The Audio Long Read
Humphrey’s world: how the Samuel Smith beer baron built Britain’s strangest pub chain
Jan 24, 2025
Discover the intriguing world of Humphrey Smith, a brewing baron whose unique vision contrasts starkly with modern pub culture. Explore the secretive yet generous personality behind his eccentric pub empire, where historic buildings often sit empty. Delve into the complex societal impacts of his frugality and strong beliefs, while examining the community's emotional response to the shuttering of local pubs. Finally, learn about his resistance to urban change and the nostalgic connection to his childhood environment.
43:54
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Quick takeaways
- Humphrey Smith's management style prioritizes strict control and secrecy, leading to widespread pub closures and declining staff morale.
- His conventional approach focuses on preserving tradition over adapting to modernity, impacting community social hubs and local economies significantly.
Deep dives
Samuel Smith's Unique Business Model
Samuel Smith's Old Brewery operates under a singular model that prioritizes tradition and eccentricity over modern market practices. Founded in 1758, it has become one of the largest family-owned brewery and pub operations in the UK, yet its business approach is steeped in control and secrecy. Humphrey Smith's transformation of management created a structure where pub managers are direct employees rather than independent tenants, stripping them of autonomy in their operations. This unconventional strategy has led to a decline in both staff morale and pub viability, with many locations shuttered or struggling to get by.
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