The Bowley legacy adds a rich historical layer to the story of Bowleys. In the mid-1800s
William Bowley Jnr and his business partner Henry Bristow revived a failing brewery in Bristol during the mid-19th century, establishing the St Paul’s Brewery on Victoria and Bishop Streets. Bowley & Bristow successful partnership became one of the city’s most respected local brewers.
In 1889, their brewery joined forces with several others to form the new Bristol United Breweries Ltd, marking the start of one of Bristol’s largest brewing companies. Bowley & Bristow’s St Paul’s Brewery continued production under the new name until around 1912, helping to supply beer to hundreds of pubs across the Country.
Their story reflects a key moment in Bristol’s industrial history — when passionate independent brewers came together to create a thriving united brewery that would dominate the region’s beer trade for decades. Though the original St Paul’s site has long since disappeared, the Bowley & Bristow name remains a proud part of Bristol’s brewing heritage.
FAMILY LEGACY
This passion for brewing passed down through generations—After William’s passing, his son Alfred Bowley took over Bristol United Breweries, also managing the family’s other ventures overseas. Alfred’s son, Alfred Philip Bowley, trained as a maltster at Oak Hill Brewery before managing Gardner’s Brewery in Ash, Kent, where Jane Yates was born “with beer in her blood.” Jane’s son, David Yates, brought the family’s expertise into modern hospitality, managing London bars and working as a Wine Merchant..
The Plough Originally two weather-boarded farm cottages built in 1483, it became a licensed pub in 1817. Grade II-listed for its timber-framed historic charm, it has long served as a village hub near the North Downs.
In the late 2010s, facing redevelopment threats, the community stepped in. In 2017, it was declared an Asset of Community Value. 120 locals raised funds, bought the pub for around £450,000, renovated it, and reopened it in 2020 as a community-owned gem.
That same year, the Yates family took over, transforming it into the family-run restaurant Bowley’s at The Plough. Anchored by their nearby kitchen garden The Nursery, they focus on sustainable, seasonal produce. Alex (head chef) and Grace (GM) continue the tradition, blending the family’s brewing heritage—tracing back to William Bowley Jnr and the Bowley & Bristow brewery—with modern hospitality.