AFTER 11 months of anticipation and speculation, The Wellington pub in Welwyn officially reopens on Monday.

Closed since last June, when it was gutted by fire caused by an electrical fault, the 13th century pub and restaurant has been undergoing extensive restoration works.

Now, to the delight of villagers, the High Street establishment will open its doors at noon.

Owner Chris Gerard said: “We are re-opening bigger and better than before with old favourites on the menu, our wine list pretty much unaltered and with most of the same waiting staff.

“We have worked hard to maintain the traditional beauty of the building with the comforts of modern day living.”

He added: “I look forward to great food and wine in familiar surroundings with old friends.”

To kick of the launch, Mr Gerard has employed Sukh Aujla as head chef – trained by Gary Rhodes.

Sukh used to work at Gary Rhodes’ first restaurant, The Greenhouse in Mayfair.

“It was the training I received there that set my future culinary standards,” said Sukh, whose CV also includes working as a senior chef de partie at the five-star Savoy Hotel in London, under the famous German chef Anton Eldermann.

Sukh added: “I was attracted to The Wellington because of Chris Gerard’s vision of what a great restaurant should be and of course, this beautiful medieval building.

“I want to give guests what they want and love meeting them and asking their opinion!”

For more information on The Wellington visit www.wellington-atwelwyn.co.uk