George Tomlins was the owner of the New Inn in 1891 and 1903. Although he ran it as a free house in 1891, he had leased the pub to John Arnold & Sons of Wickwar in 1903. The annual rateable value of the New Inn was £12.0s.0d. and it was a licensed alehouse, closing time at 10 pm.
The Citizen: Friday, November 27th 1987 – Darts for Hearts: Regulars at the New Inn, Christchurch, near Coleford, are ready to raise money for charity in a 12-hour darts marathon. Up to 25 regulars are due to take part in the event on Saturday to collect cash for the Children’s Heart Foundation.
Forest of Dean & Ross & Wye pubs. A critical guide by Jon Hurley (1991): This ‘free’ house (with Whitbread ties judging by the beers), is prettily renovated and restored and dates from the early 19th century. Largely of stone construction, it is cosy with a pleasant menu and décor consisting of old legal documents and an unusual display of poacher’s tools. the car park with its beautiful panoramic views is worth the trip alone.
An ’eating out’ review in the ‘Forester’ newspaper in June 2010 was very complimentary about the New Inn giving it 10/10 for atmosphere, service and value for money. The New inn ‘has found the magical combination of serving good honest food at very reasonable prices in the traditional atmosphere of an English country pub. There is always something going on at the New Inn, whether it is the Thursday night pub quiz or a jazz evening, and, as every good pub should be, the New Inn is the hub of the local community. Importantly for a pub, there is a good selection of both cask and keg ales and my pint of Wye Valley Butty Bach proved to be in fine fettle. Perhaps there should be a campaign for real pubs as the New Inn has certainly earned its place.’
In March 2013 the reviews were still positive. It was commented that the ‘New Inn has managed to gain a reputation for great live music, good local ales, but mostly for being one of the busiest food pubs in the area. The landlords are happy in the knowledge that customers who come to the New Inn come for simple, but well-prepared pub food, with a menu they hope is full of favourites. The pub has traditional charm in abundance. Open stone walls, double-sided open fires with logs burning away and a simple décor that is not too fussy to detract from the real pub feel. The food was simple, but done well, the service was exceptional, and the ales were well kept.’
A West Country Ales ceramic plaque is still in situ, a reminder of its past association with the Cheltenham Brewery.
https://www.newinnforestofdean.co.uk
Landlords at the New Inn include:
1856 R. Jones
1876 John Short, jnr.
1885,1891 George Tomlins
1903 Richard James Burke
1906 Peter K. Jones
1919 William Russell
1927 Allen Lodge
1939 Mrs Amy I. Merry
2010 Jack Leahy and Rena Russell
2012 Jenna Hughes, Neil Jeffs, Chris and Sue Barker
