In 1891 the premises is listed in the licensing records as having ‘no sign.’ It was called the New Inn in the 1903 licensing records. In latter years it was known as the Plate of Elvers. In the 1960’s the pub had an annual Elver Feast, years before the traditional Severnside delicacy became priced out of the Gloucestershire market. Stroud MP Anthony Kershaw made last minute attempts to prevent the closure, but the Plate of Elvers called last orders for the last time in 1972. It is now a private residence with nothing to indicate that it was once a pub.
Gloucester Journal, Saturday 23rd June 1900 – Bruton, Knowles & Co. are instructed by the trustees of Mrs Augusta Weyman, deceased, to sell by auction at the Bell Hotel, Gloucester, on Saturday 30th June 1900, at 2 for 3 o’clock.
Lot 1. The New Inn, Longney, a valuable freehold licensed property, situated on the main road from Longney to Frampton-on-Severn, with outbuildings, good garden, orchard, and a piece of pasture land adjoining, the whole containing about 3 acres. Let to Messrs Arnold Perrett & Co., on lease at the yearly rent of £27. There is a good supply of water. This lot is subject to a Corn Rent of eight shillings per annum, payable to the Lords of the Manor.
Gloucester Citizen, Wednesday 23rd February 1921 – Fretherne: A meeting was held at the Darrell Arms Hotel of the committee of the Fretherne, Saul and District Flower Show and Regatta. After a lengthy sebate it was unanimously resolved to hold a series of concerts etc, throughout the district to raise funds for the coming year. The first of these was held at the New Inn, Longney, on Saturday evening and was much appreciated, several young ladies travelling from Cheltenham to entertain the company.
The Citizen: 17th February 1972. ‘Anger over move to close Longney’s pub’
Villagers of Longney are angry with a move by Whitbread Flowers Ltd. to close their only pub – the Plate of Elvers. Whitbread want to close the pub doors when the landlord for the past 20 years, Mr Bert Attridge, retires, because they say it is ‘uneconomical’.
“The villagers are disappointed and baffled because they feel there is no justification for the decision,” Mr John Fisher, clerk of the parish council, told the Citizen. “I have been told ‘The Plate of Elvers’ has a higher turnover than any other pub in the locality.”
A quarter of the village turned out to discuss the fate of the pub, famous for its elver eating competition, at a public meeting.
Mr Fisher is contacting Whitbread’s today to ask them to reconsider, but says that if the brewery stand by their original decision he will write to them pointing out factors in favour of keeping the pub open. “If the Plate is shut down,” added Mr Fisher, “the people of Longney and Elmore will have to travel to the Anchor at Epney. Those from Elmore will have to walk about four miles, and even if they went by car, facilities for car parking at Epney are small. I shall also point out that Longney has no village hall and the pub is used as a centre for a number of meetings. I also understand that two or three people have offered to take over the tenancy. The elver season begins in about a month’s time and this, coupled with the name of the pub, will produce a lot of extra trade.”
The pub was renamed from the New Inn about four years ago.
Mr I.H. Smith, of Whitbread, said the pub was uneconomic, and because the locality was adequately served with others, it had been decided to close the Plate of Elvers when Mr Attridge retired. “We are in an age when we want fewer and better public houses,” he said. “There’s no point in keeping uneconomic houses open.
Licensing Details:
Rateable Value in 1891: £23.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse
Owner in 1891: Richard Weyman (free from brewery tie)
Rateable Value in 1903: £19.13s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse
Owner in 1903: John Arnold & Sons, High Street, Wickwar
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Landlords at the New Inn / Plate of Elvers include:
1891 Richard Weyman
1903 Charles Smith
1939 Aaron Rogers
1952-1972 Bert Attridge
