Humphrey Smith, the reclusive owner of the Samuel Smith Old Brewery, has died at the age of 81. His passing was announced yesterday, leaving behind a legacy that has been described as both a staunch defense of traditional British pub culture and a polarizing force in his community.
Smith headed the family brewery, founded in 1758 and claiming to be Yorkshire's oldest, from his hometown of Tadcaster in North Yorkshire. Under his leadership, Samuel Smith's grew into a distinctive pub company with more than 200 establishments across the United Kingdom. However, his tenure was marked by strict rules that eschewed modern comforts.
Strict Pub Policies
Pubs operated by Samuel Smith's famously banned smartphones, laptops, televisions, music, and fruit machines. Dogs, muddy boots, and children were also unwelcome in many of his establishments. Swearing could result in expulsion from the premises, and landlords reportedly faced dismissal if Smith deemed they had not enforced his regulations. In one notable incident in 2019, landlords Eric and Tracey Lowery were dismissed from the Fox and Goose pub in Droitwich Spa after Smith overheard a customer tell a joke containing a swear word.
This exacting approach extended to the types of businesses Smith allowed to rent commercial properties owned by his brewery. Locals in Tadcaster accused him of being highly selective, refusing to rent to large chains and hindering the town's potential for development. Some residents described Tadcaster as being "stuck in time" and living in the "dark ages" due to the brewery's significant ownership of commercial property, with many buildings reportedly falling into disrepair.
A Polarizing Figure in Tadcaster
Smith's influence was deeply felt in Tadcaster, where his brewery owns an estimated 70 percent of the town's commercial property. While some locals and the Mayor of Tadcaster, Cllr Richard Sweeting, noted Smith's contributions to the town and described his death as the "end of an era," others voiced frustration over the perceived lack of development and vacant properties. Sweeting acknowledged Smith's role in providing town facilities and stated that Smith "had the town at heart" and did "a lot of unseen things."
Conversely, some residents like Derek Hawley, 70, told media outlets that Tadcaster was "just stuck in time" and compared its stagnation to the thriving neighboring towns of Boston Spa and Wetherby. The town experienced significant disruption in 2015 when its historic bridge collapsed; Smith reportedly refused the council permission to use his land for a temporary crossing unless he had input into the permanent replacement, leading to national intervention.
Despite his formidable reputation, Smith himself was known for his reclusive nature and old-fashioned ways. He was often seen swimming at the local pool dressed in a three-piece suit and was known to travel by public bus in later life. An employment tribunal once characterized him as "combative and argumentative," with a judge noting his dismissive attitude toward proceedings.
Smith resigned as a director of Samuel Smith Old Brewery on June 17, 2026. The news of his death was first reported by York Press, which received verbal confirmation from the brewery, known for its media aversion.