The Wellington Steak & Martini Lounge will close for business as of June 20 after over six years in Mission Hills. The beef-centric restaurant will be remodeled and re-opened later this summer as Bar by Red Door - a fresh, bar-focused space by the same owner, with an emphasis on interactive cocktails and a mainly shared and small plates food menu.
The Wellington is the sister restaurant to The Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar, which prides itself on serving farm-to-table dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients from its own garden and from local ranchers, farmers and purveyors. In order to stay true to their mission to provide San Diego with locally grown sustainable food, owner Trish Watlington knew that The Wellington was in need of some major changes. The new concept will align with this focus on ethically sourced, local and sustainable ingredients. Details on the new design concept and bar name are still undetermined.
“We know The Wellington is loved by our community, but the beef heavy menu no longer fits our commitment to local sourcing,” said owner Trish Watlington. “Feedback from our neighbors is that Mission Hills is missing a true cocktail bar and comfortable gathering space, so we’re excited to bring something more progressive to the area. That, and we have to look to the future - what type of food will support a better San Diego ecosystem?”
Bar by Red Door is slated to open in mid-August 2016 with mixologist Brandt Stenberg at the helm of the bar program and Executive Chef Miguel Valdez introducing an upscale small plate menu. Cocktails will be progressive - think seasonal, garden-driven with a culinary-focus. In neighboring Red Door style, the bar team will be fun and welcoming, brimming with thorough drink knowledge and food pairing suggestions.
The Wellington is the sister restaurant to The Red Door Restaurant & Wine Bar, which prides itself on serving farm-to-table dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients from its own garden and from local ranchers, farmers and purveyors. In order to stay true to their mission to provide San Diego with locally grown sustainable food, owner Trish Watlington knew that The Wellington was in need of some major changes. The new concept will align with this focus on ethically sourced, local and sustainable ingredients. Details on the new design concept and bar name are still undetermined.
“We know The Wellington is loved by our community, but the beef heavy menu no longer fits our commitment to local sourcing,” said owner Trish Watlington. “Feedback from our neighbors is that Mission Hills is missing a true cocktail bar and comfortable gathering space, so we’re excited to bring something more progressive to the area. That, and we have to look to the future - what type of food will support a better San Diego ecosystem?”
Bar by Red Door is slated to open in mid-August 2016 with mixologist Brandt Stenberg at the helm of the bar program and Executive Chef Miguel Valdez introducing an upscale small plate menu. Cocktails will be progressive - think seasonal, garden-driven with a culinary-focus. In neighboring Red Door style, the bar team will be fun and welcoming, brimming with thorough drink knowledge and food pairing suggestions.
The Wellington will be open through dinner service on Father’s Day - Sunday, June 19. Stop in before they close. The Wellington Steak and Martini Lounge is located at 729 W. Washington Street in Mission Hills. For more information, visit thewellingtonsd.com.
