Duke of Wellington Review - london Restaurants | Christoff

The Duke of Wellington: Marylebone's Triumphant Gastropub Return

A Grade II listed corner pub that's earned its stripes after a four-year hiatus

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The Duke operates across two distinct floors, each with its own personality. Downstairs, you'll find a proper pub atmosphere with Duke memorabilia adorning the walls and a relaxed bar setting that welcomes both locals and their four-legged companions. The upstairs dining room strikes a more refined note with white tablecloths, a crackling log fire, and bright, airy spaces that feel both elegant and homely. The Grade II listed building's historic bones provide character that modern gastropubs simply can't replicate. The venue achieves that sweet spot of being buzzy without descending into rowdiness - conversation flows easily with a social atmosphere that scores 8.0 out of 10 for conversation-friendliness. The warm, polished elegance creates an environment equally suited for casual after-work pints or more considered dining occasions, with flexibility scoring a solid 7.5 out of 10.

Food & Drink

The kitchen focuses on modern British gastropub fare with clear crowd-pleasers leading the charge. Sunday roasts, priced at £16-18, have become the venue's calling card and a significant draw for the neighbourhood. The menu spans traditional pub classics like beer-battered cod and steak & Guinness pie alongside more adventurous offerings such as devilled lamb's kidneys. Burgers, steaks, and seasonal plates round out the selection, with thoughtful provision for dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The approach is decidedly modern British rather than revolutionary - this isn't cutting-edge cuisine but rather well-executed comfort food with contemporary touches. The pricing suggests mid-range positioning that aligns with Marylebone's demographics while maintaining accessibility for regular local custom.

Service & Experience

Staff communication receives particular praise, especially during busy periods when clear service becomes crucial. The venue balances relaxed and polished service styles, adapting to whether you're settling in for casual drinks downstairs or dining upstairs. The team appears well-versed in managing the dual nature of the space - accommodating both the bar crowd and diners without either feeling neglected. The recognition as Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice 2024 suggests consistent service delivery that meets diverse customer expectations across different occasions and party sizes.

Value for Money

With a price level of 2 out of 4, The Duke positions itself in that comfortable middle ground that Marylebone locals appreciate. Sunday roasts at £16-18 represent solid value for the area, while wines starting from £6 per glass keep the bar accessible for regular visits. The venue tags itself as offering 'Marylebone value' and 'local affordable' options, suggesting pricing that acknowledges the neighbourhood's affluence while remaining welcoming to a broader audience. For a Grade II listed gastropub in one of London's more expensive postcodes, the pricing appears calibrated to encourage repeat visits rather than special occasion dining only.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Book the upstairs dining room for Sunday roast at 1pm for the full experience. The venue operates Monday to Saturday from 12pm-11pm, and Sundays 12pm-10:30pm. Weekday afternoons likely offer the most relaxed atmosphere for casual drinks.

What to Focus On

The Sunday roasts at £16-18 are clearly the star attraction and main draw. For drinks, explore the cask ales and curated wine selection starting from £6 per glass. The steak & Guinness pie represents solid gastropub comfort food.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The downstairs bar is dog-friendly, making it perfect for locals with pets looking for casual pintsA function room is available for private events, though booking details aren't specifiedThe Grade II listed building has a step at the entrance, which may limit wheelchair access

The Final Verdict

The Duke of Wellington succeeds in its mission to be a neighbourhood gastropub that serves multiple constituencies well. The historic setting provides genuine character that newer establishments struggle to match, while the 2022 reopening brought modern standards to classic pub hospitality. The dual-floor layout cleverly separates casual drinking from dining without creating artificial barriers. While it doesn't push culinary boundaries, the food delivers comfort and quality at fair prices for the location. The Tripadvisor recognition suggests consistent execution rather than flash-in-the-pan popularity.

Christoff's Rating:

7.2/10

Perfect For:

Marylebone locals seeking a reliable neighbourhood gastropubSunday roast enthusiasts looking for quality at reasonable pricesDog owners wanting a welcoming pub atmosphere

The Duke of Wellington

The Duke of Wellington

Christoff's Take

The Duke of Wellington: Marylebone's Triumphant Gastropub Return

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Food & Drink

Service & Experience

Value for Money

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

What to Focus On

Christoff's Insider Tips

The Final Verdict

Perfect For:

Quick Details

The Duke of Wellington

What's Great

Keep in Mind

Christoff's Tip:

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