Sam Smith’s owned Wellington Inn’s ‘very busy’ first month

The Wellington Inn in Alma Terrace, Fishergate, has been open a month now.

Landlady Isabel Redfern-Smith says things have been “going really well”.

The Press called by on Friday lunchtime, a month to the day the historic ‘wet-led’ pub re-opened and found a few drinkers inside enjoying the fine day.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Isabel said of the first month: “We have been busy. Everybody is positive. We have had really good feedback from all the old faces and the new faces.”

Isabel, who runs the pub with husband Henry, says the best seller has been the Old Brewery Bitter “which has been going down a treat.”

“Everybody is loving it,” she continued.

Prior to coming to York from Featherstone, the couple had been running their family-owned pub in Pontefract. Henry also had a small brewery.

Isabel Redfern-Smith and Henry Smith behind the bar, as taken from outside the pub through the front window, so as not to breach brewery policy on digital devices. (Image: Darren Greenwood)

Isabel continued: “Customers know how Henry keeps the beer. The stout is also going down a treat.”

The Wellington Inn, which is affectionately known as ‘the Welly,’ has been receiving rave reviews online since the young couple took over.

The latest TripAdvisor review was from “a regular who will continue to be a regular,” who awarded five stars out of five.

The review continued: “I am a regular at the Wellie and the hand pulled bitter has never been better, a big thanks to our new friendly hosts Henry and Isobel.”

The latest review on Google gave four stars and said: “Great Samuel Smith’s pub. Had a revamp since I’d last been, but it has kept its character. Excellent beer at a great price.”

Another recent comment gave five stars and said: “A fabulous authentic original Sam Smith’s pub with an abundance of character. Fantastic well-kept beer. Your Host and hostess are a truly warm wonderful, friendly young couple whom make everyone feel welcome.”

Isabel Redfern-Smith and Henry Smith behind the bar, as taken from outside the pub through the front window, so as not to breach brewery policy on digital devices. (Image: Darren Greenwood)

The re-opening of ‘The Welly’ comes as Sam Smith’s brewery has stepped up its efforts to re-open its pubs across the country.

As recently reported, Tom Taverner of Malton, who keeps a list of which of the Tadcaster-based brewery’s pubs are open or closed, recorded 18 re-openings nationally since the start of June.

The Sam Smith’s pubs that have reopened since the start of June, he says, include the Golden Ball, Scarborough; Angel & White Horse, Tadcaster; Ebor Inn, Bishopthorpe; Wellington Inn, York; Tankard Inn, Rufforth; and the Red Lion at Bramham, near Wetherby.