Nightingale, Ash (Curzon)

The Nightingale may have started as a smallholding whose occupant also sold beer. In the 1860s and 70s, The Nightingale was occupied by Robert Waters then by Luke Kersley, both being beerhouse keepers. In 1881 it was sold to Burrell, Burrell and Wormold, the Alton brewers for £785 while Luke Kersley remained the landlord. In the early years of the 20th century it was occupied by Frederick Sheldon Hill, beer-retailer followed by Sidney B Hill. It is not clear whether they were related to each other, or indeed to William Hill the earlier landlord of the Anchor, but it seems likely. The Nightingale had an on/off licence and bread, cheese and minerals were also supplied. There was no accommodation (for people or horses!) and customers were said to be "of the labouring class". A survey before World War I when it was owned by Crowley's brewery of Alton showed that there was a taproom, two parlours, a club room and two cellars and it was in very fair order. Crowley's was taken over by Watney, Combe and Reid in 1947 and in 1992 Grand Metropolitan's Watney pubs were transferred to Inntrepreneur. Interestingly the pub was not shown as a Public House on Ordnance Survey maps of 1916 and 1934. According to a previous landlord it was a beer and coffeehouse since cider used to be classed as coffee!