Wolviston residents are in for a treat when village pub the Wellington re-opens this Friday 7th March following a £160,000 makeover. The historic pub, which has been trading since 1821, is being refurbished from top to toe, creating four new front and back of house positions in the process.

“The changes to the pub are staggering”, said Wellington’s general manager Andy Wain, adding, “Modernised and stylish, the Wellington will be freshly redecorated inside and out to make it lighter and brighter, with new furniture, flooring, artwork and soft furnishings throughout too; but it will still retain all the characterful period features that make the Wellington special.”

Food is to become a big focus at the pub with a brand new menu being introduced offering quality freshly prepared dishes. Customers can enjoy mouth-watering dishes such as Open Chicken Pie, chicken breast in a creamy smoked Applewood cheese and bacon sauce, in an open puff pastry pie, served with seasonal vegetables and buttery mash; Twice-Cooked Lamb Ribs, tender slow-cooked marinated lamb ribs, grilled with a spicy habaňero chilli and mint sauce; sharing dishes such as the Fisherman’s Board; and a choice of six dishes under 500 calories, that certainly make up in flavour for what they lack in calorie content. All desserts including the melt-in-your-mouth Lemon Meringue Pie and warm Five-Layered Chocolate Cake, both served with ice-cream will be available Monday until Friday at two for the price of one. The pub will also be introducing a new Sunday roast menu too – a choice of three meats, a 35-day-aged British beef served with freshly made Yorkshire pudding, British free-range pork loin or Norfolk reared turkey, accompanied by crispy roast potatoes and roasted parsnips, seasonal vegetables and a selection of sauces.

Andy and his team will be inviting customers to join them to celebrate the re-launch of the new-look Wellington when it re-opens on Friday 7th March 2014 from 5pm. Guests will be we treated to tasters from the pub’s new sharing platters as they take a first look at the transformed pub. From 7pm a special guest magician, Luke Howells will be intriguing customers with his magical tricks.

In addition to the far-reaching changes to the food menu, the Wellington will have six cask ale hand pumps on the bar with a special ale ‘Iron Duke’, named after the Duke of Wellington and created, in the pub’s honour, for the launch by County Durham brewer, Consett. Another new change will be the introduction of cocktails, and to celebrate, the pub will be offering them at two for the price of one during Friday and Saturdays evenings.

The Wellington has long been a favoured destination for sports enthusiasts and so the pub will retain its Sky Sports screens to show live sporting action.

“The pub has been given a fantastic facelift, bringing it up to date but retaining all its character. We are particularly excited about showcasing our new menu and as a special treat for Mother’s Day we’re offering customers two courses for just £15, plus a complimentary glass of Prosecco for mum too!”, added Andy.

Customers can book a table by calling the pub on 01740 645670 or emailing Wellington.Wolviston@stonegatepubs.com

The pub will open daily from midday and will continue to offer food until 9pm.