Bella Reynolds

History

The earliest recollections of the building are that of a "Customs House" that was at one time called "The Star". In 1799 it was run by George Morris who paid 6d as a quarterly rate to the parish of Godshill. Robert Downer ran the pub in 1820 paying 2s 4d as quarterly rates.

In 1889 it became the property of the Mew Langton Royal Brewery Limited who leased the pub to James Reynolds (a distant relative of Sir Joshua Reynolds, first president of the Royal Academy of Art) for the monthly rental of 15 shillings.

In the early 1890's James's eldest daughter, Mary became licensee and she and her sister Bella remained in occupation for nearly 60 years. There are a host of stories to be heard about these two extraordinary ladies who many still remember.

During the 1960' and 70's the pub had somewhat of a revival with several changes of landlord. However, in 1986 Whitbread, who had swallowed up the Mew Langton empire, took the unbelievable decision to close the pub as an unviable commercial prospect.
Permission to change the use to that of a private dwelling was refused (hooray!) and the property was purchased by Sue and Richard Holmes, a local farming couple.

It is now one of the most popular pubs on the Isle of Wight.