The Cross Hands was a tied house of Stibbs’ Albion Steam Brewery in Cheltenham before being acquired by the Cheltenham Original Brewery in 1897.  The Cross Hands was renamed the Kilkeney Inn many years ago. It is in an isolated spot  on the road junction with the A436 and the road to Andoversford. The minor roads to Dowdeswell and Foxcote also deviate away from the pub.

Courtesy David Hanks / Joe Stevens

I can recall drinking in the Kilkeney in the mid 1970’s. The beer on offer was the ubiquitous Whitbread P.A. (West Country Pale Ale). Every other Whitbread pub sold the beer and it was usually avoided in favour of more interesting beers from regional brewers., e.g. Wadworth of Devizes. The P.A. in the Kilkeney was different, however, as it was dispensed from the bar by electric pump rather than the usual handpull.

This page will be updated with additional information.

Map Reference: SP 088188

Licensing Details:

Owner in 1891: Stibbs & Co., Albion Steam Brewery, Albion Street, Cheltenham

Rateable value in 1891: £17.10s.0d. (includes two acres of land)

Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse

Owner in 1903: Stibbs & Co., Albion Steam Brewery, Albion Street, Cheltenham

Rateable value in 1903:  £17.10s.0d. (includes two acres of land)

Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse

Closing time in 1903: 10pm

Landlords at the Cross Hands / Kilkeney include:

1856 R. Ash

1885, 1919  Thomas Waring

1927 T. Davenport

1939 William Hy. Kilby

1991,1998 John Fennell

2007 Nigel White

2009 Kevin and Michele Johnston

Share this Page: