Topsham Brewery & Taproom
Perfectly situated right on the River Exe and canal. It's a fantastic spot with a huge selection of drinks to choose from. You'll love their German-style seating area, creating a unique and comfortable vibe, and there's even a pizza van outside for a tasty bite.
A True Beer Lover's Paradise
Their chilled beer garden is the ideal place to relax, and you can even peek into the brewery through a window – how cool is that. They boast an excellent selection of their own beers and ales. We thoroughly enjoyed a refreshing Miami Weiss and a Watch This Space pint, which was incredibly tasty. This is genuinely one of my new favourites The beer is always so enjoyable, and there's consistently a relaxed, happy, and friendly vibe. You'll feel right at home here.
P&P
Background....
The Maclaines Warehouse Building:
Historic Significance: Maclaines Warehouses are a group of prominent Grade II-listed buildings situated at the heart of the Exeter Canal Basin, between the River Exe and the Exeter Ship Canal. They are an important reminder of Exeter's past as a commercial maritime port, described by Historic England as "typical mid-nineteenth century warehouses."
Redevelopment Efforts: In 1981, Exeter City Council established the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust to revitalize the decaying and under-used assets around the historic quay. The master plan for the Canal Basin stipulated that future uses of Maclaines Warehouses should involve "minimal intervention to the fabric of the building," suggesting uses like specialist retail, leisure, craft workshops, exhibition space, or offices.
Previous Occupants: The buildings had not had long-term tenants since Exeter's Maritime Museum closed in 1997. Various proposals for their use emerged over the years, including a potential new theatre, arts and crafts venue, and maritime heritage center complex.
Topsham Brewery & Taproom:
Establishment (Late 2018): Topsham Brewery began occupying two of the four units within Maclaines Warehouses in late 2018. They initially used the ground floor of unit 1 as a bar and the ground floor of unit 2 as their brewery.
Expansion: In August 2020, the company obtained planning permission from the city council to use the first floor for another bar and events area, and the second floor as a brewery office.
Concept: Topsham Brewery aims to create "sessionable, eclectic & memorable beers," drawing inspiration from American craft beer approaches. They brew a diverse range of beers, from Milkshake Stouts and IPAs to Hefeweizens and Lagers.
Current Operations: The Taproom and Brewery are open seven days a week, offering a lively ambiance and a quayside beer garden. They also host various events in their upstairs venue space, including music concerts, workshops, and dance lessons. Portal Pizza, a Neapolitan-inspired pizza truck, operates on-site, serving food to taproom patrons.
