Renowned local reclusive, landlord Thomas Kingston (aka as ‘Miser’) lived in Sleaford Street, but was also known to have significant concerns for local philanthropic causes. In the absence of a paternalistic planning authority, multiple purchases of blocs of land were the norm producing the variety of architecture seen today around the area. In the bloc now known as Kingston Street a brewery with an Off License was built in 1871/72 probably in conjunction with George William Todd from the Crown in Cross Street. Todd acquired an On-Sales Beer License in 1873 serving the rapidly expanding urban population. A full On License was acquired in 1876.

From 1881-1895 Todd let the pub to James and Caroline Haslop, alas there is no evidence that it was renamed The Haslop Arms, as has been suggested in the past. As a tennant, renaming the pub was probably beyond his remit. Todd committed suicide using a razor blade in 1887. Todd’s two eldest children as trustees sold the pub in 1893 probably to Panton Brewery who ceased to brew on the Kingston site.
In 1918 The Panton Brewery was bought by Bailey & Tebbutt which in turn was purchased by Greene King in 1925. Included in the purchase was The Kingston Arms, one of 48 pubs.

Various members of the Smee family, latterly Alice Smee, ran the pub for about 35 years until 1948 when Frederick Charles Richardson took over until 1955 whence Montreal born Frank Holeman took command.