Topsham Brewery and Taproom, Exeter

I found this place a bit of a faff to get to, having to navigate several backstreets, bridges and towpaths before finally reaching my destination, but it was well worth the effort to find this cool riverside brewpub with its rustic old warehouse-style interior. You enter into a sizable bare boarded room with whitewashed stone walls, a high wooden ceiling and loads of beams and pillars that break up the space effectively. The bar is to the front left with a knockabout timber counter and bare stone bar back which sees the taps and handpulls mounted on a table top unit to the rear. Hops line the beam above the bar counter, giving the place a bit of a rustic, rural vibe. Lots of basic bench seating is available throughout, with some partitioning screens hiding a few high tables and benches down the right-hand side. To the rear, there is an upright piano, drum kit and a few other musical bits that suggest gig nights might be on the calendar. The walls are mostly bare stone, but a few cool modern art prints and a pump clip collection have been put up to add a bit of colour next to the bar. Outside, a pizza truck was dishing out tasty looking grub and plenty of picnic bench seating can be found along the waterfront and in a neighbouring grassy area. Pumping dance tunes played at a fairly sensible level to still allow for conversation on my Friday night visit. The pub was absolutely heaving when I arrived, with people standing five deep at the bar and not a seat in sight. After a long wait, I made it to the bar, where a selection of eight craft keg beers and four cask options were available. The cask range comprised Thornbridge Jaipur, Five Points Best Bitter, and two home brews - Topsham Goat Walk and Serenity. I tried the Goat Walk (£4.20), which was decent enough, if not the most memorable brew of the day. This is a really nice brewpub with a lot of character, a good selection of homebrewed and guest beers, friendly service and a cracking atmosphere. I perhaps would’ve enjoyed the place more if I’d been able to find a seat inside, but still left with a very favourable impression and would suggest this is one not to miss.

Yet another converted warehouse on the Exeter waterside, in this case including the relocated Topsham Brewery. As usual lots of woodwork, and it still feels like a warehouse with the pillars supporting the floor above, unlike some of the other conversions nearby. The brewery is next door and visible through windows. There is a beer garden outside and food (pizza) is provided from a converted horsebox out the front. A bit disappointing to find a lack of their own beers available, with just one resinous West Coast IPA on keg, but the pumps made up for it with ales from the likes of Hanlon, Thornbridge and Wild. Good enough to be worth visiting, but somehow it felt a bit too contrived.

Facebook page of Topsham Brewery and Taproom - www.facebook.com

Facebook page of Topsham Brewery and Taproom - www.facebook.com