Old Wellington
THERE can’t be many images more representative of Manchester’s break-neck transformation from grimy northern powerhouse to sleek modern metropolis than the Big Wheel looming over historic buildings like the Old Wellington.
The rescue of the pub and its conjoined twin, Sinclairs Oyster Bar, after the IRA bomb and brick-by-brick relocation a short distance away to its present spot has created a great social drinking space in the heart of the city – although it can sometimes be appropriated by pond life.
But to just sit outside soaking up the sun would be to miss the wonderful interior.
On three floors – including the snug Byron’s Attic – the listed building, built in 1552, has wonderful features including some of the best wooden windows north of Shakespeare country.
Keenly priced
However, the beers were not at their best when I visited. The menu of cask didn’t seem to match what was on offer and my Cumberland Ale followed-up by Deuchars IPA were lacklustre to say the least, but The Welly does change guest ales regularly.
Food here hits all bases, from a ploughman’s lunch to roast duck, and is keenly priced, with everything below a tenner. Their British Classics, including Aberdeen Angus burger for £5.95, seem good value for an out of office lunch.
And The Old Wellington, a Mitchells and Butlers pub, seems especially proud of its ‘pie house’ – a little strange seeing as they are all bought in from Dunkley’s of Northamptonshire, not made on the premises.
Thin gravy
We shared a couple of run-of-the-mill starters, chicken and chorizo skewers and breaded hot and spicy prawns (£3.50 each).
From a good choice of 11 pies we chose chicken (£7.95), which fell a little flat with two unwieldy chunks in a thin gravy with puff pastry on top, and game (£7.95), not really the right time of year I know, but the medieval setting was just the place to tuck into the thick filling of venison, rabbit, pheasant, partridge and pigeon.
It was hard to distinguish between the mixture of meats but it was enjoyable and hearty nonetheless.
This year, The Welly is celebrating its 10th anniversary of reopening and I’m sure there are plenty more years left for this proud pub.
Reviewed: Fri, 03 July, 2009
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