260-year-old Rochdale property gets new lease of life as gastro-pub

A historic building in Rochdale that served as the town’s leading coach house in Victorian times is re-opening following a £200k refurbishment.

The grade II-listed former Wellington Hotel at Number One Drake Street, which has been empty for around five years, will launch as the Wellington pub this weekend after owners Mike and Sarah Howarth gave the three-storey site a new lease of life.

The property’s history dates back to 1750, when it was a private residence. It later became a girls’ boarding school, then the Duke of Wellington Hotel in 1810 and more recently the Nile nightclub.

Mike and Sarah, who also run Vicolo Del Vino wine bar and Benjamin’s Italian takeaway in Rochdale, will initially just serve just drinks but plan to reveal a traditional British menu by the end of the year. The duo own the business with local builder Darren Wright.

The Wellington will open on the ground floor initially. The second floor will eventually house a function room for weddings and other celebrations, due for completion in May 2018. The third floor will be available as office space for rent.

Mike said: “Rochdale has a got huge potential to be a real destination again and we want to be part of that.

“Vicolo Del Vino has been really popular since it opened, so we know there’s an audience for good quality food and drink in the town centre.”

He added: “The council is really pushing the regeneration and have been behind us every step of the way on this latest project.”

Speaking further, Mike said the Wellington will not be a “run-of-the-mill pub”.

He continued: “We’ve got beautiful features and each room will be themed. Some areas will be cosy, with 1920s-style lamps, while others will be like an old gentleman’s club from the Victorian period. The Wellington Hotel was the once the best pub in Rochdale and we want it to be the best pub in Rochdale once again.”

Rochdale Borough Council leader Cllr Richard Farnell commented: “The Wellington Hotel was originally open when Rochdale was a driving force in commerce and wealth creation.

“It’s feel very fitting that it has now re-opened as part of the regeneration of Rochdale, which has brought new forms of investment into the borough and points to a future which is even more exciting than its past. I wish Mike and Sarah every success with their new venture.”

The Wellington is opening on Saturday, August 26.