Not so much a hotel bar as a bar with a hotel. This busy pub is a great find south of the river.

The Venue
Sitting on a corner plot, besides a railway bridge opposite Waterloo Station, it would be easy to assume that The Wellington is another of those pubs purely catering to commuters and travellers. Indeed, the bar looks a little tatty from the outside - closed steel shutters not offering the most salubrious appearance. However, step inside the bar and a treat awaits.

A fresco depicting the Battle of Waterloo spans the ceiling of the main bar, the English on one side - commanded by the Duke of Wellington, the namesake of this eponymous hotel - and Napoleon’s defeated French army on the other. A cannon sits in an alcove over a vaulted arch and a sabre and old military boot sit behind the long bar. Walls are panelled with wood, accented with a couple of fruit machines and flat screens on which to watch other sporting battles with patriotic pride.

Had too much to drink, or missed the last train home? A handy sign above the bar invites the inebriated or just plain lost to take advantage of the 26 ensuite bedrooms that this hotel boasts upstairs.

The Atmosphere
Despite the location, The Wellington has a good mix of clientele, and the friendly atmosphere and amiable staff make this a great venue for a night out. However, despite the fact that the majority of the customers are very well behaved, earplugs are advisable if planning to stay in one of the rooms upstairs.

The Food
With a huge menu at The Wellington offering a melee of international tapas – including crispy aromatic duck, quesadilla, burgers, baked potatoes, European mains, sandwiches, melts, salads and more besides – all tastes are catered for. Despite fears that the kitchen staff may be spreading themselves a little thin, food is well prepared and served quickly.

The Drink
Got a room in the hotel and want to make a night of it, or just swelling with patriotic pride? Then why not order one of Marston’s real ales served at The Wellington. However, no one will complain if you want to sample some of the more unusual foreign beers available bottled or on draught. Naturally, a decent wine list and a fine range of spirits compliment the selection.

The Last Word
An excellent pub, and very well put together. There’s no doubt it will be well worth heading to The Wellington the next time England take on France at anything!

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