Historic Brewery Unveils Distinctive New Plaques Across Pub Estate

For older family breweries, it was once a tradition to install ceramic plaques on the outside of pubs, often as a form of early corporate branding. As one of only twenty-nine remaining independent family brewers still operating in the UK today, Arkell’s is proud to continue that tradition.

Over the years, many pubs have been sold, bought, and built, but the presence of a family brewery plaque has long served as a marker of a moment in time, preserved for future generations. To carry this heritage forward, Arkell’s is unveiling a brand-new plaque design across its pub estate.

Family brewer Arkell’s, Swindon’s longest running business, is introducing the new design to proudly mark its pubs across the region. This week, following a full exterior repaint, The Freke Arms in Swanborough, Swindon, also known as The Grill on the Hill, received its new plaque and welcomed Arkell family members, James, George & Alex from the brewery to unveil it, along with James’ wife Carolyn and sister Rosalind.

The striking new plaques pay tribute to Arkell’s proud heritage, featuring an illustration of the iconic Victorian tower brewery in Swindon, complete with its landmark tall chimney. The design also includes two elegant swans, a nod to the Arkell family coat of arms, blending tradition and symbolism into a distinctive emblem that will soon adorn all Arkell’s pubs.

“We’re incredibly proud of our history and the legacy behind the brewery and each of our pubs,” said George Arkell, Managing Director. “This new plaque is a visual celebration of the heritage of our brewery and family.”

The new plaques continue a tradition upheld by the Arkell family for generations.

“My grandfather, Peter Arkell, introduced the belt plaques in the 1980’s that you still see on many of our pubs today, and my great-grandfather before him introduced the ceramic ark plaques,” George added.

“This new design is a continuation of that legacy.”

Arkell’s, founded in 1843, operates more than ninety pubs across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Berkshire, Hampshire, and Oxfordshire. The plaques will be installed in line with the brewery’s ongoing decoration schedule, throughout the next year.