Cherington is just over three miles to the north of Tetbury and about a mile and a half east of Avening. The beer house detailed below was licensed to sell off sales only. It is likely that the premises (unnamed in the 1891 and 1903 licensing books) later became fully licensed as the Yew Tree. (to be confirmed)
Gloucestershire Echo, Thursday 17th November 1988 – Villagers lose battle to keep local pub: Villagers at Cherington near Cirencester have lost their campaign to keep their village pub. Cotswold District Council has agreed to allow a change of use application for the Cherington Inn to turn it into a private home despite a 150 signature petition from local residents objecting to the change. The pub was closed down in July because the owner Bondwheat Limited claimed they could not afford to keep it running. In a letter to the Cotswold District Council they said that in the first nine months of running the pub they had lost a huge amount of money due to lack of local support. They now plan to sell the pub and want to give the new owners the option of using the pub as a private house.
Villagers claim that the case was similiar to that at Coln St. Aldwyn where change of use to living accommodation was refused. But chief planning officer, Mr David Leigh, said the application was different from the New Inn into flats because Coln St. Aldwyn was central to the tourist area where the Cherington Inn was not. Mr Leigh told members of the planning committee that it could not be argued that closure of the pub would lead to a loss of vitality in Cherington because it had already closed down through lack of village support. He added that it was not possible to make anyone keep a business open.
Councillor Jo Clark said that the pub had relied on passing trade in the past and he said it had several owners in the last few years who had failed to make money from the business. “I do not think there is a future for the pub.”
Map Reference: ST 904987 (approx)
Licensing Details – Unnamed off-licence
Owner in 1891: Luke Lowsley (free from brewery tie)
Rateable value in 1891: £10.10s.0d.
Type of licence in 1891: Beerhouse (off sales only)
Owner in 1903: Jesse Hall
Rateable value in 1903: £10.7s.6d.
Type of licence in 1903: Beerhouse (off sales only)
Closing time in 1903:
Landlord:
1891,1903 Jesse Hall
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The Yew Tree Inn overlooked the valley and the Cherington Pond. It was described in the 1978 and 1980 editions of ‘Real Ale in Gloucestershire’ as a “small village pub with garden”. Wadworth 6X was sold on hand pump. Rather alarmingly I have ‘ticked’ the pub in my real guide indicating that I must have drunk there – but I have absolutely no recollection of the Yew Tree Inn whatsoever!
The Yew Tree changed its name to the Cherington.
The Cherington Inn was put up for sale by auction on Friday, 7th October, 1988 at 6pm. The particulars of sale noted that it was a freehold property with vacant possession which was ideal for residential use. (subject to planning approval). Whilst offering enormous potential to the private purchaser or developer. The property was described as an early 18th century Cotswold house. Listed Grade II, opposite the village green.
The Cherrington is believed to have closed in April 1989. The property is now residential and is called Yew Tree House.
Map Reference: ST 904987 (approx)