Breweries in South Devon

In South Devon, you'll find a flourishing craft beer scene that's a well-kept secret for beer enthusiasts and tourists alike. With stunning landscapes, friendly towns, and a rich brewing tradition, South Devon is a paradise for those seeking a taste of locally crafted ales and a unique beer-tasting experience. 

In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through some of the finest breweries in South Devon, showcasing their dedication to craft, their unique flavours, and the charm of the region that makes every sip memorable. 

Salcombe Brewery 

Salcombe Brewery is a gem in South Devon's brewing landscape. The brewery has a passion for using local ingredients and embracing the maritime character of the area. They offer a range of beers, from the refreshing ‘Shingle Bay’ to the robust ‘Seahorse’. Take a guided tour of the brewery and you'll gain insight into their brewing process, history, and the stunning views that surround it.  

The surrounding coastal environment is hugely important to Salcombe Brewery - the Salcombe Estuary is one of the few places in the UK you can find the rarer of the two species of seahorse. Therefore, the brewery has joined forces with the Seahorse Trust to raise funds to conserve them - for every bottle of their signature 'Seahorse' beer that is sold, they donate 5p to The Seahorse Trust. 

Dartmoor Brewery 

Nestled within the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park, Dartmoor Brewery has become synonymous with quality craft beers and a deep connection to the region. Established in 1994, Dartmoor Brewery has consistently produced a range of exceptional ales, including their flagship beer, ‘Jail Ale’. 

What sets Dartmoor Brewery apart is its commitment to sourcing the finest local ingredients, resulting in distinct flavours that capture the essence of Dartmoor. The brewery's innovative approach and use of traditional techniques create a delicious range of beers, perfect for every palate. Their delightful taproom and visitor centre invite patrons to sample their brews while taking in the stunning Dartmoor landscape. Dartmoor Brewery is a beacon of craftsmanship and a testament to the unique flavours that can be found in the heart of South Devon. 

Bays Brewery 

Tucked away in Torbay, Bays Brewery is a family-run establishment with a deep commitment to the local community. Their range of ales, including ‘Gold’ and ‘Topsail’, showcases the quality and flavour that has made them a beloved institution in South Devon.  

What’s more, Bays Brewery are lucky to share their patch with some equally passionate Devon drink suppliers and are proud to champion their fantastic local offerings alongside their own. From crisp wines and fruity ciders grown in the Devon hills, to gins infused with Dartmoor water, nothing beats a born-and-bred Devon drink. 

Powderkeg Brewery 

Powderkeg are Devon's craft beer experts, established by husband-and-wife team John and Jess Magill in 2015. Focused on making session-able craft brews, their mission is to make quality local beer the obvious choice for everyone –craft aficionados and casual drinkers alike. 

After only 6 months in business, Powderkeg were awarded the ‘World’s Best Lager’ medal at the IWSC Beer Awards, and the awards haven’t stopped flowing since! Best Low-alcohol Pale, 3* Great Taste, Food and Drink Product of the Year, and a raft of gold, silver and bronze medals attest to their flavoursome beers and meticulous brewing process. 

Their success is down to a small but mighty team of free-thinking beer obsessives carving their own path. Many years honing their skills have given the team the expert brewing knowledge to break the rules with a bit of style; making beers that really satisfy their curiosity, creativity and thirst. 

Totnes Brewing Company 

The Totnes Brewing Co is situated at the base of Totnes Castle. As well as brewing their own craft beers right in the bar on a weekly basis they also stock a huge range of guest craft ales & ciders. If you love craft beer this is a must with "probably" the largest selection of beers and ciders in the area (usually over 100). 

Barnaby's Brewhouse 

Barnaby's Brewhouse, located in Staverton, is renowned for its commitment to crafting exceptional organic and vegan lagers. With a focus on sustainability and ethical production, they use only the finest ingredients. Their dedication to quality and eco-conscious brewing practices makes them a standout in the world of craft beer. 

Roam Brewing Company 

An independent Brewery, Taproom and Kitchen in the heart of Peverell, Plymouth, Roam Brewing Co. are constantly innovating their process, combining traditional fermenting methods with ultra-modern techniques to develop a contemporary and diverse range of beers. All their beers and street-style food offerings are made on-site at their Taproom, which is both kid and dog friendly! 

Riviera Brewing Company 

Riviera Brewing produce a range of ales to suit varying tastes and strengths. Their ale is hand crafted in small batches and sold directly from their brewery in Stoke Gabriel. Riviera Brewing Company brews part time, producing typically 600 pints per month for local festivals, selected pubs and the South Devon area.   

Teignworthy Brewing Company 

Teignworthy Brewing Company believes in traditional values and traditional beer-making methods. By sourcing local ingredients from local businesses, they use fewer food miles and support the local economy. Teignworthy have the largest bottled beer range in Devon, with nine different conditional ales on offer. 

Noss Beer Works 

Noss Beer Works was set up to provide locally brewed beer to the pubs and inns of the idyllic South Hams. The brewery is based in Noss Mayo, a picturesque village on the coast between Plymouth and Salcombe. Their signature beer is the ‘Mew Stone,’ a copper-coloured ale and winner of a Bronze Medal in the Best Bitters category at SIBA South West Beer Fest 2015.  

Summerskills Brewery 

Summerskills Brewery, based in Plymouth, produce a range of cask and bottle conditioned ‘real ales’ from ingredients sourced as locally as possible. Their beers can be found in pubs, shops and restaurants in Plymouth, West Devon, the South Hams, Torbay and Cornwall.  

Ivybridge Brewing Company 

Established in 2018, Ivybridge Brewing Company is a social enterprise brewery that provides paid work and training opportunities for people with learning disabilities. By providing training and support to their employees and volunteers, the team produce high-quality beer that's enjoyed by the local community and beyond. 

Red Rock Brewery 

Red Rock Brewery is a family-run brewery based in Burlescombe that endeavours to brew the finest and most innovative beers. No less than ten of their beers hold Taste of the West Gold Awards and the brewery prides itself on offering beer-lovers outstanding flavours. If you’re interested in their brewing process, the brewery also offers visitors the chance to take a tour.  

Taw Valley Brewery 

Taw Valley Brewery offer small-batch, cask conditioned ale from a medieval thatched threshing barn in mid-Devon. The brewery is proud to be a proper micro-brewery – with small batches of real 'craft,' vegan-friendly ale all hand made with care on an old-school stainless-steel rig in Devon.  

Teignmouth Brewery 

Home of award-winning ales, Teignmouth Brewery are a local, independent, family-owned microbrewery set in the iconic port town of Teignmouth. Established in 2019, they offer a range of three core ales as well as many craft seasonal beers throughout the year. 

Steel Brew Co 

A paradise for craft beer fans, Steel Brew Co is a small batch brewery and taproom based in the iconic Royal William Yard in Plymouth. Events and activities lie at the heart of the vision for Steel Brew Co, which is a community orientated venue, open and welcoming to all. 

Stannary Brewing Company 

Stannary Brewing Co. is an independent brewery and taproom based in Tavistock, run by lifelong friends Mark, Chris & Garry. The team serve a selection of their own super fresh beers, plus Devon produced ciders, wines & spirits and soft drinks. The Stannary also work with local food vendors to offer some super tasty, complimentary street food to enjoy alongside your pint. 

New Devon Brewing 

Born from a love of beer & all things Devon, New Devon Brewing is a collective of brewers & cider makers, comprised in part by the founders of the New Devon Army. Inspired by the craft beer movement but also lovers of traditional ales & ciders, they’re on a mission to make awesome beer. 

The Exeter Brewery 

Based in the heart of Exeter and home to Devon’s very first organic ale, The Exeter Brewery prides itself on creating innovative, small-batch craft beers. Brewery tours are available for pre-booked groups of 15 - 50 people, or you can visit the taproom bar for a selection of award-winning ales and full bar facilities. 

Crossed Anchors Brewery 

A community-based brewery based in Exmouth, Crossed Anchors Brewery are thrilled by the consistent popularity of their core brews: ‘American Pale Ale’, ‘3Cs Gold’ & ‘Exe Porter’. Visitors can book a tour and explore the small but perfectly formed space of Exmouth’s very own brewery.  

Moonhoney Meadery 

Moonhoney Meadery are on a mission to produce a new range of sparkling craft meads with a twist. Brewed and served at The Old Warehouse Taproom, Kitchen and Café in Kingsbridge, Moonhoney’s award-winning meads are handmade using the finest ingredients and orange blossom honey. 

Topsham Brewery & Taphouse 

Despite being called Topsham Brewery, the brewery is actually based in the beautiful historic surroundings of Exeter Quay. The taproom opened at the end of 2018, and since then both it and the beers brewed here have become an essential stop for the growing craft beer scene in Exeter. 

Utopian Brewery 

Utopian Brewery in Crediton is an independent craft lager brewery, brewing with only Great British ingredients and a focus on sustainability. Their award-winning beers contain just water, malt, hops, yeast and plenty of patience – for the perfect natural brew. 

The Beer Engine 

Known as Devon’s oldest working Brewpub, The Beer Engine in the picturesque village of Newton St Cyres offers a child and dog friendly traditional pub atmosphere. Located underneath the pub, the working brew house can be viewed in its entirety, enabling you the opportunity to see how the team create their beers. 

Tavistock Brewery 

Located in Dartmoor National Park and overlooking Peter Tavy, Tavistock Brewery is a family run microbrewery that creates craft beers with passion. Their signature ‘Master Ale’ is made with a blend of pale and chocolate malts, giving this Porter-type ale a wonderful ruby quality. 

The Devil’s Pleasure 

The Devil’s Pleasure is a craft beer producer based on the edge of Dartmoor making tasty, hoppy and bold beers full of flavour.  

The Teign Brewery 

Built in the 18th century as a house, The Teign Brewery building itself is grade II listed and features a late 19th-century shop front. Now a friendly pub, The Teign Brewery is a great spot to enjoy your favourite tipple. 

Bridgetown Brewery/The Albert Inn Brewery 

An excellent example of an old-school community local, The Albert Inn is a quirky pub based in Bridgetown, Totnes. All the ale served in The Albert is brewed in their backyard 'Bridgetown Brewery’, which once served as a chapel of rest. Guest beers are offered too on an ad hoc basis but to taste the Bridgetown Brewery Beers, there’s nowhere like The Albert!  

Otter Brewery 

Otter Brewery, located in the heart of the Blackdown Hills, has been brewing its distinctive beers for over 30 years. Their dedication to sustainability and quality ingredients has earned them a reputation as one of the region's top breweries. Be sure to sample their famous ‘Otter Bitter’ and ‘Otter Ale’, both of which embody the spirit of Devon in a glass. 

Hanlons Brewery 

Hanlons Brewery, based near Exeter, combines traditional methods with modern innovation to create their exceptional beers. Their impressive taproom, Barleycorn, offers visitors a cozy and welcoming atmosphere to savour their beers. Don't miss out on experiencing the ‘Port Stout’, a rich and flavoursome delight that exemplifies their craft. 

South Hams Brewery 

South Hams Brewery is known for its beautiful surroundings and dedication to creating excellent ales. The brewery offers a wide range of beers, including the refreshing ‘Eddystone’ and the richly flavoured ‘Devon Pride’. A visit to South Hams Brewery is an invitation to explore South Devon's rich brewing heritage. 

New Lion Brewery 

Situated in the vibrant town of Totnes, New Lion Brewery is an independent cooperative that's dedicated to producing organic, environmentally friendly beers. They craft a range of innovative and experimental brews, such as the ‘Lion's Roar’ and ‘Black Lion’. The brewery's strong focus on sustainability and community involvement sets it apart. 

South Devon's breweries are not just about producing exceptional beers but also about preserving and celebrating the region's rich brewing heritage. Each of the breweries mentioned in this blog post offers a unique glimpse into South Devon's culture and landscape, making your beer-tasting experience a memorable journey. 

Whether you're a local or a visitor, exploring the breweries of South Devon will not only introduce you to a diverse range of craft beers but also immerse you in the region's warm hospitality and stunning natural beauty. So, the next time you find yourself in South Devon, be sure to raise a glass and savour the delightful brews that this remarkable part of the world has to offer. Cheers to the good life in South Devon! 

If you visit any of these unique breweries or enjoy one of their creations during your stay in South Devon, be sure to share your trip with us on Facebook, Twitter (X) and Instagram using the tag @VisitSouthDevon! You can also sign up to our e-newsletter where we’ll keep you up to date with our latest blog posts, competitions, events and more!