scottspencer001

12/06/25-13/06/25 – Exmouth and Axminster

Here I visit several pubs in Exmouth and Axminster, each with unique features and importance to local culture. Bicton Inn dates back to the early 1800s, reflecting its agricultural roots and featuring a cosy, traditional atmosphere alongside a good selection of ales. First and Last Inn, established in 1822, maintains its charm with a warm ambiance and a brewing onsite. The Grapevine Brewhouse, transformed in 2010, is known for its food and vibrant community events. Lastly, The Ale Way in Axminster, a micropub in a historic station, offers a welcoming vibe and local food. Each location emphasises history, community engagement, and beers.

12/06/25 – Newton Abbot

I visit five pubs in Newton Abbot, each with its unique charm and offerings. The Railway Brewhouse, rich in railway memorabilia, offers cask ales in a relaxed setting. Ye Olde Cider Bar, located in an 18th-century farmhouse, is known for its cosy atmosphere and diverse cider selection. The Upside Bar Co combines a modern style with vintage décor, featuring craft beers and a friendly vibe. The Maltings Taphouse & Bottle Shop retains its industrial charm while hosting community events and offering a wide range of beers. Lastly, The Dartmouth Inn, steeped in maritime history, provides a traditional pub experience with a cosy atmosphere.

11/06/25 – St Ives

St Ives Brewery Tasting Rooms, established in 2010, showcases locally crafted beers in a vibrant setting. The brewery expanded to a modern facility in Hayle in 2022. The tasting room features a welcoming atmosphere with rustic décor, offering various ales and local ciders. Nearby, The Sloop Inn, dating back to 1312, serves as a historic pub with character, known for seafood and cask ales. JOHNS – Wine & Spirit Specialists blends a bottle shop and bar, offering fine drinks in a cosy environment. Additionally, The Pilchard Press Alehouse honour’s St Ives’ fishing heritage with a selection of Cornish ales. Lastly, Beer & Bird provides a rustic yet modern dining experience focused on chicken dishes alongside a variety of craft beers.

11/06/25 – Penzance

Today I explore Penzance. The Star Inn, a historic pub in Penzance, combines mid-19th-century charm with its past as a synagogue, offering a cosy atmosphere and cask ale. Nearby, the Admiral Benbow exudes maritime history, featuring nautical décor and a cosy ambiance reminiscent of a ship. This 17th-century pub inspired Treasure Island and celebrates its smuggling roots. Lastly, The Crown, a Grade II listed establishment, serves as a gathering spot with a friendly vibe and a selection of cask ales from the Cornish Crown Brewery. Each pub offers a unique experience tied to Penzance’s rich history and vibrant local culture.

10/06/25 – Truro

The Red Elephant Beer Cellar in Truro, established in 2013 and relocated in 2021, features over 200 bottled beers and 10 rotating drafts, focusing on local Cornish breweries. It won Cornwall’s Best Beer & Wine Specialist 2024 and offers a welcoming atmosphere with various seating options. The Old Ale House, housed in a former draper’s shop, showcases traditional décor and serves 8 cask ales from regional brewers. Lastly, The Tapyard Riverside, formerly Skinner’s Brewery Taproom, blends a semi-industrial aesthetic with a cosy feel and offers a diverse selection of drinks and food. Each venue provides a unique experience for beer lovers.

10/06/25 – Penryn and Falmouth

Today I explore several pubs and breweries in Penryn and Falmouth. I begin with Verdant Brewery, established in 2014, known for its innovative hop-forward beers and community engagement, followed by Seven Stars, which blends historical brewing traditions with modern craft. The Front pub, steeped in maritime history, and The Seafood Bar, a cosy venue pairing seafood with Verdant beers, highlight local culture. Falmouth’s Seaview Inn, recently revitalised by Verdant, maintains its historic charm. Further visits include Beerwolf Books, a unique pub and bookstore, and The Moth & The Moon, showcasing evolving pub culture with an inviting atmosphere.

07/06/25 – Penistone Line Ale Trail (Part 2)

The Penistone Line Ale Trail showcases several historic pubs, each with unique charm and rich backgrounds. Starting with The Farmers Boy in Shepley, significant refurbishments have modernised its inviting atmosphere while preserving its history. The Bull serves as a traditional village pub with a warm feel, while The Rising offers stunning views across Holme Valley. The Clothiers Arms functions as a community hub, and Rock Inn boasts a classic look with riverside views. Continuing to The Railway highlights railway heritage, and the Shoulder of Mutton reflects timeless character. Finally, Huddersfield’s Arcade Beers, The Kings Head, and Head of Steam provide diverse selections of both craft beers and cask ales alongside vibrant environments.

31/05/25 – Penistone Line Ale Trail (Part 1)

I explore various pubs and bars in stations along the Penistone Line Ale Trail, emphasising their unique histories, atmospheres, and drink selections. The White Hart, an 18th-century coaching inn, combines historical charm with modern comfort. Bottle & Co, established recently, offers a cosy, rustic vibe. Penistone Beer Shop provides a broad selection of local and international craft beers. The Penistone Tap & Brewhouse highlights community involvement. The Station Inn, a long-standing village pub, and Dodworth Tap blend tradition with modern amenities. Other notable venues in Barnsley, including Nailmaker Tap 1, Old No 7, Jolly Tap, and Bar Ruelle, showcase welcoming atmospheres and diverse ale options.

24/05/25 – Sheffield #3

The Fulwood Ale Club, a unique micropub in Sheffield, combines vintage charm with a friendly atmosphere, offering a variety of cask ales. Nearby, The Rising Sun, a historic pub dating back to 1859, features a welcoming vibe and a great selection of cask ales. The Wonky Labrador is a community-driven micropub dedicated to inclusivity, serving keg beers in a cosy setting. Other notable visits include The Itchy Pig Ale House with its quirky décor and Two Sheds, a rustic spot with a bottle shop. The Nottingham House is famed for its hearty pies, while The Hallamshire House maintains its Victorian charm. The journey ends at Hop Hideout, showcasing over 200 beers in a relaxed space.

15/05/25 – Barrow Hill Rail Ale Festival

The Rail Ale Festival at Barrow Hill Roundhouse in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, celebrates the fusion of railway heritage and real ale culture. Established in 2000, the festival, which reached its 25th anniversary in 2025, takes place in the historic roundhouse, the UK’s last operational railway roundhouse built in 1870. It has expanded significantly, featuring over 400 beers and ciders in 2025, along with live music performances from diverse genres. This year, a VIP event included a multi-course meal and a selection of local breweries. Everyone enjoyed the festival’s atmosphere, connecting with fellow beer enthusiasts and industry figures.