It is thought that the Woolpack Inn has been a pub since 1670 and was once used as a staging post for the drays carrying fleeces from Bisley. It is situated in the picturesque Slad Valley and will be forever associated with the late author Laurie Lee and his book ‘Cider with Rosie.’
The Citizen: Friday, August 2nd, 1991 – Novel bar: A new ‘Cider with Rosie’ bar has just opened in the Woolpack in Slad. The village is home to famous writer Laurie Lee who wrote the novel.
Laurie Lee used to regularly drink at the Woolpack and in the summer he would sit in the garden and use his mobile phone to order another half a pint (in a mug) of his favourite West Country PA. The landlord, David Tarrant, was instructed to let the phone ring twice and not pick it up. He would then have to take Laurie Lee’s beer out to him. A very privileged customer! Laurie Lee died in May 1997 – just a few months after West Country Pale Ale ceased to be brewed in Cheltenham.
David Tarrant was the pubs saviour in 1987 when the then owners, Whitbread, wanted to sell it without a licence and convert it to a desirable country residence. After twelve successful years at the Woolpack David sold it to Dan Chadwick.
The Woolpack Inn has had a long and successful association with the Uley Brewery and the excellent beers are on tap. Occasionally a beer called Laurie Lee’s Bitter is available.
This page will be updated with additional information.
https://www.thewoolpackslad.com
Map reference: SO 872073
Licensing Details:
Owner in 1891: Elizabeth Bond (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1891: £8.0s.0d
Type of licence in 1891: Alehouse
Owner in 1903: Stroud Brewery
Rateable value in 1903: £8.0s.0d.
Type of licence in 1903: Alehouse
Closing time in 1903: 10pm
Landlords at the Woolpack Inn include:
1856 Richard Bond (Richard died in 1877)
1885,1891 Mrs Elizabeth Bond (widow)
1903,1906 George William Davis
1919 William Tilley
1927 Thomas H. Smith
1939 Stanley Hy. Hinton
? Richard Covington
1983 Aubrey Covington
1986-1999 David Tarrant
1999 Dan Chadwick
2002, 2003 Richard and Hilary Bolton
2007 Joe Reed
2008 Jonathon Byford
