This page lists pubs/beerhouses which either brewed on the premises, or where it looks like they did so. Further research is required. Can you help?
FALCON INN, 28 King Street.
This was the King and Queen from the early 1840s.
William Brown was a brewer here from around 1834, which is when I believe brewing started. The 1839 and the 1843 directories, show him just as a beer retailer at 28 King Street. From then, he is a brewer, and by 1849 he is at the Falcon Brewery. However, the Hampshire Independent of 1st September 1849 refers to an application for a new licence by William Brown, who had lived in the town for 44 years, and for 20 years he had lived in the house then the subject of the licence. It had been a beershop for 19 years “and for 15 years had brewed his own beer”. No new Licence was granted, although sixteen others were. It was refused again in 1850.
In the 1852 directory William Brown is shown as a pensioner, and by 1855, brewing has passed to his Son Edward.
The Hampshire Advertiser of 24th October 1857 carries an advert for the letting of the free public house and three quarter brewery, (a brew of about 432 gallons at a time) with immediate possession. The Falcon Brewery in King Street was in full trade coming in about£150. Rent was £30pa. The 1857 Kelly’s Directory shows James Down here as an Innkeeper and brewer.
By January 1861, the Falcon Inn brewery is up for letting again, described as a free public house with dry skittle ground. On 9the February 1861, there was advertised for sale a nearly new, 2 Gallon Copper, working Squares, Coolers etc, prior to undergoing extensive alterations. It looks therefore as if brewing ceased and they concentrated on the business of an Inn.
The house was acquired by Crowley’s brewery in 1885
Five Courts Brewery, 33 French Street
According to Tony Gallagher in his book ‘Southampton’s Inns and Taverns’, this pub dated to 1834 and was known as The Ship Inn when Charles Page was landlord. It became known as the “Fives Court Brewery Bar” in the 1850s and 60s, when brewer John Crabb was licensee. It then reverted to the Ship Inn in the 1870s.
In Kelly’s Directory of 1857 we first find John Crabb, a brewer Five Courts Brewery 32 French Street. There are similar later entries, often including beer retailer. I cannot be sure when he left but in the 1867 Forbes directory, we find Thomas Hellhouse, a brewer and retailer at Five Courts brewery 32 French Street. He does not seem to have been there long as on 2nd May 1868 there is notice of an auction on the premises of the brewing plantcomprising a nearly new copper with large discharging cock, 2 stillions, mash tub, underback, several casks etc.
By the time of the 1871 Cox Directory, Henry Teague of 32 French Street is a brewer &retailer at the Five Courts Brewery.
The pub was ultimately bought by Pantons of Wareham, and then sold to Scrase’s Brewery.
GOLDEN BUTT, 81 Pound street (later Cannon Street) Shirley.
George Marsh is mentioned in the Licensing Sessions of August 1853when he applied in respect of a house and brewery at the back of the White Hart Shirley High Street. That road would have been Pound Street aka Cannon Street. It seems there were four pubs in that road, but as we see later, this was surely the Golden Butt. It certainly was not the White Hart Inn at Shirley High Street which was also brewing at about the same time (see the White Hart section on this page).
Directories from 1859 to 1869 show George Marsh as a grocer etc at Pound Road, and John Cox as a beer retailer at Pound Street
The Hampshire Advertiser of 17th October 1857 contains an auction notice for sale by the mortgagee on 22nd October, of the freehold premises comprising a 9 room dwellinghouse with brewhouse attached and brewing plant in the occupation of Mr Symonds at a rent of £25pa. Also, a bakehouse, garden and outbuildings occupied by Mr Wright at £25pa. The premises were in Pound Street Shirley, and to be sold in one lot.
In February 1861 two freehold houses were for sale, and attached to one was a brewery, where a good business was being done. Attached to the other was a bakery. Rental yield was £43. On 2nd November 1861 an advert appeared for letting of the business of ‘brewer baker, grocer and general dealer’. The brewery was fitted with a 2 quarter plant, (a brew of about 288 gallons at a time) with good cellarage, shop fixtures, brewing utensils rent and £40pa.
There was another sale announced on 7th March 1863 at Shirley, being a desirable freehold property, comprising two good houses, one used as a beershop, together with a small compact brewery, large yard, stable, etc, behind. The sale was again by the mortgagees. The dwellinghouse contained eight rooms, with a small yard, which was then unoccupied; estimated annual value £16. Also, another good dwellinghouse adjoining, used as a beerhouse, called the Golden Butt, which consisted of a bar, sitting room, parlour, four bedrooms, kitchen, washhouse with large baker's oven, and other offices. At the back was a small compact brewery, all in working order, together with large cellars, loft, two-stall stable, large yard, piggeries, etc with a side entrance into Oriental Street. This was then in the occupation of Mr. John Cox, a yearly tenant, and producing £27 per annum. The whole of the property was said to be very substantially built, and with a frontage to Pound Street of about 55 feet, and to Oriental Street of about 95 feet. The Brewing Plant and Tenant's fixtures were to be taken by the purchaser at valuation, or an amount to be agreed upon at the time of sale. At the back of the premises there was an excellent piece of garden ground, ‘which may be purchased for a trifling sum’.
All these sales refer to a large dwelling house, or two dwelling houses, with a brewery attached, as well as a bakery. The sales were of the freehold by the lenders, so whoever owned the property clearly had financial difficulties, and relied on rents from the various areas that they leased out. In 1863 the name Golden Butt appears, so I do not think it stretches imagination to say there was a brewery at the back of the Golden Butt, which may of course have only become a beerhouse later to sell the beer produced. On site was George Marsh, a baker and brewer, and John Cox a beer retailer. John Cox died in 1873, and the beerhouse was then run by his widow Elizabeth, a fact confirmed by Tony Gallagher in his book ‘Southampton Inns & Taverns’.
In November 1864, there was a Bankruptcy examination of George Marsh of Shirley, grocer and brewer. He had debts of £1,094 7s 2d.
Apart for the two newspaper references to George Marsh as a brewer, there is no direct evidence that I can find to confirm all of this. Confusingly we have references to Pound ‘Road’ and Pound ‘Street’, and to a Marsh and Symonds in occupation who I cannot find in directories. Directories have been known to be wrong(!).
By September 1874 Messrs Simonds & Co, Winchester, owned the pub, which was demolished in the 1960s.
NORTH STAR, 92 St Mary Street.
Tony Gallagher in his book ‘Southampton’s Inns and Taverns’ states that the North Star dates to 1851 when Alfred Ireland established a small brewery and beer shop at 14 Upper St Mary Street (the old address).
As we see in my Shirley Mills brewery page Alfred Ireland was a brewer at that brewery from 1871, but other than this, I can offer no further detail.
An interesting snippet before we leave. At the Licensing Sessions of August 1870, William Crumley was the landlord and there was a complaint that he had a rat pit in his house, and he had advertised a rat killing match to be held there. He said it did not take place and as soon as he found out that the Southampton Magistrates would not allow it, he abandoned it. He was able to keep his licence.
Oddfellows Arms, Later the Unicorn, 95 Princes Street
According to Tony Gallagher in his book ‘Southampton’s Inns and Taverns’, the Oddfellows was “not in character with the rest of the area” so a new pub, the Unicorn was later erected on the site.
The only clue to this being a brewery lies in the Hampshire Advertiser of 10th January 1852, in a report from the Insolvency Court, Re Parsons. A petition was filed on behalf of Mr. George Parsons, late of the Oddfellow's Arms, Northam, brewer and beer retailer. There then follows a list of debts. The cause of insolvency was stated to be losses incurred in farming and brewing. The creditors chiefly resided in Southampton and its vicinity.
At a later hearing in January 1852, he was then of 10 New Road, and the house was listed as in Princes Street. He was ‘too ill’ to attend his examination.
In my page for Chapel Brewery, run by Robert Loosemore senior I say that the 1853 directory Robert Loosemore junior was at the Northam Brewery Princes Street Northam. I cannot say for certain that he came to the Oddfellows, but Parsons was a brewer and became insolvent shortly before Loosemore is mentioned.
In the Hampshire Independent of 4th February 1854, there appears an auction sale notice for brewing plant and utensils of the “Northam Brewery”. This included a 160-gallon dome Copper, with two other of smaller sixes, and 800 gallons of prime beer. There were also large vats, barrels, and hogsheads, a 20-bushel mash tub, hop press, a malt mill, underback and working square. A ‘quarter’ of malt is about 8 bushels, so this was a 2 ½ quarter brewery (approx.) brewing about 360 gallons at a time.
The Hampshire Advertiser reports that in the Licensing Sessions of 1st September 1855, John Snook Junior applied for a licence for the Unicorn Brewery. The Hampshire Independent however refers to his application for a house in Union Street!
If I am right, the George Parsons who brewed at the Oddfellows Arms, became bankrupt, and Loosemore jun took over. He sold up in early 1854 and John Snook took over.
In the licensing session 1870, the house belonged to Barlows. It was later owned by Forder & Co.
ONSLOW INN, 29, Onslow Rd Newtown.
Tony Gallagher lists the Onslow Hotel in Onslow Road, but the few references I see refer to the Onslow Inn. He also says it was leased to Eldridge Pope from September 1844.
As seen in the entry for the Oriental Arms, Frederick Pink Grossmith is in the 1859 directory as Innkeeper. By 1861, he is listed as an Innkeeper at the Onslow Inn Onslow Road.
The licence for the Onslow Inn was transferred from Thomas Chivers to Frederick Pink Grossmith in April 1859.
In the Hampshire Advertiser of 25th February 1860, there appears a notice of his insolvency, re Mr Grossmith described as “late of Lower East Street, brewer and licensed victualler and now of the Onslow Inn Onslow Road Newtown. Business failed as a result of illness.”
These entries are at a time when Eldridge Pope had a lease, so I cannot be certain that brewing took place here, unless of course Grossmith worked for them, or perhaps the 1844 date is a typo.
PORTSWOOD HOTEL, 1 Albert Place Bevois, corner with Dukes Road.
Later 134 Bevois Valley Road. Became the Hobbit.
The only directory entries appear in 1861, and 1863 when Andrew White, brewer, at Bevois Hill is mentioned. In the same year the Hampshire Independent of 4th July advertises the brewery department of the Portswood Hotel for sale “by Mr. White (having let the Hotel)” This was to be a sale by auction upon the premises for the whole of the excellent nearly new three quarter brewing plant (a brew of about 430 gallons at a time), a 4 barrel Copper, three quarter mash tun with cast iron bottom by Pontifex, copper wort pump, malt mill, pair of hand trucks, division square, hop back cooler, underback, 9 Hogsheads 18 barrels, 8 Kilderkins, 8 Firkins, 13 pins, a small quantity of old beer and draught and bottled stout
Arthur white had the licence transferred to him in 1859, and in August 1863, there is a transfer of the licence of the Portswood Hotel from Arthur White to William Kennedy.
There are adverts for the sale of fixtures and fittings etc in 1854 and 1859, but without any reference to brewing equipment. The 1863 Auction notice I set out above specifically refers to the ‘brewery department’ of the hotel so it may well be there were 2 businesses operating from the same premises; Hotel and bar, and brewery.
PRINCE OF WALES, 7-9 Crown St Shirley (Corner with High Street).
Directories of 1863, 1865 and 1867 list ‘Waterman W, Crown Street Shirley’, and in 1867, the Prince of Wales at 7-9 Crown Street is named, but with no reference to brewing.
The only clue lies in newspaper reports of 3rd December 1859, when it was reported thatMr Waterman had proposed to present to the Corporation his 14-gun battery of three pounders and 16 flags of different nations on two conditions 1. It was called the Southampton Artillery Battery and 2 “that he being a journeyman brewer at Shirley should be employed to superintend and keep the guns clean at a reasonable annuity”. The proposal was referred to the General Purposes committee.
As a journeyman brewer he may have brewed for a number of outlets. In June 1863 there is reference in newspapers to ‘Waterman’s brewery’.
PRINCE OF WALES, Wellington Road Freemantle.
According to Tony Gallagher in his book ‘Southampton’s Inns & Taverns’ this beerhouse was later known as the Princess of Wales, at 5/7 Wolseley Road, after the Princess (later Queen) Alexandra.
The Hampshire Independent of 8th September 1860 refers to the Prince of Wales Freemantle, when the landlord, Mr J C Munday, applied for a licence of his house with accommodation. There was said to be room for ten horses with an adjoining coach house, and the house itself with eleven rooms “and brewery annexed”. Mr Munday had kept the inn as a beer house for several years (later reports say 12 years) and had conducted it properly. “He brewed his own beer and the property was his own”. This licence was not granted.
A year later on 14th September 1861, Mr J C Munday applied again for a licence for the Prince of Wales Inn. It was said that the landlord was the owner and occupier “and brewed his own beer in a brewery attached”. He had kept it for past years and had for 2-3 years applied unsuccessfully for a licence. The landlord of the Freemantle Hotel objected as it was only 150 yards away. The decision was delayed a week so that magistrates could visit the area before making a decision on this, and two other houses in Freemantle (the Star and the Duke of Wellington). On 21st September it was reported that the magistrates had considered the distances between the houses, the local population and how it may increase, and granted licences to all three houses.
By February 1864, newspapers carried a notice for the letting or sale of a free public house and brewery known as the Prince of Wales Wellington Road Freemantle. It was ‘fitted for trade and domestic’, and doing a good business that could be increased. There was cellarage, a skittle alley, and a brewery conveniently arranged with an ample supply of excellent water. There was also stabling, a coach house, piggeries etc. The estate was freehold with a garden and paddock.
Directories do not help, but in 1859, 1861 and 1863, J C Munday was a grocer in Freemantle, so he, like so many other beerhouse keepers, may well have had more than one occupation.
RAILWAY TAVERN, 12 Blechynden Terrace.
The Hampshire Advertiser of 15th November 1856 carries an advert as follows; “To be sold, a bargain a Quarter brewing plant nearly new, complete in good condition and fit for immediate use. To be seen at the Railway Tavern Mount Street Blechynden Southampton”.
In his book ‘Southampton’s Inns & Taverns’, Tony Gallager puts this Tavern at no 12 Blechynden Terrace. Richard Taylor, who took over the Slaters Brewery (See the Slaters page) was listed as a brewer at No 10 Blechynden Terrace in 1861. Further research required.
ROSE AND CROWN INN, Highcrown Street Highfield (then known as Crown Street).
According to Tony Gallagher in his book ‘Southampton’s Inns and Taverns’, this Inn dates to the 1840s when J Colwell was the landlord, and it closed in the 1880s. Directories from 1843 to 1853 do indeed show James Colwell here, but not as a brewer. Newspapers only make brief reference to a brewery.
James Colwell died in October 1850 leaving a son Charles. At the August 1851 Licensing Sessions, Charles applied for a Licence, which was rigorously opposed by a number of parties, including the Church as usual. It was said that the licence would have bene granted the previous year, but for the illness of the previous occupier. In favour this time were GPs who set out reasons why is was necessary for a house selling wines and spirits. In cases of urgency or sickness, the poorer inhabitants, who could not keep their own supplies, had to rely on the benevolence of a magistrate, Colonel Crabb, who was also now opposing this application. There was no house between the Cowherds and the pubs of Portswood. The Licence was granted.
The Hampshire Advertiser of 21st January 1854 runs an advert for the letting of the Rose and Crown Inn at Highfield which was “free of wine spirits and beer”. There was a bar, two parlours, a tap room etc and “attached is a brewery with plant nearly new and in excellent working condition with stables and good dry skittle ground in yard.” Rent was moderate and there was to be immediate possession. Two dwelling houses were attached with rental income. “apply Charles Colwell on the premises or….”. The advert was rerun on 11th February 1854, adding that the Inn was situate in the centre of the village, and had ample cellarage.
In August 1854, the licence was transferred from Charles Colwell to John Waldren. I assume it was Waldron who acquired the premises in 1854, because in the Hampshire Advertiser of 20th September 1856, the Rose and Crown Inn Highfield was auctioning “the brewing plant fixtures utensils and furniture of the above Inn, comprising a large copper coolers underback and fittings of a compact brewery, general fixtures furniture etc”. Whoever had bought wanted to stop brewing and was selling just the plant.
There was a dispute relating to a legacy under the Will of James Colwell reported in October 1854. “There was no beer, the stock had run out” was a point made when clarifying debts and distribution.
ROYAL EXCHANGE Tavern, 47 James Street (Corner of Grove Street).
This beerhouse dates back to the 1840’s. The Hampshire Independent of 1st May 1841 carries a notice of auction by the trustees of George Brown. Lot 17 was the equity of redemption in the freehold property, the Royal Exchange beerhouse in James and Grove Streets, and four houses adjoining in James Street with an excellent brewery in the rear, a skittle alley, stabling for 8 horses, and a large yard and other ‘appurtenances in the various occupation of Messrs Hattatt, Shepherd, King & Jackman at the very low rent of £79.18s. pa. Note the surname of three brewers, Hattatt, Shepherd and King.
There was no sale and all lots were advertised again. I believe George Brown was a timber merchant and dealer, and was subject to bankruptcy proceedings.
SHAKESPEARE’S HEAD, 25 French Street.
The only reference to brewing is in the 1839 auction notice.
In newspapers of 23rd April 1831, there was an auction notice for the sale of a substantial, roomy freehold house, with extensive back buildings in French Street, opposite the theatre and near the quay, unless previously disposed of by private contract. There was also, a spacious cellar, offices, and all fixtures belonging to the landlord, “now the occupation of Mr, Thomas Nowlan, as yearly tenant thereof. The properly advantageously situated for trade”.
This was a sale of the freehold and Thomas Nowlan clearly continued his tenancy, as in the Hampshire Independent of 10 August 1839 there is a similar auction notice of this “Eligible freehold Investment”. The owners were the Assignees of Mr. Philip Clement Nicolle, and Lot 1 was a ‘desirable freehold dwellinghouse and premises used as an ale or victualling house, being No. 25, situate in French Street now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Nowlan brewer, at the yearly tent of £36’. There were 8 other Lots of houses.
The 1836 and 1839 Fletcher directories list Thomas Nowlan as a brewer with an address of “Union Street”.
In November 1881 the Shakespeare’s Head was owned by Aldridge’s brewery, and was available for letting. By Aug 1893, the landlord had been summoned for permitting the licensed house to be used as a brothel.
SLATER’S ARMS, later the Pure Drop, 11/12 Broad Street
This beerhouse was previously 2 buildings, nos. 11 and 12 and almost opposite the Fawn Tavern, which had its own brewery (See the Fawn Tavern Page). I can only find one reference to brewing here.
In the Hampshire Advertiser of 15th February 1862, George Flood, “the keeper of thebeershop called the Slater’s Arms in Broad Street” was charged with unlawfully selling beer on a Sunday. On 6th April the same year the Hampshire Independent reports the forthcomingauction of a beerhouse known as the Slater’s Arms in the occupation of Mr George Flood.
The 1863 PO Directory lists ‘Long George T, brewer Broad Street Kingsland’. He is listed at No 11 with three others. Two were tailors, and the third was George Flood.
In the Hampshire Independent of 30th May 1863 there is reference to the landlord of a pub in South Front Kingsland Place being charged for keeping the beerhouse open beyond hours. There was a brewery attached. George Sealy Long was the landlord but said that he ‘superintended’ the beerhouse but left the retail side to his servant (Mr Flood).
By deduction we can see that this beerhouse did brew beer, at least in 1863. According to Tony Gallagher, there was a murder here in the 1880s. It was later owned by Ashby’s Eling brewery.
Broad Street was well served by breweries/brewers. First, John Mears who I cannot find in directories but Dave Marden in his book Southampton’s Old Kingsland and St Mary Street says he was a brewer at No 3. Second, James Exall is listed at 4 Broad Street Kingsland in 1865 and 1867 directories.
Third, there is also reference to a large brewery which was probably not the Fawn Tavern. (see my Houndwell brewery page). Fourth, the Fawn Tavern.