Standing proudly in the heart of St Neots, the distinctive Oast House with its 75-foot chimney has been a landmark feature of the town for nearly three centuries. This Grade II listed building tells a fascinating story of industry, brewing heritage, and community spirit.

From bell foundry to brewery

The oldest part of the site, the bell-shaped Oast House itself, was constructed around 1735 for bell founder Joseph Eayre when he relocated his business from Kettering. The building’s distinctive oast chimney has since become one of St Neots’ most recognisable architectural features.

The site’s transformation began in the 1700s when brewing operations first started here. In 1780, William Fowler took over the premises and significantly expanded the brewery, incorporating the former bell foundry into his growing business.

The Day Brewery era

The site’s most prominent chapter began when John Hill Day expanded the brewery between 1811 and 1839. Under his leadership, the Day Brewery became a significant local enterprise, acquiring 39 licensed premises across the area. The business diversified beyond brewing, dealing in salt, timber, and oil, and operating brickworks on the edge of town.

John Day’s influence extended into the town itself. In 1822, he installed St Neots’ first cast iron lamp post on the Market Square, a small but significant contribution to the town’s modernisation.

The Day Brewery remained a family business until 1919, when it closed following the death of Frank Day, the last surviving family member.

Return to community ownership

After serving various commercial purposes over the decades, including most recently as the Oast Lounge wine bar and private members club, the building has now returned to community ownership. In early 2025, St Neots Town Council successfully acquired the property with funding from the Government’s Community Ownership Fund and match funding from the council’s Community Infrastructure Levy reserves.

This 18th-century building, with approximately 5,400 square feet of space across two floors, sits adjacent to the Priory Centre. Together, these two historic buildings will form an expanded community offering for St Neots.

The council is planning community engagement to help shape the building’s future uses, ensuring this iconic landmark continues to serve the people of St Neots for generations to come.

A piece of brewing history

The Oast House stands as a testament to St Neots’ industrial heritage, particularly its brewing past. The building’s distinctive architecture and prominent position make it not just a historical monument, but a living part of the town’s identity and future.