16th September 2026
Some 28 thirsty members met at The Dolphin where a selection of Otter and Dartmoor ales awaited, the rare Otter Head getting a lot of attention and a fine way to start the day.
Next was a short walk to Molloy’s a a choice of four ales, Firebrand Patchwork Rocket, Bays Topsail and Devon Dumpling plus St Austell Proper Job, all in good order.
This was followed by a walk to the Crown & Sceptre, now back on the map after a period of change and looking good for it, with Brains Rev James, Jail Ale and Butcombe Gold being well received.
We then visited the St Marychurch & Babbacombe Conservative Club, a new venue for some, where we found St Austell Admiral’s Ale and Dartmoor Legend, the former going down particularly well.
Onto the Downs and unfortunately we were too early for The Buccaneer Inn so it on to The Babbacombe Inn for Legend, Doom Bar and Devon Dumpling in this busy eatery.
The Divers Arms was next on the agenda where we enjoyed Jail Ale whilst relaxing in the comfy chairs.
We then started walking towards The Kents but the bus was too tempting and gave an extra quarter hour of drinking time. Once all had a drink in hand, barman Harry was presented with a Good Beer Guide pack and congratulated on being one of only two Torquay pubs to be included in the 2027 guide.
The day’s planned crawl being complete, there were still several members wanting to continue so it was back on the bus down to the seafront and the TQ Beerworks Taphouse for a lovely pint of Copperhead Fresh Cream, a fine way to end the day, indeed we were blessed with a fine selection of ales all day and all in fine order, with some old favourite venues back on the map and a pleasant welcome at the Conservative Club.
Clive Mackriell