Tim's One Photograph a Day

Former Phoenix Brewery, Bartholemew Street, Newbury.

Phoenix Brewery buildings.

Former Phoenix Brewery buildings, Newbury.

Former brewery site in Bartholemew Street.

As I have commented before, often the clues of previous history of a building are there. Clues here are the name of the building, Phoenix House, the wide driveway to the right-hand side, with the arch overhead – plus the buildings behind.

This was once the Phoenix Brewery in Newbury. The emblem above the arch is also a good clue! Not technically a “Ghost Sign”, as these are painted.

The two-storey brewers house fronting Bartholemew Street dates back to the 17th Century, and is one of the oldest buildings in Newbury. In what would have been the yard is a two-storey beerhouse and a three-storey brewhouse. The latter can just be seen through the driveway, with its loading bay on the top floor.

Hops would have been hoisted up to the top floor. It would have contained a grain mill (hence its mill-like appearance), water tanks and malt stores. On the first floor would have been an engine room and the tuns, the ground floor well, pumps, boiler and stores for the barrels.

The Phoenix Brewery was founded in the early 19th Century by the Finn family. It operated until 1923, when it was taken over by Ushers of Trowbridge, and the buildings converted for storage.

In the early 2000s, the brewhouse became a restaurant and bar. However, it ran into problems when an entertainment licence was refused in 2004. In 2008, it became serviced apartments.

The whole of the Phoenix Brewery complex was listed Grade II in November 1981.

Photograph Details

  • Taken: 29 Mar 2017
  • Camera: Canon 5D MkIII
  • Lens: Canon EF 24-70mm 1:2.8 L II USM
  • Focal Length 30mm
  • F/4.5
  • 1/40 Sec
  • ISO 100

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