The Wellington, Fulham, SW6

This was a Charrington’s house, dating back to 1864, though rebuilt in the current form in the late 1930s, again for Charrington’s. This pub was closed and up for lease in October 2020 and has clearly had a makeover to create a contemporary interior, as the descriptions below no longer apply; a locals’ backstreet boozer this is no more. The floor is mainly modern dark boarded, with some hexagonal patterned tiling. The rear of the pub is starker and canteen-like, seemingly more geared towards dining from a menu of contemporary pub grub and this is where you’ll find a pool table and televised sport and no customers. The front area features conventional furniture, with upholstered seats and round tables, where the colour scheme is black to the dado, then smoky blue walls with a white ceiling; the bar sports the same blue and black scheme. Décor comes in the form of framed prints and pot plants to windowsills, with flowers in bottles along with tealights to tables, all lit by modern light fittings. I couldn’t judge the customers as there wasn’t a single one and at a time when all the area’s other pubs were doing a good trade; perhaps the more affluent incomers, at whom this pub is obviously aimed, haven’t ventured in post makeover. A feeble ale choice, amounting to two unused pumps then just Long Man Best Bitter at £2.50 a half and predictably dull. This is quite a nice environment in which to drink, but it was deathly and the poor ale availability means that I’m unlikely to return if in the area.

Official site of The Wellington - www.thewellingtonfulham.co.uk

Official site of The Wellington - www.thewellingtonfulham.co.uk

Side street boozer of the old sort, albeit one having its otherwise plain brick façade enhanced by a good floral display. It is also brighter than one might expect inside the public bar due to a refurb at some stage which has left a light wooden floor and pale cream paintwork. Basic furniture. Racing on the TV and a large screen mounted over the fireplace. Larger lounge to the rear (not visited). No sign of real ale, despite the Caledonian Golden XPA beer mats on the tables, so had to make do with a quick pint of John Smiths (£3.20).