The Kingston Arms pub, Cambridge

Renowned local reclusive, landlord Thomas Kingston (aka as ‘Miser’) lived in Sleaford Street, but was also known to have significant concerns for local philanthropic causes.  In the absence of a paternalistic planning authority, multiple purchases of blocs of land were the norm producing the variety of architecture seen today around the area.  In the bloc now known as Kingston Street a brewery with an Off License was built in 1871/72 probably in conjunction with George William Todd from the Crown in Cross Street.  Todd acquired an On-Sales Beer License in 1873 serving the rapidly expanding urban population.  A full On License was acquired in 1876.

From 1881-1895 Todd let the pub to James and Caroline Haslop, alas there is no evidence that it was renamed The Haslop Arms, as has been suggested in the past. As a tennant, renaming the pub was probably beyond his remit.  Todd committed suicide using a razor blade in 1887.  Todd’s two eldest children as trustees sold the pub in 1893 probably to Panton Brewery who ceased to brew on the Kingston site.

In 1918 The Panton Brewery was bought by Bailey & Tebbutt which in turn was purchased by Greene King in 1925.  Included in the purchase was The Kingston Arms, one of 48 pubs.

Various members of the Smee family, latterly Alice Smee, ran the pub for about 35 years until 1948 when Frederick Charles Richardson took over until 1955 whence Montreal born Frank Holeman took command.

The 60’s and 70’s reveal an establishment with a mixed reputation which politely could be described as “not its finest hour”.

In November 1981 Barbara and Bob Wilson took on The Kingston.  In October 1986 Greene King passed the pub to Norwich Brewery (aka Watneys).  Barbara maintained her local connections with a 4 year stint at the Six Bells Covent Garden.

By spring 2000, Camra’s ALE magazine reported Lidstones Brewery were to operate the pub.

Alas the arrangement was short lived.  In 2003 Lidstones relocated to Wensleydale.  However The Kingston continued to establish itself as a destination pub noted for it’s conviviality and quality liquid refreshment.

The difficulties endured under the pandemic restrictions whilst attempting a fundamental change of direction, saw The Kingston reappear on the market in November 2022.  On 3rd February 2023 renowned curmudgeons but more importantly proven beer enthusiasts both with multi-award winning track records, Lord Jethro Scotcher-Littlechild (most notably of The Cambridge Blue) and Mark Donachy (likewise The Red Lion, Histon) became custodians with the sole objective of restoring The Kingston Arms reputation as a modern beer house built on old fashioned foundations  – “a true local town pub in the City”.