In 1876 the landlord of the inn was William Thorn, a blacksmith by trade, and the premises was listed as not having a name. Presumably the occupation of William Thorn gave the Blacksmiths Arms its name. In 1939 Albert W.Thorn is recorded as landlord, so the pub was in the same family for at least 63 years.

The Blacksmiths Arms is an attractive traditional sandstone building with rendering on the upper floor, featuring raised stone lettering bearing the pub name. The Blacksmith Arms have a dedicated website (as seen in April 2019) in which the following description is taken. ‘Situated in the village of Alvington on the A48 between Chepstow and Gloucester this traditional village inn features a character bar and snug room, two restaurants, a pool room equipped for darts, large garden with a children’s play area, and can provide accommodation or camping facilities.’

‘The Blacksmiths Arms originated in 1820 as cottage dwellings with fruit orchards producing local cider. Traditions of warming jugs of cider on the cast iron hobs are remembered to this day and the early Victorian fires and old wood panel seats have been retained to create an atmosphere of old-world charm. These days the Blacksmiths is well known throughout the area for its extensive and varied menu as well as a good selection of beers, wines and real ales.’