The difference in annual rateable values between 1891 and 1903 is just five pounds and ten shillings but this might signify major alterations at the Phoenix Inn in those intervening twelve years. The simple brick frontage was rendered with ashlar blocks and the Stroud Brewery Company went to considerable expense in commissioning new etched windows, an attractive central oriel window and an elaborate wooden sign, which was fixed onto the roof.
Compare and contrast the above photographs. The card displayed in the right hand side window of the un-rebuilt Phoenix Inn advertises cider. Of interest in the second photograph is the precarious wooden scaffolding secured by lengths of rope. No evidence of hi-vis jackets and protective helmets in those days!
The landlord of the Phoenix Inn after the First World War was Wilfred Budding. He was a distance relative of Edwin Budding, the inventor of the lawn mower. The Stroud Brewery, located just a few yards away, now brews an excellent beer called Budding!
The building, on the east side of London Road, is now called Phoenix House. It is in use as a fishing tackle shop called Reel Bargains.
Map Reference: SO 862033
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Stroud Brewery
Rateable value in 1891: £15.0s.0d
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse
Owner in 1903: Stroud Brewery
Rateable value in 1903: £20.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Landlords at the Phoenix Inn include:
1891 Augustus Cullimore
1903 George Cullimore
1919? Wilfred Budding
1939 Maud Beatrice Budding (from the Red Lion at Swells Hill?)
