Aarva

The Independent ·Smart escape

Inside the Quirky Pub Empire Where Phones and Swearing Are Banned – and Why Landlords Want to Keep It That Way

by Alex Ross

Published 2026-07-04 10:23:40+00:00

Can you save the traditional pub just by banning phones, music, and swearing?

0:00 / 8:44 · Narrator Vindemiatrix

Context

For decades, the Samuel Smith brewery ran its British pubs on a fiercely enforced code: no televisions, no music, no swearing, and absolutely no mobile phones. Following the recent death of the empire's eccentric owner, the obvious question is whether these screen-free pubs will survive under new management. But in this piece from 4 July 2026, the real surprise comes from the bartenders and patrons. They are actively begging to keep the strict rules in place, just so they can sit and talk to one another.

Show notes

An examination of the Samuel Smith pub empire and the strict rules enforced by its late chairman, Humphrey Smith. Interviews with current managers describe how absolute bans on mobile phones, music, and swearing maintain a traditional, conversation-focused environment. The reporting details the history of these policies and considers whether the brewery's new leadership will keep them in place.

Read on The Independent →