The following pub and brewery news was reported at the February Branch Committee Meeting on Monday 3rd February 2020.

Pub News

The new Bulletproof Brewing Taphaus, Mutley Plain, has been added to the branch website, and is due to open at the end of February-ish. It will serve about 12 draught beers, six of their Continental-style beers, and six guests, including at least one cider. Initially, they plan to open daily midday-midnight. They currently plan to continue brewing in Lipson, in an outbuilding of the owners house. Food will be available to eat on the premises, via "Knead Pizza", who will deliver to the Taphaus. Bottled and canned beers will also be available. The Gipsy Moth, Citadel Road, suffered a fire a couple of weeks ago, with extensive smoke damage, and is currently closed for refurbishment. Donna and Lee, of the Fisherman’s Arms, Barbican, are due to re-open the Royal Oak, Hooe, this coming Saturday – good luck to them! The Imperial Inn, Ivybridge, is reportedly under new management – Good Luck to them! The Drakes Wine Bar & Cafe, formally Ordulph Arms, Tavistock, was rumoured to be re-opening as a wine bar, but, unfortunately, a wall collapsed in this Grade-II listed building. Boringdon Arms Winter Beer Festival 2020 takes places this Friday and Saturday, 7th and 8th February, from about 1600 on Friday during the usual pub hours. Tucker's Malting's Beer Festival 2020 is confirmed as starting at 1700 on Thursday 16th April until 2200 on Saturday 18th. Full details are on the branch website. Great British Beer Festival Winter 2020 is taking place from Tuesday 4th until Saturday 8th February, at New Bingley Hall, Birmingham – full details on the branch website.

Brewery News

It is with much regret that we have heard that Pete Martin – the driving force behind Driftwood Spars Brewery – passed away unexpectedly recently. His funeral took place last Saturday, with Paul Adams attending. He very kindly passed on his condolences on behalf of both Plymouth and South Devon CAMRA. Our condolences go to Pete’s family, and all at Driftwood Spars.

The following breweries have Brewery Liaison Officer (BLO) Vacancies: Anchor House, Plympton; Billy Ruffian’s, Devonport PCFE; Bulletproof, Lipson; volunteer nominated – TVM Alan! Ivybridge, of Ivybridge; volunteer nominated – TVM Andy! Steel Brew Co, of RWY Volunteer nominated – TVM Bob!

Sadly, nothing has been heard from the following branch breweries for some time, so will be closed on BIS: Bale Ale – last report 24/11/19 stating no telephone/mobile or email contact. Moorstone – closed unexpectedly at Easter 2018, with no further news re sale or restarting brewing.

Other local brewery closures: Bude; Jollyboat; Leafy Hollow; Masters; Rebel (brands bought and brewed by Dynamite Valley since late 2018/early 2019); Totem; and Two Tone.

Two Drifters, of Exeter, have temporarily ceased brewing beer, to concentrate on their rum distilling !!!!