The Wellington has added an extensive conservatory restaurant and stylish terrace since it featured in Venue’s first Pub Of The Issue, but while its décor and MO have changed since those pre-smoking-ban days, its soul remains intact.

The living is easy whatever the season, with impressive port and single malt ranges giving ample excuse to linger after enjoying meals accompanied by wines from around the world. Pint glasses get filled with more locally made beverages, with Bath Ales’ Warmley brewery, the site of a party Venue remembers most warmly, conjuring up some sublime sups.

They’re served here by smartly aproned bar/waiting staff, bringing the Champs-Élysées to Gloucester Road. Regulars – and management – praise their engaging nature, with jovial banter passing back and forth.

Everyone from babies to baby-boomers enjoys a cosy yet classy vibe. A sweeping central bar props up beer buffs, loafers recline on snooker table-sized sofas, an upstairs hotel accommodates out-of-towners, nippers get changing facilities and a soon-to-arrive play area, while 20 rear tables (more in front) ensure all feel fine in the summer breeze.

How best to take care of a thirst or hunger when next seeking a night out? Give it some Welly. (Words Simon Fry; pics Mark Simmons)

The information

Lager Sagres, Freedom, Budvar, Fosters (wheat beer; Erdinger, Brugse Zot). From £3.35.

Beer Gem, Spa, Barnstormer, Golden Hare, guest. From £2.75.

Cider Bounders. £3.30.

Wine Twelve red, twelve white. From £3.45 gls/£13.45 btl.

Food Served Mon-Fri 12noon-9pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 9am-8pm. Traditional British. Welly burger £8.95, homemade pie £8.95/£15.95 one/two people, rib eye/rump steak £12.95, goats cheese tart £8.95.

Offers Tue pie & pint £10 all day.

THE WELLINGTON GLOUCESTER RD, HORFIELD, BRISTOL, BS7 8UR. WEB: WWW.BATHALES.COM. OPEN MON-THUR 12NOON-11PM, FRI 12NOON-12MIDNIGHT, SAT 9AM-12MIDNIGHT, SUN 9AM-11PM.
 

Copyright Simon Fry 2011; pics copyright Mark Simmons Photography

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