The Greyhound Inn was built in 1660.
An ex-landlord at the pub (date unknown) was called Colin Pickford. He used his surname and the village name and made up the name Pickwick inn – it has no Dickensian connection.
The pub is located a few yards from the M5 motorway and Michealwood Service Station but access is along winding country lanes.
Towards the end of the 20th century the Pickwick Inn was trading as a free house. It was then acquired by Smiles Brewery of Bristol. In November 2000 the entire Smiles pub estate was bought by Youngs Brewery of Wandsworth, London.
The Pickwick Inn closed altogether c.2005. It was re-opened as a restaurant – The Pepper Pot – in March 2007. The pub is now an on-site restaurant at the adjoining Pepper Pot Caravan Park.
The Citizen, 29th March 1973 – Man attacked police outside public house: Two police constables were attacked by a man who refused to stop causing trouble after leaving a public house, Berkeley magistrates were told yesterday. The man (36), a labourer of Southlands, Tytherington, admitted assaulting PC Kenneth Wibberley in the execution of his duty and causing actual bodily harm. He also admitted assaulting PC Tankielun. The case was adjourned until 25th April for social reports.
Inspector Gerald Lewis, prosecuting, said two the officers went toto The Grehound, Wick, where they saw a number of people outside arguing and shouting. The defendant was asked several times to go home and stop causing trouble, but he continued shouting abuse. Then he kicked PC Wibberley on the shin and grabbed his right hand and struck it across the top of the police vehicle. In the struggle, OC Tarkeilun also suffered blows, said Inspector Lewis. When charged the defendant said: “I cannot weigh it up. I had been drinking heavily,”
Map Reference: ST 712958
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Lord Fitzhardinge (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1891: £28.10s.0d. (included 11 acres of land)
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Owner in 1903: Lord Fitzhardinge (free from brewery tie)
Rateable Value in 1903: £7.15s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse
Closing time in 1903:
Landlords include:
1891 Hester Newth
1902 John Smith
1903,1919 Harriett Smith
1927,1939 John L. Smith
Ted (Dusty) Millard
Colin Pickford
1997 Gerry and Denise Richards (left November 2003)
2003,2005 Julian and Lucinda Maynard
2007 Easton Hogben (Pepperpot)
