'The beer is spot on' as much loved Sam Smith's pub in York reopens
Henry Smith and Isabelle Redfern-Smith at the entrance to the Wellington Inn
The doors are back open, and the pints are being enjoyed at a much-loved York pub.
The Samuel Smiths-owned Wellington Inn has returned to be a central part of the Fishergate community after being closed for nearly two years.
Its new hosts are Henry Smith and Isabelle Redfern-Smith, who have moved to York from Featherstone.
Henry told the Press: “My parents bought the Robin Hood in Pontefract in 2018. We had it for three years as a free house. It’s still owned by the family and its now leased out.”
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“We had a few years out of the pub trade for a change of scene. We had a baby.
"We were looking to get back into the pub trade. We saw the beautiful pub advertised. We contacted the brewery and we have been working with the brewery for six to eight weeks.
Henry Smith and Isabelle Redfern-Smith at the entrance to the Wellington Inn
(Image: Darren Greenwood)
“We had a chat with them. We saw the York Arms was advertised as well but this fitted the bill for us as a young family.”
The pub will be drinks only, though Henry says he may sell pies in time.
There may also be darts and other events as well.
Henry said: “We are open to seeing how things evolve. For the time being we are just going to focus on good ale.”
Mark Oldroyd of York says you always get a good pint for a good price in a Sam Smith's pub.
(Image: Darren Greenwood)
Asked which of the Tadcaster-based beers were their favourites, Henry said his was the Old Brewery Bitter.
Pointing at the fridge, Isabelle said: “I do love the good strawberry beer.”
Henry added: “It’s a pleasure to reopen the pub. We are excited for the new era for The Wellington. We are also grateful to the opportunity from the brewery.”
Among the first customers, Mick Noble from Otley said he had made his first visit to the Wellington Inn just for the opening. He had walked from the railway station.
Henry Smith and Isabelle Redfern-Smith behind the bar, as taken through the front window, so not to breach brewery policy of no digital devices inside.
(Image: Darren Greenwood)
Like others, he picked up on the recent renovations which have enhanced the pub's historic features.
Mick said: “I was ready for a good pint. It’s fantastic the pub is back open. The interior is beautiful and the beer is spot on.”
Mark Brough from Tang Hall was really pleased to see ‘the Welly’ back open.
Mark was enjoying the beer garden at the back. He has also noticed a new bar area where the stables were, along with new barrels on the wall.
Mark Brough enjoying the beer garden in front of the new barrels
(Image: Darren Greenwood)
He said: “I saw on Facebook the pub was re-opening. The beer is absolutely gorgeous. I am so pleased it’s open, especially for the regulars.”
Abi Flack was also enjoying the beer garden with partner Mark Oldroyd and family.
Abi said: “My partner and I used to come here a couple of years ago. We were gutted when it closed. We are so happy it’s back open. We live up the road and will be back often.”
Mark said: “I am happy to see Sam Smith’s pubs reopening. It is so sad to see them closed. For us, this is another nice local.”
Mick Noble made a special visit from Otley and walked from York Station to enjoy a good pint.
(Image: Darren Greenwood)
Mark said the Kings Arms is a favourite and he used to go to the Burns Hotel a lot-both Sam Smith’s pubs.
He added: “For me, you get a good pint for a good price in Sam Smith’s pubs.”
Meanwhile, a couple of men seated outside at the front of the pub said they were ‘thrilled’ the pub was back open. They lived locally and said they would be regulars. But they would not give their names or be photographed as they were meant to be at work.
Have you been to the Welly yet? What did you think of it and the beer? Are you looking forward to going? Share your thoughts in the comments below?