Benjamin Hobbs founded the Dolphin Brewery in the early 1850s. His son William took over the business around 1870 including the Blue Anchor pub, which was next to the brewery. This was built around 1800 and changed its name to The Clarence around 1850. William had three sons, Henry, William and Ernest. Ernest became a wine merchant trading with an Off Sales Licence at 116 High Street. Henry and William bought the Stoke Brewery from William Johnson in 1882. H.J. & W.A. Hobbs’ ‘Stoke’ Brewery was north of Stoke Road at the site which is now south of Percy Road. The road to the brewery, Hobbs Lane, became Elmhurst Road. It was in business until 1913 when it was sold to Portsmouth United Breweries and the Stoke Brewery was closed. It produced mineral Waters as part of its range. The brewery has been demolished but the house that was lived in by the brewer has survived. it was for a while the H.Q. of TocH Gosport.
Original page created by David Moore.