The Wellington, Birmingham - pub details

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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B3XTER - 5 Jan 2012 15:13

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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blue_scrumpy - 2 Jan 2012 10:46

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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bike2beer - 31 Dec 2011 16:39

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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Nickphillips - 27 Dec 2011 00:00

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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berkfromtrapdoor - 9 Dec 2011 22:23

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