The Wellington, Kelham Island, Sheffield

Since October 2016, when James Burkett completed the acquisition and the pub was refurbished, this has been the brewery tap for Neepsend Brewery. (His other pubs in Sheffield are the Blake Hotel and the Sheaf View.) Neepsend Blonde is a regular, and there are usually two or three other Neepsend beers, plus three or four guests. Although the Neepsend beers are not always to my taste, they are usually well made and distinctive. My only criticism of this pub would be that the staff can be overenthusiastic about New World hops, to the extent that I have been mocked for my perceived preference for beers that taste of "twigs and earth"; British hops, in other words. Nevertheless, I keep on coming back as it is a pleasant pub and the beer is always in good nick.

Millstone Old Git, Foxfield Horn of Plenty, Little Ale Cart Jeanie Deans & Saint Johnstoun, Boewulf Finn's Hall Porter & Hurricane, Salamander Byzantium, Cheddar Valley cider, all £2.00-£2.40, some had tasting notes on board behind bar. Enter to open area at short end of L-shaped bar, smallish traditionally furnished room behind, left into lounge with real fire crackling in victorian fireplace below large mirror, upholstered banquette seating, wood chairs/tbls. Walls are somewhat sparse, detracting from the ambience, & could benefit from decoration, pictures, photos, maybe old pumpclips (of which there must be many) would improve the look. Standing at the bar, with the pub quiet on snowbound Monday, I couldn't help noticing the noisy glass-washer (machine, that is), a tiny point but summat that could be addressed. If it's still there, check the noticeboard opp entrance for the self-mocking (RATs-style p.take) announcing ‘Beer Tickers have been conned for years; even 1968 LongLife has now been rolled out as Glentworth Golden Showers'. Also, all new beers were, in reality, disguises of Stones & JS Smooth! Barman was deep into a word/number puzzle and one would think the pub would be more welcoming when busier, but that's still a good beer line-up!