Humphrey’s world: how the Samuel Smith beer baron built Britain’s strangest pub chain

The Audio Long Read

The Guardian

Society & Culture

4.3 • 2.4K Ratings

🗓️ 24 January 2025

⏱️ 47 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Since the 1970s, Humphrey Smith has acquired scores of pubs and historic properties around the UK. But time after time, he has left the buildings empty. Why has he allowed his empire to moulder? By Mark Blacklock. Read by Joe Layton. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/longreadpod

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