The Wellington, WC2

Located in a prime spot at the end of The Strand, I’ve tried to get in this Nicholson’s pub on more than one occasion previously, only to find it absolutely rammed. I was therefore slightly surprised to find it relatively quiet on our recent late Friday afternoon visit, although it was still standing room only. It’s a traditional looking pub with some etched glass in the windows and sanded wooden boards on the floor. The ceiling is quite high and elaborate in place, primarily a deep maroon colour but with some quite intricate gold cornice work. The walls were painted a very dark green with wood panelling on the lower part of the walls. A few pictures were dotted around the walls, mostly of a military nature and including one of the duke himself from which the pub’s takes it’s name, as well as a pair of the boots that were named after him hanging on a rack. There was some quite ornate carved woodwork behind the bar, and the lamps affixed to the window sills created a pleasant ambience. Beers on tap were Nicholson’s Pale Ale, Dark Star Hophead, Doom Bar, Purity Bunny Hop, Eternal Northern Monk and Vulcan Blue Steel, whilst the London Pride appeared to have run out. Ciders meanwhile were Mortimer’s Orchard and Mortimer’s English Berry. All in all, a pleasant enough pub and worth calling in if in the area.

A typical Nicholson's outlet well described below, with an ornate bar back, partly dark wood panelled, a boarded floor, pretty marble fireplace surround and split level. Lighting comes from fake Victorian glass 'n' brass sconce lights and chandeliers and décor comprises old prints of the Iron Duke as well as boots; mood music played at a sensible level. There's food but of course given the nature and touristy location of the place, it's fish 'n' chips and the like. Service was fine and there were six ales on including Truman's Zephyr at a fairly reasonable £2.30 a half with the added hint of line cleaning fluid. This isn't a great place, but where around here is? One for the tourists or easy to please office workers.

Nicholson's pub with a long narrow interior. Real ale and food served.

THE WELLINGTON: a decent pub. A good resting point if you've been working/shopping up town, or if you're theatre-going. It can get busy depending on the time of day, but that is half the charm of this drinking establishment. If you want a bit of 'buzz' with your pint, this is as good a place as any, bearing in mind the West End and Theatreland is a stones' throw away. I make a point of visiting the ol' Duke whenever I'm in his neighbourhood. :o) 7/10 TJ