The North End Road seems to be repelling gentrification, which has so far only set in successfully at its foot. But as anyone will tell you, it’s only a matter of time. There’s now a pincer movement taking place, with offshooting roads changing with the times. Heading the charge is The Wellington, an old stalwart of the area that’s newly refurbished and taking advantage of the demise of The Barrow Boy only 100 yards away.
The new look is light, airy and clean, which tends to enhance both hot summer days and dark winter nights. Hindsight will prove that fitting the bar with immovable stools was probably a mistake; no one seems to be sitting on them, and so they act as an obstacle for people who want to use the bar for its primary purpose. The lagers and ciders on offer are the usual suspects, with two choices of ale from St Austell brewery. Food was advertised but no menus were evident. It’s early days and business seems to be slow, but the local community needs places like this, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed for The Welly.