BRITANNIA BREWERY

Britannia Hotel 20 Marine Parade Northam 

Brewing started                      Prior to 1848

Brewing ceased                      Probably 1853

This establishment was named after the nearby Britannia Wharf on the River Itchen. It looks as if Mr Pritchard was the owner of the freehold and sought tenants, some of whom brewed. In 1847 there was an advert for the sale by auction of the household furniture and effects of the Hotel. On 9th October 1847, G Warr announces his ‘opening dinner’ at the Britannia, however in the October 1848 transfer sessions the Licence was transferred from George Warr to Edwin Pritchard, who is shown at this address in 1851. Pritchard is never shown as a brewer, and in fact he was a lime and cement merchant. 

This Hotel had been a brewery, perhaps when G Warr was in occupation. In the Hampshire Independent of 26th February 1848, there is an auction notice for a sale in two lots by order of the mortgagee under a power of sale (ie an enforced sale by the lender) of all that “Leasehold, new, and substantially built 5 quarter (a brew of about 720 gallons a time) brewery known as the " Britannia Brewery," with the dwelling-house and appurtenances adjoining, situate in Durkin's Yard, in the Town of Southampton, together with the yard fronting the said brewery. The whole of the plant and fixtures belonging to the said brewery to be taken at a valuation by the purchaser. The above property is held for the term of forty years from the 12th day of December, 1834, (except the last day of the said term), at and under the yearly rent of eighty pounds”.

Six months later, in July 1848 there is an advert for the letting of a free public house. The Britannia Hotel Marine Parade was described as in an excellent situation for business, and rapidly improving.  The house had recently been re-modelled at a considerable expense. A small brewery, which was nearly completed, was attached. Apply to Mr. E. Pritchard, Britannia Wharf, Southampton.

The Hampshire Independent of 9th March 1850 contains an auction notice re the Britannia Brewery and Tradesman Arms beershop in Canal Walk. This was for the household goods, stock-in-trade, and fixtures, of the premises, together with a capital eight motion beer engine, eight-day dial, bagatelle board 40 barrels of strong beer and a quantity of other articles. 

Henry King makes an announcement in the Hampshire Independent of 5th June 1852 in respect of the Britannia Hotel and Brewery. “Henry King begs to inform his numerous friends, and the public generally, that he has taken the above Hotel…… The Cellar contains a large stock of the best foreign Wines and Stouts; Cordial and Whiskey from the most noted distilleries. Barclay's London Stout, etc The famous beer for which this House under the late proprietor, became so celebrated is brewed on the premises and every case will be taken to maintain its well-earned reputation. NB families supplied with these genuine ales. Good beds and airy bedrooms.”

In the 1853 Post Office directory “King, Henry Britannia Wharf” is listed under brewers. He is also shown as a brewer, hop and spirit merchant at the Britannia Hotel, but is not listed as an innkeeper. He does not appear in 1863 directories.