The Chronicle and Courier, 16 September, 1921.

Lamberhurst Brewery Estate.

Important sale at Tunbridge Wells.

One of the biggest sales of licensed houses held in the provinces in recent years was conducted by Messrs. Wickenden and Sons at the Pump Room, Tunbridge Wells, on Friday, when the Lamberhurst Brewery Estate, comprising 68 lots, came Under the Hammer. Brewers and others interested in the trade were present from all parts of the country, the company number in between 3 and 400 people. Mr. Charles Wickenden, the auctioneer, expressed pleasures at seeing such a large and influential company. The announcement of the sale had caused somewhat of a sensation, and he explained that the tenants of Messrs. Smith and Co., (Lamberhurst), Ltd., very much regretted the retirement of Mr. P Alan Simpson, the Managing Director of the Company, in which he had played so active and prominent a part for many years. The concern had grown to such an extent, that Mr. Simpson had decided to take a well-earned rest, and intended to devote himself to farming and stock breeding, and which he was already largely interested. Mr. Wickenden added that his firm had been complimented on the production of the particulars, and after referring to one or two alterations in the conditions respecting one or two lots he proceeded to offer the 68 properties in one lot. Bidding started at £68,000, and promptly rose to £100,000. By Rises of £5,000, £150,000 was reached, when the auctioneer announced that if that was the idea of the value of the property he was sadly at fault as to the worth of it. Before proceeding to offer the lot separately, Mr. Wickenden referred to the removal of vexations trade restrictions, and to moderations in the licensing law, and in view of further concessions and the promise of a reduction in excise duties expressed the opinion that the prospects of the Trade were never brighter. Judging from the recent reports of London and country brewers, the good times, which had been attained for some time past seemed likely to continue and even improve, and he thought these facts should give every confidence.

54 lots were sold for an aggregate amount of £134,610, and we understands that most of the lots which did not quite reach the reserve have since been disposed off, the total sales now exceeding £150,000. The highest figure was £7,000 for the "Queen's Head," Bexhill. The "Fountain," Tunbridge Wells, a freehold beerhouse, fetched the high figure of £5,200 and the local properties generally sold well £1,200 each was the sum obtained for freehold full "off" retail licensed premises at Pembury and Wadhurst, while for the quaint freehold beerhouse known as the "Toad Rock Retreat," Rusthall, £3,000 was secured. In view of the fact that the properties were not sold as one lot, with the option of purchasing the Lamberhurst Brewery, etc. and the "George Hotel," Lamberhurst, adjoining the latter property was not offered. The lots sold were:-

"Chequers," Biddenden £1,000

"Railway Hotel, Rye, £2,600

"Castle Inn," Pevensey Bay, £777

"Plough Inn," Westfield, £900

"Three Oaks," Guestling, £875

"George" Robertsbridge, £5,950

"Railway Inn," Eridge, £1,500

"Wheatsheaf," Jarvis Brook, £1,600

"Kings Arms," Rotherfield, £1,900

"The Bull," Tunbridge Wells, £2,050

"Fountain," Tidebrook, Wadhurst, £900

"Miners Arms," Wadhurst, £725

"London Trader," Hastings £400

"Prince of Wales," Heathfield, £2,500

"White Hart," Burwash, £1,200

"Railway Hotel," Etchingham, £1,600

"Station Tavern, Tonbridge, £5,500

"91, London Road," Southborough, £250

"British Queen," St. Leonards, £3,500

"New Inn," Sidley, Bexhill, £1,600

"Queen's Head, Bexhill, £7,000

"Wheatsheaf," St. Leonards, £4,000

"Kings Head," Five Oak Green £4,960

"Brewers' Arms, Mayfield, £1,450

"Carpenters' Arms, Mayfield £1,250

"Red Lion," Tunbridge Wells, £2,500

"Railway Hotel," Battle, £3,200

"Toad Rock Retreat," Rusthall, £3,000

"White Hart," Rusthall, £2,600

"Wellington Arms," Hawkhurst, £2,000

"Best Beech," Wadhurst, £3,400

"Ye Olde Kings Head," Battle, £1,300

"Swan," Lamberhurst, Down, £3,500

"Sawyers' Arms," Hawkhurst, £400

"Royal Oak," Pembury, £4,880

"King's Arms," Horsmonden, £4,250

"Railway Hotel," Cranbrook, £3,500

"Royal Oak," Flimwell, £2,150

"Rising Sun," Lamberhurst, Down £1,700

"Rail," Ticehurst, £2,700

"Vine," Goudhurst, Kent, £4,600

"Swiss Cottage," Pembury, £1,200

"Woods Green," Wadhurst, £1,200

"Gousley Wood," Wadhurst, £560

"Town House, Horsmonden, £4,700

"Railway Inn," Tunbridge Wells, £4,800

"Balaclava," Wadhurst, £2,900

"Fountain," Tunbridge Wells, £5,000

"Star," Mayfield £3,000

"Rose and Crown, Beckley, £525

"Spotted Cow," Wadhurst, £2,150

"Railway Hotel," Mayfield, £3,100

"Wheelwrights Arms," Matfield, £850

"New Eight Bells," Robertsbridge, £2,500

Among the purchasers were the Dartford Brewery Companies., two Croydon Brewery Companies, Messrs. Kelsey, Messrs. Robinson and Son, Kemptown Brewery Co. (Brighton), Messrs. King and Barnes (Horsham) Messrs. Tamplin, Brighton Brewery Co. Messrs. Kenwood and Court (Hadlow) and Messrs. Leney (Dover). There were a number of private purchases and some of the lots were knocked down to the tenants.

The lots are offered at the rate of 15 an hour, for sale lasting from 11 a.m. till 4:30, including an interval for lunch. The auctioneers were congratulated on the successful results.

The brewery private residence and Lamberhurst property and the rolling stock and plant, will be the subject of another sale at an early date.