Arriving at Clearwater Brewery Our chosen destination for the 'Thank You' trip was Bideford and Appledore so we could combine it with the presentation of the 'Beer of the Festival' award to Clearwater Brewery for their Honey Beer.
The day dawned clear and was destined to be one of the hottest days so far this year. We had a couple of late cancellations so 12 of us gathered on the forecourt of Newton Abbot station for a 10.30 departure. Our first call was on the edge of Exeter to collect 3 Exeter branch members, making our total 15.
The Champ Our next stop was over an hour away at Clearwater Brewery, situated in a modern unit in an area called East-the-Water across the river from Bideford. Here we were greeted by Brett Stevens the brewer. After a brief history of the brewery and of the beers, Brett kindly allowed us to have a sample of a new beer he had brewed. Dave Buckler, the festival organiser, then presented the certificate to Brett.
It was now time for us all to move on to the Champ pub in Appledore, the brewery tap. This turned out to be a splendid traditional pub just off the busy river front. We were made very welcome with a selection of three Clearwater beers and several plates of sandwiches!
The Globe Beaford Time was soon pressing and we had to start our return journey. We had a planned stop off at the Tom Cobley in Spreyton, but, as we were passing the door of the Globe in Beaford, a GBG entry and North Devon CAMRA Pub of the Year 2022, we decided we just had time for quick stop. We were made welcome, at very short notice, by the landlord who had two beers from Exeter Brewery, one from Otter and one from Country Life all in fine form.
The Tom Cobley Tavern All too soon it was time to move onto the Tom Cobley, where landlord Roger Cudlip had kindly agreed to open two hours early for us. As one would expect there was a varied selection of real ales available, see photo, with Darkness and Box O' Frogs proving popular. Dave had organised a meal here and we were provided with an excellent Beef & Ham salad followed by a homemade crumble and custard.
We reluctantly had to leave by 5.15 to get back to Newton Abbot for 6.30 so everyone could get home. It was an excellent, thoroughly enjoyable, day for which a big vote of thanks for organising it and driving the bus must go to Dave Buckler, the festival organiser; also to Brett Stevens of Clearwater Brewery and all landlords for their hospitality and excellent beers. The day was over too quickly!

In the brewery Let the tasting begin Dave presents the certificate to Brett Inside The Champ Hand pumps in the Globe Hand pumps in the Tom Cobley with Roger Cudlip the landlord The Certificate Unusual!