The story of Gloucestershire’s brewing past will be brought vividly to life this May as St Paul’s Church in Whiteshill hosts a special “Brewing Weekend,” celebrating the pubs, breweries and colourful characters that shaped the social history of the Five Valleys.
Residents and visitors are invited to step back in time and explore the rich brewing heritage of the area during this unique community event.
The weekend begins on Friday 15 May at 7:30pm with an engaging illustrated talk by local speaker Michael Smith, who will delve into the fascinating history of pubs and breweries that once thrived across the region. From the mid-17th century onwards, the Five Valleys were home to a vibrant mix of small family breweries, commercial enterprises, and home brewing traditions.
Michael’s talk will bring this history to life through stories of the inns and breweries that shaped the community, as well as the colourful landlords and landladies who became local characters. Accompanied by a slideshow of historic images, the presentation will transport audiences from the 1700s through to the present day.
The event continues over the weekend with a free exhibition on Saturday and Sunday (12:00–4:00pm) inside the church. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to view a unique collection of brewing memorabilia dating back to the 18th century, many items of which are being displayed publicly for the first time. The collection belongs to Martyn Smith, a knowledgeable local historian of Gloucestershire’s brewing industry, who will be on hand to speak with visitors.
Refreshments will be available in the Lady Chapel, where guests can also enjoy a display of historic photographs of the local brewing industry, kindly shared by historian Howard Beard.
Tickets for the Friday evening talk are £10, available from Ruscombe & Whiteshill Village Shop or on the door. Ticket holders will also have the opportunity to preview the exhibition and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or locally brewed beer from Inchbrook’s Fresh Standard Brew Company.
Admission to the weekend exhibition is free, with donations warmly welcomed.
This unique community event offers something for everyone—whether you have an interest in local history, brewing traditions, or simply enjoy a good story.
