The name was changed to the Cheese Rollers in the early 1970’s. The Cheese Rolling tradition takes place every Whitsun at Coopers Hill two and a half miles to the south west of the pub. The tradition involves chasing a cheese down a precipitous 1 in 2 slope, literally head over heels. In 2000 the honour of winning the cheese went to Craig Brown, then landlord of the Gloucestershire Old Spot at Piffs Elm.
Courtesy Michael Wilkes
The Cheese Rollers closed temporarily in June 1988 for a £120,000 refurbishment when the inside was gutted to make way for a new bar, raised lounge platform, conservatory, large garden and children’s play area. It was reopened in late September and the event was celebrated with a 60 lb cheddar cheese.
Map Reference: SO 919183
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: John Sadler (leased Cheltenham Original Brewery)
Rateable value in 1891: £22.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Owner in 1903: Cheltenham Original Brewery
Rateable value in 1903: £22.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Landlords at the New Inn / Cheese Rollers include:
1856 John Evans
1868 Mr. Ratcliffe (listed as ‘of Shurdington, Victualler’ – he died in August 1868)
1871 Betsy Ratcliffe (widow)
1883 R. Baldwin
1885 Henry Clark
1891 Mary Ann Bateman
1902,1906 Cornelius Ahern
1919 Samuel Lindsey
1927,1939 George Bullock
1988 Maurice Assouline & Madeleine Land (Sept)
1988 (?) Malcolm and Susan Mitchell
