Copyright © 2004 the Brewery History Society

Well Furnished With Inns: Cobham's Brewery, Inns and Public Houses

by David C. Taylor

Appleton Publications 2002

ISBN 09536976 3 0; 66+VIIIpp 145x255mm softback

This profusely illustrated book from well known local historian and prolific author, David Taylor, covers a brief history of some 20 local public houses as well as that of Ashby's Cobham Brewery Co. Ltd., later renamed Cobham United Breweries Ltd following the merger with Savill & Co. Ltd of Shalford. The brewery, together with 33 pubs, was taken over by Watney, Combe, Reid and Co. Ltd. in 1922.

Included is the only photograph I have seen of this brewery, which made it a real bonus for me - I live in the next village. Many of the pubs described have long since disappeared, while a number of others have also done so to all intents and purposes as a result of the modern trend for theme pubs and restaurants.

Guides from the early 18c commented on Cobham's many inns – a result of being on the old Portsmouth Road, and in the middle of the 19th century a nonconformist minister described it as a place drenched in drink and wickedness! Food for thought for the current residents of this village in the heart of Surrey's stockbroker belt.

Each pub has its own chapter covering its history, together with related anecdotes and photographs. The book is well indexed, but suffers from the lack of a map, which would have been very helpful. The BHS makes a brief appearance, quite by chance. One day I happened to mention to the author that we had reprinted the Brewers Journal story of the brewery key, which was delivered in 1922 having been posted in Dartmouth in 1876. He was just off to the printers with the proof of the book and had one blank page – which duly filled with the story.

A very enjoyable and informative read.