PUB GUIDE

There are over twenty pubs around Wellington and a dozen more in nearby villages, so which to choose? With character, a warm welcome and real ales in mind, here's our pick of the best. All, in our experience, are well-run and inviting - whether you're taking out your girlfriend or your granny. Some have restaurants attached, and you'll find a guide to other local restaurants in the menu on the left of the screen.

THE WHITE LION   PUB

Crown Street, Wellington

This black and white Jacobean pub is Wellington's oldest and can be found between the meandering medieval lanes of Duke Street and Crown Street near the Square. Usually two or three real ales available.

Walking time from Market Square: c.1 minute

(No car park.)

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THE OLD WREKIN TAP at THE COCK HOTEL     PUB / ACCOMODATION

Watling Street (Holyhead Road), Wellington

An important posting house in the days of the coach trade, this CAMRA award-winning 17th century inn is now renowned for being one of the best real ale pubs in the county. Hobson’s is on as standard, with another 4 or 5 local and regional ales and ciders available at any one time. The pub now even houses its own Belgian Beer Bar, the 'Brasserie de Haan', offering around 30 beer varieties (Friday and Saturdays only).

No meals. Pork pies and rolls are the extend of the food offer – regulars come here for the very good beer and convivial atmosphere.

Walking time from Market Square: c.15-20 minutes

(Walk through All Saints Church gardens onto King Street, crossing the road so that you pass the Black Horse pub and New College. At the T-junction with Mill Bank turn left, passing The Railway pub; The Cock is at the main junction ahead. Moderately sized car park.)

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THE OLD ORLETON BAR / RESTAURANT / ACCOMODATION

Holyhead Road, Wellington

Primarily a hotel and restaurant, you can also just drop in for a drink at this most gentrified of local establishments. Cool contemporary design set against elegant Georgian detail makes this recently renovated coaching inn really stand out as one of Shropshire's best boutique hotels and restaurants - and with two Hobson's bitters on tap, there's certainly substance to go with the style.

Both the bistro and restaurant menus are locally sourced - and brilliantly executed.

Walking time from Market Square: c.15-20 minutes

(Walk up Duke Street, turning right into Walker Street so that you pass the library. At the end of the road, cross into Haygate Road directly opposite and keep walking up; the Old Orleton stands at end of Haygate Road where it meets the Holyhead Road, facing open fields to the west. Moderately sized car park.)

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THE RED LION on HOLYHEAD ROAD   PUB / RESTAURANT AREA 

Holyhead Road, Wellington

Originally a solitary building backing onto rolling fields, the Red Lion once catered primarily for those travelling the Holyhead Road. The growth of Wellington’s leafy suburbs in the 1920s has provided it with a bustling local trade ever since, but it still offers a warm welcome to people who are just passing through. Usually two or three local real ales available.

The restaurant area is cosy and informal, and food is at the top-end of the pub fayre repertoire.

Walking time from Market Square: c.15-20 minutes

(As above, walk along Haygate Road away from the town centre. Take a short cut across the Bowring Park if open, or else continue and turn left down Herbert Avenue; this will bring you onto the Holyhead Road near the Red Lion. Large car park.)

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THE WICKETS PUB / RESTAURANT AREA

Holyhead Road, Wellington

Smaller than its Holyhead Road neighbours The Cock and The Old Orleton, The Wickets was never a coach house but an inn for commercial travellers. Recently renovated, some of us bemoan the loss of its old nooks and crannies, but it is comfortable and inviting nonetheless. Usually two real ales available.

Dinners can eat in the bar or the adjoining restaurant.

Walking time from Market Square: c.15-20 minutes

(Follow Walker Street until the library and turn up Larkin Way, crossing the Leisure Centre car park and the main road, heading right towards Wrekin Road. Walk up Wrekin Road, which has quite a steep gradient, and you'll find The Wickets at the top. Large car park.)

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THE PHEASANT at ADMASTON GASTRO PUB

Less than five minutes drive north of Wellington, The Pheasant is a popular pub that now finds itself in a somewhat suburbanised village, but which still retains the atmosphere of a bustling country inn. After a change of management in 2007, the establishment has become known for a good selection of real ales (usually three or four) and high quality locally sourced food in an informal setting.

Dining throughout. Large car park. A half hour walk from Wellington, the best route is along the wildlife-rich Silkin Way (starting from Wrockwardine Road in Wellington).

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THE PLOUGH at ALLSCOTT   PUB / RESTAURANT

About seven minutes drive north-west of Wellington (through Admaston) the Plough is an unexpected gem along the old Shrewsbury road. Usually four real ales available.

The restaurant comprises two intimate rooms, and the food comes highly recommended. (Small car park.)

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THE HUNTSMAN at LITTLE WENLOCK   PUB / RESTAURANT

Tucked away behind The Wrekin, many a walker passes through Little Wenlock and is glad to come upon The Huntsman. There are usually two real ales available, which you can enjoy in the large, cosy lounge at the front.

Diners at this country pub can eat in the lounge or, if they're feeling more spruced-up, nextdoor in the restaurant. (Large car park.)

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THE QUEEN'S HEAD at HORTON PUB WITH DINING THROUGHOUT

Situated at the near-end of the Wealdmoors, Horton is about five minutes drive north of Wellington on the same road as Hoo Farm. The awkward junction at which this pub sits means that you can't miss it - if you do you'll probably be in someone's hedge. Usually two real ales available.

Good quality traditional pub food, dining throughout. (Large car park.)

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