Independently owned and run pub group, Red Mist Leisure has reopened a newly purchased inn having invested £2.5m to turn it into a modern family-friendly destination pub with exceptional meeting and event facilities.
The Wellington Arms is situated on the 7,000 acre Wellington Estate, which is owned by The Duke Of Wellington and his family, in Stratfield Turgis on the Hampshire/Berkshire borders.
With booth seats and rustic log burners, the inn creates a cosy retreat, and also offers smaller private dining areas. The 160-cover function room has its own entrance, lobby, cloakroom, top of the range AV equipment and bar. There will be 25 boutique bedrooms too, which are due to open in early 2019.
Outside, The Wellington Arms features a rural garden terrace, and, for eco-friendly guests, there are electric car-charging ports.
The inn is set to become known for its fresh, seasonal and local British food, as well as offering local craft beers and ales, plus a wide range of wines and spirits including an interesting range of local, artisan gins.
Led by award-winning Head Chef Jay Williams, the team of chefs, after many months of planning, are now in their brand-new state of the art kitchen, reveling at cooking for their new customers.
The seasonal menu features traditional classics including fish and chips, freshly caught, using a secret batter recipe combining Red Mist Ale, handmade seasonal pies, and a daily special’s board featuring the chef’s culinary creations using fresh seasonal ingredients, including meats from the Wellington Estate.
The winter menu on offer includes Grilled black pudding served with a poached, free-range egg on a brioche crouton, and Potted Devon crab and fennel pâté, Pecan tart with salted caramel ice cream, and Chocolate fondant brownie.
Suppliers and products used, where possible, are sourced from Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire to support local trade; from the best in-season vegetables and meats, cheese and ice creams, to the local craft ales, sparkling wines and gins. They even offer their own award-winning Tilford Brewery ales from their microbrewery located in Surrey.
General Manager Joe Simkins said, “Myself and the team are delighted to be open and look forward to welcoming our customers, both old and new. This pub, with all its offerings and unique location, is a real milestone for Red Mist Leisure as we head into our 15th year.
'We are also very much enjoying a collaborative approach with the Wellington Estate and forming part of the family’s growing portfolio, which includes Wellington Riding; one of the UK’s biggest and best-known equestrian centers, Wellington Country Park and the Wellington Farm Shop. We look forward to the challenge in making our pub the heartbeat of the local community.”
The image shows Red Mist co-founders Mark Robson and Mark Williams with Jemma Kidd, who is married to the son and heir of The Duke Of Wellington.