The Old Wellington — Restaurant in Manchester

Dining Experience @ The Old Wellington. . The oldest building of its kind since it opened in 1552, and the birthplace of writer John Byrom in 1692, The Old Wellington was rebuilt in its present location in November 1999. This half-timbered traditional building housing the pub is known for its classic pub grub and cask ales. . Ambience is rustic, like walking into a time capsule. The wooden panels and floorboards creak slightly, and the warmly lit space is neatly lined with ye olde sturdy wooden furniture. . Service is attentive and professional. Staff demonstrate good product knowledge, check for feedback, and have good situational awareness, handling requests and cleaning up fast. . Food is classic pub grub, well-executed consistently to restaurant standards. Portions are large and hearty. Prices are reasonable, budget about GBP £26 per person. . The Beer Wychwood Hobgoblin English India Pale Ale (IPA) (GBP £5.35) tastes of the far-flung pacific, from whence its hops were gathered. Winner of the "World's Best IPA" at the World Beer Awards 2018. . The Fish Pie (GBP £14.50) features chunks of deboned salmon fish, deboned haddock fish, deshelled king prawns, diced carrots, diced celery, and rich white wine, potato, and butter sauce, topped with crisp parsley and creamy cheddar cheese infused mashed potatoes. The crust of the pie is torched till crisp and crunchy, shattering gently. . Cut in, and you get the tender creamy soft filling with bright fishy savoury vegetal earthy milky sweet cheesy salty flavour. . The traditional Apple And Blackberry Crumble (GBP £6) features a base of diced bramley apple chunks and blackberry clusters, baked till caramelised with a tender juicy soft texture and sharp sour sweet fruity flavour. . Covered with a beautiful rolled oat crumble, crisp crumbly fragile in texture with lovely earthy savoury sweet grainy flavour. . I chose a classic side of vanilla custard, beautiful with golden hue and creamy rich texture carrying floral milky earthy...

From the moment you step into The Old Wellington Pub, you're transported to a place where history and hospitality intertwine, creating an atmosphere that's both inviting and intriguing. But what truly elevates this experience is the exceptional service provided by Catherine, a true gem in the heart of Salford's oldest establishment. Catherine isn't just a bartender; she's a storyteller, a confidante, and a master of her craft, all rolled into one.

Catherine's knowledge of the pub's extensive drink menu is unparalleled. Whether you're a fan of traditional ales, craft beers, or something a bit more adventurous, she has an uncanny ability to recommend the perfect pint to suit your palate. Her descriptions are vivid and enticing, painting a picture of each beverage that makes you eager to try something new. But it's not just her expertise that sets her apart; it's her genuine enthusiasm for the drinks she serves and the history of the pub itself. Catherine is always ready with a fascinating anecdote about The Old Wellington, from its origins as a bustling market stall to its current status as a beloved local landmark. She brings the pub's rich past to life, making every visit a unique and memorable experience.

Beyond her impressive knowledge and passion, Catherine possesses a rare ability to connect with people on a personal level. She takes the time to get to know her customers, remembering their names, their favorite drinks, and even their life stories. She's a skilled listener, offering a sympathetic ear and a comforting word when needed. Catherine's warmth and genuine care create a sense of community within the pub, making it a place where strangers become friends and regulars feel like family. Whether you're a local looking for a familiar face or a tourist seeking an authentic Salford experience, Catherine's presence at The Old Wellington is sure to leave a...

Nice food (when cooked), gorgeous pub, rude staff.

We arrived after the great game treasure hunt and were really excited for our meal at the pub. Restaurant upstairs was pretty empty, 2-3 tables occupied, so I was surprised that when my food arrived, the vegetables were frozen (I don’t mean the pub use frozen veg as this is no issue, I mean it was literally a block of ice on my plate). After failing to grab the waitresses attention due to her being stood facing the wall, I took my plate to her and she was in as much disbelief as me. So much that she prodded the food in front of me to check I wasn’t lying.

I sat waiting for 5-10 minutes for a replacement whilst my friend ate. When it came, no apology, not even a quick ‘sorry about that’. The food once cooked was divine, we were really looking forward to ordering a desert that we’d been eyeing up on the menu when we first arrived. Once our plates were collected, we weren’t offered desert menus and again had to approach the waitress who was this time chatting to her colleagues/in the corner and on their phones.

Some 20 minutes had passed by this point so we were fed up, paid the bill and left. I really don’t mind lack of attentiveness when it’s busy, but the restaurant was empty and the 3 staff members were more concerned about standing in the corner and chatting than serving us. Wouldn’t return because of this which is...