The Wellington, Birmingham

@ citizenwolfie; there is nothing wrong in playing devils advocate, but I do feel that its a tad unfair of you to suggest that the welly should somehow "dumb-down" its act; surely the other pubs should try to improve their game?

I'm worried about the pubs you've been drinking in, mate; the ale in the welly is kept as per the guidelines issued by the breweries themselves - keep in mind that a real ale is a living entity, too cold and you'll do irreparable damage to the beer which would *really* give people cause for concern. if you like your beer bubbly, I'm sure the staff would add a sparkler for you, but real ale has a natural condition; lack of bubbles does not equate with flat and the addition of bubbles may well compromise the flavour.

3 Feb 2011 16:01

The Wellington, Birmingham

@ CitizenWoolfie; the Wellington sells numerous bottled largers and three draft, what it does *not* sell, is near-frozen gnats urine, which in a speciality pub comes as a relief not a shock.
the numbering system is the only effective way they can operate; if you are a part time member of staff who finishes work on a sunday evening and don't go in again untill thursday, you will find a completly different set of beers on sale and there is simply no way anyone can keep up. the numbering system means that the customer has the drink they want. Ok, *you* may have to exercise the old brain a little more, but that is no bad thing, right? and don't forget they have two large TV screens in the pub which give you all the detail you need about all the beers they are serving that day.
personally, I think if the atmosphere in there gets any more relaxed we'll all be asleep; if you want to go in and have a natter, there will be someone willing to chat, equally, if what you want is a quiet pint while doing the crossword and stroking the pub cat, this will be perfectly acceptable.
it seems a pity, at a time when so many pubs are closing on a weekly basis to complain that the pub gets so busy on a saturday, you may not like the crowds, but tastes differ.

24 Jan 2011 08:47

The Wellington, Birmingham

just about the best pub ever. I'd agree with saitontour's comment about it being a very comfortable place to be even for an unaccompanied female [although, alas! I'm no longer 30]. the staff have excellent product knowledge, the cellar is very well kept, and the fact that you can sample before you buy means that you never need to have a pint you don't like. without any offence to tprobins, I'd recommend you stick to the carling.

18 Jan 2011 15:51