The Maltsters Arms, formally known as the Shovel & Broom had been owned originally by Robert Appleton since 1779, a rival to Robert Brakspear in Henley.

Later, in 1803, a Rich Battersea Distiller, Joseph Benwell came in and took the pub off their hands .

In 1812 the two companies, Benwell and Brakspear, amalgamated and since then to this day, The Maltsters Arms has been under the Brakspear name.