The Marquis of Wellington has had a facelift. Until late last year it looked rather forlorn and a bit rough, but now it’s got a bold new look, with a sign so large you could read it from the top of the Shard. Clearly this is a pub that wants you to know it’s there, which is understandable given the nearby Bermondsey Beer Mile breweries vying for attention.
Inside you’ll find beers from a few of those breweries – including Anspach & Hobday just over the road – alongside some more familiar numbers from the likes of Camden Town and Meantime, plus a small selection of pizzas that’ll keep you going if you’re boozing on an empty tank. All of this is served from a bar-cum-kitchen set in the middle of a space with a slightly unfinished vibe. It’s the kind of decor that makes you wonder whether it’s deliberate or they just ran out of money halfway through renovations.
Still, this is a pub that’s comfortable and buzzy, and there’s plenty of room for the crowds that’ll inevitably spill over from Maltby Street market on the weekend. Steer clear of the backyard – inexplicably spray-painted in a kaleidoscope of garish colours – and you’ll soon find yourself back for a return visit. Can’t find it? Just look for a sign.