The Wellington, Borehamwood

This traditional style pub is located near the train station although most newly arrived visitors (yes, Borehamwood does have visitors) are probably drawn into the more prominent Crown a few doors away. The frontage appears virtually unchanged from when the pub was built with the etched windows still displaying signage for the Public Bar, Private Bar/Club Room and Bottle & Jug. The original doorways are however no longer in use and entrance is by a side door. The carpeted L Shaped interior has been knocked through with Brewery Tudor being prominent. At the front end of the bar is a brace of dart boards and basic TV with 2 other flat screens in the pub aimed largely at sports fans. The corner section diplays several old sporting photos and vexicologists will be drawn to the fading poster of flags of the world. Note also the old “kerching” till behind the bar. Some of the banquette seating and furnishings in general are looking a bit worn and tatty. Behind the pub is a small covered patio catering for the smokers and there is also a car park. The presence of large CCTV warnings wasn’t very encouraging although on the couple of visits I have made I haven’t felt intrusive or unwelcome despite the obviously close knit customer base. The pub is largely let down by its bog standard collection of kegs, lagers etc and the solitary hand pump probably hasn’t seen action for donkey’s years. Just a token ale or two would probably make the place worth popping into but even without, it is still one of Borehamwood’s better options.

This L-shaped boozer has seen better days as it is looking a bit tired and the upholstery could do with being replaced. The old school governor wasn’t the friendliest and I was very surprised to see a lack of real ale, especially as it is advertised on the wall outside the pub. My Guinness was good and the pub grub that I spotted a couple of people eating seemed good value for money, but I wouldn’t want to eat here. Sky sports is shown, but as no sport was on during my weekday afternoon visit the governor had put Heart FM on the plasma screen. It wasn’t very loud, but I do find radio adverts irritating whilst I try to have a quiet pint. There is a fireplace and lots of bric-a-brac on the walls including some old sporting photos. On the wall behind where I was sitting I spotted a signed photo of Frank Bruno wishing the regulars of the Wellington all the best. It was nice to see a couple of dartboards, but I was expecting a lot more from this place as I entered and unfortunately left a little disappointed.