Fuller’s, which has reopened the Wellington pub in Waterloo after “significant investment in its bedrooms, bar area and kitchen – including the addition of a new private meeting space” explained cask beer is vital to the pub and its entire London-based estate.
“Cask ale is so important to Fuller’s – and all our customer data tells us that our customers love cask ale,” a spokesperson told The MA. “Fuller’s pubs sell over twice as much cask ale as our competitors and it is our second most popular drinks category.”
The pubco has brought back its Only in the Pub cask ale campaign for a second year, which showcases cask ale and includes events where customers can try exclusive beers, collaboration brews, and more in all of its pubs.
There has been a focus on improving knowledge around cask ale for team members so they have the tools to have conversations with cask ale lovers and novices.
The spokesperson added: “The campaign has seen an increase of cask ale sales and introduced cask ale to new drinkers.”
Secret to a perfect cask pint
Cask beers London Pride, ESB, Seafarers and Timothy Taylor’s Golden Best are all available at the Wellington and, across the estate, the pubco always has a range of guest cask ales – from national brands like St Austell and Adnams to local London brewers such as Five Points, which offer something for everyone.
“The secret to the perfect pint of cask ale is how it is looked after by the teams in the pubs – once it has left the care of the brewery,” they continued.
“To encourage our teams to look after their cask ale, and to celebrate those with the best beer quality, we have our Master Cellarman programme. Pubs are awarded one, two or three Griffins as a result of their cellar audits – where they are scored on a range of areas.
“Much like Michelin stars, each Griffin is a mark of excellence. The Wellington currently has two Griffins, for its outstanding beer quality and cellar audit scores of at least 95% throughout the year.”
With staff being so crucial to the cask experience, they ensure casks are kept in optimum conditions and are poured perfectly. Glassware is also important so the right beer must be served in the right glass, which has to be clean and kept at the right temperature.
Redoubling efforts
The spokesperson said: “In 2026, we’ll be redoubling our efforts with exciting seasonal, delicious collaborations and more reasons for cask lovers to visit the Wellington and the rest of the Fuller’s estate.”
The Wellington is also great for sports fans and has Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and 14 TVs. Tall poseur-style tables are dotted throughout the pub along with comfy booth seating that is well-positioned for viewing the screens.
The Wellington’s refurbishment has included upgrades to its 26 bedrooms and the kitchen now has fully electric equipment, so Fuller’s commitment to procuring 100% renewable electricity will reduce carbon emissions.
General manager Mark Leeds, who has been at the helm of the Wellington for 24 years, said: “This is the best The Wellington has ever looked. I’m over the moon with how the refurbishment has turned out.
“I’m particularly happy that the iconic ceiling above the bar, which depicts The Battle of Waterloo, has been repaired and returned to its former glory.”
