The Bush Inn stood on the corner of the junction with the main Monmouth – Chepstow road (A466) and the minor road from Newland. It straddled the border of Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire. As the Bush Inn was just in Wales the licensing records were lodged in Monmouth.
The Bush was once the ‘tap house’ of the Redbrook Brewery, which was located on the opposite side of the road – on the Gloucestershire side! Thomas Burgham took over the Redbrook Brewery in 1856 and he expanded the business to supply at least 22 licensed premises. The Bush Inn was in the portfolio of 18 freehold and 4 leasehold pubs that were put up for auction with the brewery on 8th December 1904.
The Redbrook Brewery and its pubs were taken over by Ind Coope & Allsopp of Burton on Trent in 1923. In 1939 their celebrated Burton Ales were still available at the Bush Inn.
The Citizen: 10th November 1989 – Call for bar to huge pub plan – A huge scheme to add conference facilities, a restaurant and a 14-bedrrom complex to a Forest of Dean pub has met fierce opposition from planners. The proposal for the Bush Inn, at Redbrook, has alarmed some Forest district councillors who were asked for their comments although the site is in Monmouth Borough. Members of the Forest South Area Planning Committee objected to the project on the grounds that it would detract from an attractive Wye Valley setting. They were also concerned about the planned parking facilities.
Councillor Norman Heath (Ind, St Briavels) said he was horrified by the proposed project. “This is an unspoilt piece of land and the country pub as it is fits quite well,” he added. But Councillor Ken Seymour (Dem. Broadwell) said that by careful screening with trees the scheme could be acceptable. “There is a need for the extra employment this extension would create.” He said.
The pub closed in the late 1980’s and the building is now in use as a Physiotherapy Studio.
Landlords at the Bush Inn include:
1856,1871 Phillip Jones
1902 John Wheeler
1906 Harry Reece
1919,1927 Edward John Smith
1939 Mirson James Dovey
1939 William Powell (listed in error as Bush Inn, Lydbrook)
