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Forest Hill Brewery

Author Message
Toffeejim
Joined 27-11-2004
Posted on Wednesday, 21 February, 2007 - 10:28 am:   

Can anybody cast light on the history of the Forest Hill Brewery? I understand it was located where there is now a car park opposite the Foresters (All Inn One) alongside the railway line - the car park that leads to the Sorting Office.

Until recently you could still see from a southbound train a large advertisement for the brewery painted on the side of the Forest Hill Hotel.

I wonder when it closed down. Is anyone still aound who can remember what the beer tasted like?
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 21 February, 2007 - 11:09 am:   

I think it was across the road from the car park, south of the All Inn One (source Forest Hill & Sydenham by John Coulter & John Seaman - Britain in Old Photographs, Sutton Publishing). Demolished in the late fifties, apparently the site is now 14 to 33 Church Vale. Unfortunately I am not old enough to have tasted the beer.
Haylands
Joined 29-09-2006
Posted on Wednesday, 21 February, 2007 - 11:27 am:   

I guess that is where the flats and the small row of terraces sit now (opposite the snooker cue people and car wash). It's very close to Westbourne Drive, which i assume reflects a river/stream of some sort. I guess the brewery used this as it's water source. Alternatively I could be completely wrong.
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 21 February, 2007 - 01:42 pm:   

I believe used to be 3 breweries in Se 23 in 19th century.
I believe all closed before 1950 .Perhaps Steve can advise more
Stevegrindlay
Joined 24-10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, 21 February, 2007 - 03:40 pm:   

You are right, Bigjulie and Haylands. Forest Hill Brewery was in Perry Vale between the Foresters' Tavern and Church Vale. It was founded in 1867 or earlier and was taken over by Whitbreads in 1924. In 1927 the site was bought by United Dairies and used as a bottling plant. There are a couple of pictures of the brewery in a set I've uploaded here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevegrindlay/sets/72 157594541194225/

By the way, Brian, I only know of one brewery in Forest Hill. However, there were two in Sydenham, one off Wells Park Road and one at Bell Green.

Having said that, there is an intriguing sign stored in the open area to the right of The Hob that mentions, if memory serves correct, The Forest Hill Brewery, Langton Rise.
Fhssecretary
Joined 12-10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, 21 February, 2007 - 03:50 pm:   

Was that perhaps some sort of microbrewing operation in the outbuildings (now derelict) of the former pub? This will surely get Baggydave excited... the Moore Park and UDB's own brew?
Brian
Joined 18-04-2005
Posted on Wednesday, 21 February, 2007 - 05:27 pm:   

Hello Steve
Yes you are probably right. I know 2 in SE 26
and at least 1 in SE 23.
Bigjulie
Joined 09-04-2005
Posted on Tuesday, 06 March, 2007 - 01:56 pm:   

Refering back to Toffejims original post, I noticed today that on the rear wall of the Forest Hill Hotel is a sign for "Wenlock Brewery Co." It appears that this was a brewery in Shoreditch that was taken over by Bass in 1961 and closed down in 1962. I guess the Forest Hill Hotel was an outlet for its beers.


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