I visit various pubs and breweries in Reading, showcasing their unique characteristics and offerings. The Greyfriar, established in 2014, combines modern charm with historical significance, while Blue Collar offers a casual atmosphere with diverse street food and craft beverages. The Nag’s Head emphasises community ties and traditional pub culture, whereas Castle Tap boasts a mix of historical roots and a relaxed vibe. Phantom Brewing Co. and Double-Barrelled highlight the local craft beer scene with innovative brews. Siren RG1, opened in 2024, continues this trend, and The Alehouse, with its focus on real ales, remains a beloved fixture in Reading’s pub landscape.
Category Archives: Brewery Taps
18/07/25 – Newbury
Delphic Brewing Co. in Newbury has evolved from garage brewing in 2017 to a commercial operation by 2019, quickly gaining local popularity. During the pandemic, it adapted by focusing on online sales and later expanded into a larger taproom in 2024. This inviting space retains industrial elements while offering a relaxed atmosphere. Nearby, The Catherine Wheel is a historic pub with cosy interiors and a lively outdoor courtyard. The Weirside, opened in 2025, blends modern design with local heritage, fostering community engagement. Lastly, Cow & Cask, Newbury’s first micropub, emphasises a friendly, distraction-free environment for customers.
05/07/25 – Holmfirth
Holmfirth’s historic pubs offer a blend of tradition and modernity. The Old Bridge Inn, dating back to 1819, features cosy lounges and cask ales. Nowhere, opened in 2024, combines a contemporary vibe with an on-site brewery. The Tap House merges Victorian charm with local ales, and The Nook Brewhouse boasts a rich history since 1754, focusing on real ales. O’Briens Bottle Shop revitalises an old butcher’s shop into a popular café, while The Elephant & Castle, one of Holmfirth’s oldest, maintains its historic character. Lastly, Barhemian, a newly opened cosy bar, has quickly become a local favourite.
21/06/25 – Leeds
I explore several pubs in Leeds, each with unique atmospheres and histories. Starting at Wapentake, known for its Yorkshire breakfasts and community feel, I highlight establishments like Doghouse Bar & Bagel Shop, The Duck & Drake, and White Cloth Hall, with their charming blends of vintage and modern décor. The Tetley Pub, Grove Inn, and Northern Monk Refectory further showcase Leeds’ brewing heritage. Other notable mentions include Cross Keys, Midnight Bell, The Hop, Bundobust, and Tapped Leeds, which offer a mix of local beers and vibrant settings. Lastly, The Bankers Cat, Friends of Ham, The Brewery Tap, and Whitelock’s Ale House reflect the city’s rich pub culture and welcoming vibe.
14/06/25 – Plymouth and Saltash
In Plymouth, several pub and brewery visits reveal rich local history and atmosphere. The Dolphin, a charming pub with dolphin decorations, dates back to the 1800s and is known for its cask ale. Roam Brewery & Bakery, established in 2012, offers a bright taproom and diverse beer selections alongside pizzas. Vessel Beer Shop, opened in 2016, features over 300 craft beers and hosts tastings, solidifying its place in Plymouth’s beer scene. The Victualling Office Tavern combines maritime heritage with modern appeal, while Steel Brew, founded in 2018, showcases a cosy vibe with a choice of craft beers. The Cockleshell Micropub honours military history in Saltash.
14/06/25 – Totnes
The Bull Inn, a historic pub in Totnes, was revitalised by Geetie Singh-Watson in 2018 after closing in 2017, transforming it into an eco-friendly establishment while preserving its 19th-century charm. Nearby, The Totnes Brewing Company offers a lively brewpub experience with a mix of rustic and modern aesthetics, supporting live music at the adjoining Barrel House. The Albert Inn, dating over 300 years, features a quirky vibe and a microbrewery. Lastly, Copperhead Ales Brewery & Taproom, founded by friends Jordan and Jack, celebrates its first anniversary with fresh vegan-friendly ales. Each venue reflects Totnes’ vibrant pub culture.
09/06/25 – 13/06/25 – Exeter
I visit several notable breweries, taprooms and pubs in Exeter, highlighting their unique atmospheres and offerings. Topsham Brewery & Taproom, established in 2018, features a rustic and inviting space where customers can enjoy various ales brewed on site. Cuckoo Taproom, opened in 2021, revitalises the local scene with events and a cosy vibe. Historically significant pubs like The Turks Head and The Hourglass offer unique artisanal brews alongside charm. Newer spots like Arcadia by Utopian and Tabac Taphouse present eclectic décor and diverse beer selections. Overall, the post showcases Exeter’s vibrant craft beer culture and community spirit.
09/06/25 and 13/06/25 – Newton St Cyres and Barnstaple
Here I visit several notable pubs and breweries in Devon, starting with The Beer Engine in Newton St Cyres, which is a historic brewpub offering a variety of on-site brewed ales and a cosy atmosphere. I continue to The Reform Inn in Barnstaple, known for its rich history and role in reviving local ale production. The visit to Beer Matters highlights its community focus as a micropub with a relaxed vibe and a selection of cask ales. Finally, Hanlons Brewery in Half Moon is noted for its award-winning ales and inviting setting, providing hearty food options. Each venue showcases local brewing traditions and charm.
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.
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.
Micropub Adventures 