Home > Hampshire > Hambledon > New Inn New Inn
Date of photo: 2010	Picture source: Russell Judge
The New Inn was situated on West Street.
Source: Darkstar
When it closed around 2001 this was one of only two pubs remaining in the village which once had at least five pubs, plus the Bat and Ball a couple of miles to the east (still open), and two historic small breweries including Hartridges which ceased brewing in 1940 after bomb damage but continued to make soft drinks until recently. In its later years the New Inn was a time warp, but a very good village local with a loyal clientele and featuring regularly in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide until 2000. It latterly had no external signage, just the bracket where the pub sign once hung. The main building appears to be eighteenth century, but the pool room was in part of a low seventeenth century cottage on one side. Occasionally in wet winters the street outside became a winterbourne running with water and could flood the cellar and pool room. The eclectic internal decor dated from the 1960s with ‘Indian restaurant’ style crimson flock wallpaper in the lounge. There were also items from the village’s notable cricketing past on display including old curved bats. No food was served, nor was there music or other distractions, just good conversation, and the beer was remarkably good value. The pub closed very suddenly after the funeral of a family member, and stood empty for a number of years whilst schemes such as conversion to a wine bar came and went. The building deteriorated, but eventually in 2010 it was converted to housing and the old pub building preserved.
Chris Denham (April 2014)
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Other Photos
Date of photo: 1987	© Copyright Barry Shimmon and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence