A pub at the heart of a Wiltshire town has been reopened by a TV chef after a refurbishment.

The Wellington Arms, on Marlborough High Street, closed in September for “three to four weeks” of refurbishment but remained shut until late November.

Now the pub has been reopened by Max Halley, a regular on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, and his business partner Ethan Davids, a publican from Salisbury.

The doors of the venue opened again on Friday, November 24, after renovation works were completed.

The pair plan to move away from the gastropub model towards a more traditional type of pub, focusing on serving lager, local ales, scampi fries, and pickled eggs, rather than a food menu.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Wellington Arms, MarlboroughWellington Arms, Marlborough (Image: Newsquest)

Extensive renovations have been carried out to the inside of the Grade II listed building, including the addition of eclectic artwork, traditional pub tables, and banquette seating.

Mr Davids said: “The traditional wet-led city boozer has faced an uncertain future in recent years.

“As a result, some have tried to reinvent the wheel to ensure its survival.

“We’re doing the exact opposite and focusing on the basics - making sure the Wellington is a place for deep laughs, beautiful pints, and pickled eggs.”

They previously opened The Five Bells in Salisbury and The Sam Wellers in Bath after teaming up in 2021.