About New Wellington

The New Wellington on Brettell Lane, Brierley Hill, originally known as the Wellington Arms in 1822 and later the Foley Arms, has a long history as a local brewing venue. It became a significant brewery site under Joseph Paskin Simpkiss, with the Dennis Brewery erected in 1934. Following a closure in 2022, it was renamed The New Wellington and reopened in 2025 as a family-friendly venue. 

Key Historical Details

• Early History: The site was an established inn, known as the Wellington Arms, dating back to at least 1822.
• The Simpkiss Era: In 1919, Joseph Paskin Simpkiss purchased the Foley Arms for £3,000. He brewed on-site, producing up to 145 barrels of beer/week by 1925.
• The Dennis Brewery: In 1934, a new brewery, named the Dennis Brewery, was built behind the pub. The brewery produced beer for its own pub and others, reaching 250 barrels/week by 1936.
• Closure and Name Changes: The brewery was sold to Greenall Whitley in 1985 and later demolished. The pub reverted to its original name, Wellington Arms, in 1984.
• Recent Revival: After closing in 2022, the venue underwent renovations and reopened in June 2025 as "The New Wellington" with a focus on a, carvery and, family-friendly dining. 

Key Historical Details of Brettell Lane

• Early History: Originally part of a medieval estate in Kingswinford, the area was known as "Bredhill." By the 16th century, coal mining began to destroy the original village center.
• Industrialization: From the 17th century, the area became known for glassworks (later renamed Hawbush) and, crucially, high-quality fireclay mining used for furnace linings.
• Industry Leaders: Harris and Pearson Office Building, built in 1888 on Brettell Lane, served a major firebrick works that grew out of this industry. The area also hosted the Brettell Lane Foundry, which made castings for the Queen Mary and Royal Yacht Britannia.
• Transport Hub: The Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway opened Brettell Lane station in 1852, supporting heavy industrial freight until the mid-20th century, though passenger services declined, with the station closing in 1962.
• Renaming: The area was initially known as Brettell, but later became associated with the name "Hawbush," while the main thoroughfare retained the name Brettell Lane.
• Archaeology: The area features ancient pathways dating back to the Neolithic period, with artifacts like a 7,000-year-old basalt axe head discovered there.