Timeline of The Malthouse building since 1669
1801
1801
Ownership was taken over by the Mackeson family
Owned by Henry Mackeson, Brewer, High Street, Hythe
Hythe Brewery was founded in 1669 . The Malthouse antique centre that stands today, formed part of the brewery.
The building is much the same as it was then, although part of the building has since been demolished. It holds a lot of character with massive beams and old stone walls. When the brewery began, the slated floors would be spread with damp barley, which germinated to form malt. This was dried in a kiln then brewed with hops to make beer.
James Pashley, the founder and builder of the brewery, was a local resident. When Pashley died the brewery was taken over by the family named Friend.
1669
1669
1847
1847
1899
1899
Pale and family who were ale brewers, maltsters, & wine and spirit merchants joined Mackeson & Co to become part of the Hythe Brewery
1907
1907
The production of Mackeson's Milk Stout began. Each pint was said to contain as much energising carbohydrate
as 10 oz of dairy milk. This stout was to become their most famous product
1929
1929
Mackeson become part of the Whitbread Brewery
1932
1932
The kiln was demolished and the malthouse was used as a bonded warehouse for the storage of whisky and other strong alcohol
1968
1968
Production ended at Hythe Brewery - most of which is no longer standing.
1972
1972
1974
1974
Local people had become aware of the antiques centre plans and reserved stalls in advance.
On the 28th June 1974 the antiques market opened its doors to the public.
Robert and Claudia Maxtone- Graham bought the malthouse building with plans to convert it into an antiques market.. The piece of land in front of the building was originally to be used for road widening, but the local council's plans changed enabling the Maxtone-Grahams to purchase this at a later date.
After much work cutting through enormous beams by hand , Robert and his builder opened up the centre of the building to create suitable spaces for individual stalls to be situated. A second staircase was also built.
Today
Today
(2024) The Malthouse remains as an antique centre. 2024 marks the antique centre's 50th year of trading, which is something to celebrate!