from breweries all over the country, a range of ciders also available and no crap lagers like carling or stella.
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Typical Fools Paradise
How many times do I keep coming into this 'real ale' heaven, and discover I'm in 'bad booze' hell? If your on Bennetts Hill do the right thing and get into the Spoons Pub and even Bennetts Bar. They may not have 100 handpulls, but at least you can get a Stella. The Wellington promises so much and fails to deliver, time after time. It is in a state of perpetual flat beer.
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Well worth a visit. Friendly city centre boozer. 15 ales, and 3 ciders.
Slake - 10 Sep 2007 19:43 |
Good to see the Wellington up in the top 40 BITE pubs for more than 1 day. 26th at time of writin. Cant say I have been in every pub or even any of the other top 40 but going by comments and my own experiences of the Wellington this pub should be topping the charts.
anonymous - 20 Jul 2007 12:12 |
Called in here after doing a trail of 10 Black Country pubs, and still found room for the beers on offer. It was the last day of June and there was supposed to be a smokathon going on, but it was not unpleasant. Tempted into having the 9% Kinver Nine Lives with the welly cat's picture on it. Lovely friendly atmosphere for a city centre pub at 10.00pm. Looking forward to the clean air from tomorrow though!
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All the vices and virtues of this pub have already been well presented. I offer some alternative points which it is hoped will either further enhance or diminish your enjoyment of this legendary legless house. CHEESE NIGHTS: a bizarre but succulent event, usually monthly, which you can only gain access to by bringing in your own exotic stinkies. QUIZ NIGHTS: best enjoyed when the quizmeister is well into his cups and has left his teeth in the pie crust. THE WELLYCAT: leave her alone, she hates the sight of you all. GUYS SEATED AT THE BAR: they will move aside for you to get served, but no more than six inches in either direction. Don't grumble, it's genuinely the best they can do. MAN WITH THE SCARVE & CIGAR: who is he looking for? what does he want? MAN WITH THE FOPPISH HAIRCUT, BEARD & RAINCOAT: what is he talking about? THE LOO'S: if needed on busy nights and you're seated by the dart board it may prove prudent to use the toilets in The Joint Stock. POETRY NIGHT: there may not be another one so have no fear (sorry Mr. P I have my tongue firmly cheeks here.)LADIES: mostly soft featured persons without beards. I hope this helps.
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Fantastic pub 5 minute walk from New st/snow Hill stations I visit several times a week it has 15 ales 4 of which are regulars. Also has regular beer festivals. It doesn't sell food but you are more than welcome to bring your own and they will provide the cutlery and plates. If drinking in brum make sure this pub is top of your list.
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Watch out for the poet in residence,
Ticey - 13 May 2007 17:19 |
Had another good session in the Wellington this week drinking first class beers in a friendly atmosphere. The dart board seemed popular too. We had the added bonus of a visit from the Welly-cat. Purrrrfect.
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On Sat was having a all day session and could not help but visit The Wellington twice. Never had an ale on these visits but more than satisfied on previous visits. Drank Pure Czech lager.... top class, I like my lager and Pure Czech was awesome. And yes Mattyboy the pubcat is pure novelty!!!
If you live in Brum and like your beer then there is no excuse not to like this pub. Its a proper pub with proper drinks.
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Nice pub, excellent beer choice, more than pleasant staff.9/10.
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Brilliant pub for beer (which is what you go to pubs for really is it not?) The non smoking section is laughable but we've only got a few months to worry about that. The way you can take your own food is a stroke of genius, as is having a pub cat in a city centre pub. The beers are always well kept and the selection is outstanding. Nigel is a true gent and this pub deserves all the praise it gets. If you go remember to take some extra food for the cat.
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I really enjoy visiting the wellington. The beer quality is always excellent. Whenever I visit and Nigel the landlord is working he always has time for a chat about the beers and his knowledge is excellent. However I visited last Wednesday lunch time and Nigel was not working. Instead of the usual polite service I was served by a short young lad who not only couldn't answer my query about a certain beer on sale but didn't even seem slightly interested in helping me. Instead the newspaper on the side of the bar got his attention.
If all the staff were like Nigel then this would be the best pub in the land. Sadly they're not!
anonymous - 14 Mar 2007 09:25 |
Can't fault a place like this. A real ale dreamland!
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Spot on! Went with a both an ale-drinker and a non ale-drinker. Enough choice for all. Perfect!
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very pleasantly suprised and spoilt for choice ! not only about a dozen beers no hand pump - about 20 more on gravity !!!! shame i dont live closer !
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Handy city centre boozer with an impressive selection of well kept ales from all over the country. Ale lineup is always changing so can't recommend any pints in particular but most are worth a punt. Couple of ciders from the south west which were on top form too. Only try the perry if you want to spend the next day feeling utterly sorry for yourself.
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It is refreshing to find a pub with such a massive commitment to high quality ale in a high profile location as Birmingham City Centre. I have had good beer experiences on two visits, and there is scope for plenty more. Non-smoking area is welcome, although not particularly segregated.
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Had a great Saturday afternoon in this pub. A friendly atmosphere, not too smokey and prices reasonable for a city pub. Even though busy the staff had time to talk about the ales. I tried seven different ales, all of which were in top condition. It was like being at a beer festival. Hopefully my travels will take me back there at a future date.
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Pub, or youth club, you decide. The new influx of bar staff seem to have the collective beer knowledge of an aemoeba.
anonymous - 21 Nov 2006 15:34 |
Had 9 great beers in a brilliantly friendly atmosphere with good banter with the staff and customers alike. Was not in a smog and found prices comparible with other town centre pubs.
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Had the Pig in the Wall last week and thought it average - pub seemed quieter than before, though no sign of the famous smog ! Worth a visit still.
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Visited mid-afternoon when it was fairly quiet. Every beer sampled was up to scratch. Old Chocolate Ale @ �3.10 particularly pleasant, well worth the price for this strong beer. Has sometimes been smoky in here in the past but then I was visiting at a busier time. All in all an excellent pub.
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Try �2:80 for a 5% beer. A beer that I have seen elsewhere at �2:20.
anonymous - 26 Jul 2006 19:41 |
The previous contributor has presumably not experienced London beer prices. If my memory serves me correctly, on the date of my visit approx a fortnight ago all beers were between � 2.20 and � 2.40 which this drinker does not regard as expensive !
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Too many repeats, too many boring breweries and beers and too expensive!!
anonymous - 26 Jul 2006 16:21 |
I like this pub but just a word of caution.
On a recent visit (June 24th) the guest MILD was up to the usual excellent standard. However a return visit that afternoon for the regular �Pig on The Wall� MILD resulted in a beer well past its best and with a taste of vinegar.
Perhaps this is inevitable with the focus being on so many �guests� and the risk that the local drink sells more slowly.
Quantity of selection should not compromise quality.
Anyone trying the �Pig� for the first time on that day may have been be put off trying it again, which is unfortunate as this excellent brand of MILD is in my humble opinion one of the best.
The consistently best-kept �Pig on the Wall� remains to be had, in my opinion, at the Rose & Crown, Birchills, Walsall.
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Real Ale Anorak's heavenly pub - not that I fall into this category of course. I paid my first ever visit to this pub on Tuesday evening, while staying at the nearby Copthorne on Paradise Circus on business.
There were about 12 or 13 real ales on from a total bank of 15 handpumps. All were micros or relatively unknown breweries to average people ( eg Archers, Hoskins, Hambleden ) , There was not one beer that I would call a "mainstream" real ale. Computer screens placed at strategic parts of the pub tell you what is being served from each pump and you order by pump number - eg 3 pints of number 6 and 2 of number 7 - so it's a bit like a Chinese restaurant. I was particularly impressed with the Tom Kelly's Stout - very moreish.
To say it was a Tuesday evening and very sunny outside, the pub was surprisingly packed, with a friendly diverse crowd of people enjoying the wide beer range. Pleasing to see a good number of younger drinkers - not just the "beards".
In conclusion, highly recommended - next time I'm in Brum, I'll make a bee line for this place again.
Cheers, Nigel, thanks for making a passing stranger from down South feel so welcome !
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Is it me or has the range of breweries here diminished over the last few months? It seems as though everytime I go in I have a range of Full mash or Derby beers to choose from. Where have the obscure micro breweries gone to?
anonymous - 10 Jul 2006 14:15 |
Next beer festival will be held here on the 22nd of June. Trade seems to have dipped during the Summer months. The Festival will be having only 24 beers on instead of the usual 30 due to loss of trade.
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The regular MILD is the very well kept "Pig on the Wall" and this is one of few pubs that will regularly have an additional guest MILD. Recommended.
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I think that you will find that Full Mash Half Pint is brewed in Stapleford in Nottingham
anonymous - 11 May 2006 13:50 |
First time I visited the Wellington there was a beer festival on with an unbelievable 4 or 5 MILDS. Lucky to find that many MILDS in one town never mind one pub. Got talking to a few like minded folk.
My next visit was on Carl Chinns pub crawl. Had the regular "PIG on the WALL" MILD a really well kept pint nice and smooth, tasted better than in the Old Bulls Head where its brewed. This was followed by a pint of "Half Pint" from Leicester. I was then shown the back door and led into the back door of the Old Joint Stock, no MILD but the PORTER is amazing.
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Went in today for the first time in a couple of weeks. The price of all the guest ales has increased by 20-30 pence per pint. You are now looking at �2:70-80 for a 4.6%-4.8% beer. Standard cooking beers at �2:50-60. Kerching !!!!!!!!
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mixed feelings about this place. Went in on a weeknight on a whim after hearing good things. Wasn't rammed but there was nary a seat to be had. Didn't notice any particular smoke problem. As far as beer goes I must have gone in on a bad day. Selection wasnt' bad I suppose, maybe 6 or 7 but for a pub that prides itself on its variety this isnt special. Quality was middling. Had a pint of one of the black country ales that seem to be regular. Went down ok but the atmosphere, quality, nor selection tempted me to have another. If you're in town this is probably your best bet, but for me, can't compare to some of the halesowen pubs for quality (hawne) or variety (waggon)
p.s. will post again if i make another trip and change my mind completely
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The Wellington seems to be back on track beer wise.
After a period of fewer rare and interesting beers the ordering seems to be back to normal with plenty of new and interesting beers showing up again.
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Moved onto here after the Coventry beer festival. No problems regarding the range or quality and i found 6 beers new to me. Like the plasma display but you need to get your beer notes jotted down a.s.a.p because if the beer does go the screen is updated very quickly. Will "Currently Being Changed" become the new "Sorry Not Available" ?
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The Wellington seems to be going down hill in terms of quantity and rateability of new beers since the New Year. Until recently it was possible to score 6-8 beers almost every day. Now you are lucky to get 3-4. Lots of repeats are appearing (Wye Valley HPA seems to be a regular beer). The Beers tickers are getting restless and spending much less time (and money) in the place. Nigel and Dave need to sort out the ordering of repeat beers.
anonymous - 15 Mar 2006 14:25 |
I'm baffled by some of the comments i've read about this pub. No atmosphere? i can only assume the correspondent didn't talk to anybody. In the space of one very pleasant evening i talked to the secreatary of the local pipe smokers association, a poet, a gardener, a man with a 5 figure tick list of different beers and a Muslim. As for prices, they don't seem out of the norm for the city centre (indeed it's �1.50 a pint for Black Country Berrs before 1 o'clock) - and if it wasn't an average price, a slightly higher price to subsidise the revenue that is lost by not having fruit machines or a juke box would be a price worth paying. Most importantly the choice of beer is excellent (having happily paid �4.70 for a 12% wonder) and is always in tip top form. If you're in Birmingham and don't visit this pub, you are missing a gem.
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After reading some of the reviews for the Wellington, I wasnt expecting much. I went in yesterday and was completely shocked!
This is one on the best pubs for real ale I've been in. It just goes to show that you shouldn't believe everything you read on beerintheevening.com.
On friday when I visited they had a unbelievable selection of 15 different real ales for across the country, and during by 2 hour stay there atleast 6 were changed. Each beer I tried was top quality and I don't think paying �2.30 a pint is a "complete rip", especially in the city centre.
After reading "anonymous'" review posted on 11 Jan 2006, stating they were charging up to �4.70 a pint I was prepared to spend a lot of money.
I did however question the barman to see if this was true and he told me the full story. Yes they sold an ale for �4.70 a pint, what "anonymous" failed to mention is that the ale was Eastwood's ISA at an incredible 12% ABV, which they apparently paid a small fortune for the beer and as a result have to charge more to make a profit on it. I agree �4.70 for a beer is a lot of money, but it's these rare and unusual beers which make this pub fantastic.
I for one would prefer to see 15 different real ale pumps with one rare and so be it expensive beer on a bar than the typical fight clubs that now taint our towns and citys pumping out Carling, and for the exotic lager drinker "EXTRA COLD CARLING"!
I would recommend this pub to everyone who enjoys real ale and cider. It's a wonderful place to enjoy an excellent pint.
Well done the Wellington- Keep up the good work.
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Excellent Pub, Good selection of Trad Ale and Ciders. I like the plain quite atmosphere during the day, though some nights it can become very busy. The layout needs to be changed to accommodate more seating and can become smokey. All-though despite these few small critism's it is in overview; a hidden Jewel in the centre of the city, and should remain the hidden watering hole for real ale and cider lovers.
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Back here again and beer range just as good and i've no problem with the prices. Early friday so you could breathe as well. What amused me was the local NHS had supplied the coasters and all about their 'Stop Smoking' service. If this ban does come in they'll have to replace all the staff as you'd never get served because they'd all be out the back puffing away.
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Not a nice pub, in the center, a pint of beer here is a rip off.
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the wellington has become a complete rip off selling beer for as much as �4.70 a pint and you cant really call it a pub as theres no atmosphere in the place the only thing you might get from a visit is lung cancer as its that smokey and if you are a lager drinker you may get abuse off the barman for ordering it although they are still happy to take your �2.70 for a pint of it!!your much better off drinking in the anchor in digbeth or the joint stock until they get really with there price policy shame on you nigel!!!
anonymous - 11 Jan 2006 23:53 |
I'd heard so much about this pub and was disappointed. OK, I knew it would be full of beer spotters wearing too small t-shirts with "funny" jokes on the back, but the pub was soul-less and expensive. The beer glasses were warm, and as commented elsewhere, there was no atmosphere.
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Nice pub when you find it! Huge selection of ales, so you could spend ages in there just trying to choose a drink! What customers there were appeared to be locals just there to try out all the different ales, and so could have been there all day!
Good if you fancied to try out some ales, but not so good if you want atmosphere to go with it..
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Have been in here on the last two fridays and on both occasions i've been 'smoked out'. Beer great (2196 real ales when i left) but sort out the ventilation guys.
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Just like being at a beer festival - amazing choice of excellent beer BUT no real pub atmosphere, perhaps because the customers range appears very narrow. You probably have to visit once, but you're better off in Digbeth for pubs.
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Having not been to the 'Welly' for 5 years I was really looking forward to going back to a place for which I have very fond memories. I last visited when it was called Kempsons, and attracted the sort of people that I loathe.
The fact that it was called the Wellington again promised much.
Sadly I was disappointed.
OK..... the pub has sold an extraordinary amount of beers this year, and credit to the management for that.
But a pub needs far more than that. After all the money that has been spent , the pub is still the most smokey in Birmingham.
Despite the smoke the pub was always a fun place. Now it is most definitely not.
Functional....yes. Fun ......no.
Oh for the good old days of the sticky carpet and a bunch of real characters..........back to the Joint Stock then!
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Definately the best pub in Brum, and probably the best pub I've ever been to. Great beers, huge selection. Friendly staff and good mix of clientele.
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This place is really hidden away! But when you eventually find it you are rewarding with a really bewildering selection of real ales. A CAMRA-anorak's dream, and indeed many such types may be found in here, not necessarily a bad thing. Certainly worth a visit, if only to sample some wierd ale. Other than the admirable selection of ales, I felt the atmosphere was a little cold. Maybe that was just the weather though.
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Was in there yesterday for the first time, what a little gem for us anoraks.
Love the BYO food idea, must lose the landlord a small fortune.
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This place is a little inconspicuous from the outside but offers the discerning punter a good choice of real cask ales as an alternative to the chemical concoctions offered by some of the big branded pubs. There was no background music, just chat and BYO food (yoghurt/chips/buffalo or whatever else you care to eat). The place has applied for a 9am to 1am drinks and entertainment licence. Downside: Barman wears an old Derby County shirt.
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This pub has an excellent selection of beers which is well kept. The last time I visited I was invited to see the cellar. However, after an hour in the pub, a group of 15 of us had to leave because of the smoke problem.
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Great pub near the city centre.Loads of decent beers at a reasonable price.The staff know what they are doing and are polite and keep the place clean. Best pub in Birmingham!
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Another trip up from London and just as good. Beers up to 1582 when i wobbled off.
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Smoke tends to be a problem when the place is heaving on Fri and Sat nights - when the doors are opened at the back it really helps though. In the day it is better. I just had a particularly bad experience with some very rude cigar smokers, so perhaps I am more hostile towards it than most! Although something might have to give if they are still going to allow people to bring their own food in when/if the laws change - bring your own food is a brilliant policy, I hope that doesn't change!
The Welly is doing brilliantly with the ales though - look forward to a GBG entry soon, hopefully as record breakers! :-)
I will say one last thing to Apey though - we don't need "air freshener bars" - ever been to the Three Fishes in Shrewsbury? Shows how it can be done, great non smoking pub.
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Another first for me and expecting to have to cut my way through the smoke judging by previous comments. Early saturday afternoon so maybe i got lucky but no problems for me. If you like your real ales this place is a must. Board said 1521 so far this year.
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I usually visit at lunch and haven't found it to be too smoky, could see how it could build up through the day though. Fantastic range of beers and ciders, helpful staff, an absolute must visit in Brum as the city centre is generally poor for real ale.
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Pennee, this site isn't for personal insults. Do do not call me an idiot or make other incorrect assumptions about the sort of person I am.
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Well thanks Apey - you must be one of those idiots who thinks it funny to blow cigar smoke over the non-smoking area!
Here's what I would say about the Wellington: great boozy relaxed friendly pub BUT too smoky. Yes, do leave it as it is, but let's even it out a bit. No air-fresheners needed, just fresh air!
How on earth do people like you actually taste and enjoy the ale? Have you ever actually tasted it properly? I think not.
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Great boozy smoky relaxed friendly pub. Leave it just as it is. We already have enough air-freshener bars for those that prefer them.
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The Wellington now has 15 hand pumps. The pub has sold 750 different guest beers since January 1st 2005. This has to be the best pub in the country for different beers. There will be another beer festival starting on 24th of June featuring approx 30 real ales on stillage plus the 15 on the bar. Smoke is still a problem when it gets busy. Staff are as much to blame for this as customers.
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Good pub in a good location. Fantastic selection of real ales. Nice mix of customers and quick friendly service. Atmosphere is killed a bit by the very unimaginative decor & furnishings.
anonymous - 24 Mar 2005 18:17 |
Great pub, claims to have the fastest changing range of beers in the country and they are not joking.
However, if smoking really bothers you then give it a miss. Smokers are taking over! We have put up with it until now; but they just won't stop selling cigars! The non-smoking area is two tables without ashtrays...right next to all the smokers. Hope they get it sorted asap - let's have a proper division of the space?
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Fantastic pub with great selection of real ale, especially Pig on the Wall, try it if you get chance.
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An excellent real ale pub, very friendly bar staff who are always willing to let you sample before buying.
This pub has knocked the Anchor off the top of my list of B'ham real ale venues
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real ale pub
at least 6/7 guest beers every day
3 standard guest beers from black country ales (pig on the wall, bfg and fireside)
In 6 weeks from 1st Jan 2005 to Feb 11th the pub had 225 guest beers
Steve - 15 Feb 2005 09:02 |
First visit for many years on Sat 29/01/2005, what a surprise. Excellent Real Ale but not much atmosphere, probably because its just been decorated. Lots of CAMRA types around. Excellent location for the stations and Metro. This will become a haunt, I'm sure.
anonymous - 31 Jan 2005 22:35 |
This pub has only been open for a month (opened 18th December)and is already one of the best real ale pubs in the country.
Nigel the landlord is planning his first beer festival for Easter weekend.
Only a 5 minute walk from New Street and Snow Hill Stations
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Logged in to suggest this pub and I see someone has just beaten me to it. It's an excellent specialist real ale pub that claims to have served 120 different beers within about six weeks of opening.
There's no signage to speak of yet so make sure you don't miss it. I wasn't looking for it but went in on the off chance, glad I did. I highly recommend a visit.
It has a real friendly atmosphere and is destined to become a must go to pub for tickers in the West Midlands and further afield.
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the wellington is a real ale pub that opened in december 2004,it sells 10 real ales 3 from black country ales as well as 7 guest beers the quality of all beers is good.this pub does not serve food but you can take you're own plates and cutlery are supplied.
stuart sturmey - 20 Jan 2005 12:01 |
