A Taste Of Devon: Brewing Beer By The Coast

At Stuart Line Cruises, we are incredibly proud of our Devon heritage and are always looking for ways to enhance our passengers’ experience on the water. As part of our commitment to supporting fellow local businesses, we are delighted to be stocking a selection of award-winning ales from our friends at Bays Brewery on board our vessels this season. We recently caught up with the team at Bays to hear more about their passion for the South West, and we invited them to share their story with you in this guest blog post.

Crafted to Perfection: Stuart Line Cruises & Bays Brewery

There’s something special about enjoying a local beer while taking in Devon’s stunning coastline. Whether you’re cruising along the tranquil River Exe or heading out to explore the dramatic Jurassic Coast, the experience is made even better with a proper pint in hand.

At Bays Brewery, we’re proud to now be part of that experience, with our Devon beers available on board Stuart Line Cruises. It’s a partnership built on shared values – a love of the coast, a passion for quality, and a commitment to keeping things local.

The Story Of Bays Brewery

At Bays Brewery, everything starts with our home on the South Devon coast. Based in Torbay, we’re a proudly family-run brewery that has been crafting award-winning beers for over 19 years, inspired by the place we live and love.

The South West coastline isn’t just a scenic backdrop for us – it’s a constant source of inspiration. Our strapline, “Crafted to Perfection the Devon Way,” reflects this strong regional identity, with beers inspired by local landmarks such as Brixham Breakwater, Paignton Harbour, and Thatcher’s Rock.

It’s what makes our beers feel perfectly at home on the water with Stuart Line Cruises, giving customers a true taste of the region as they take in the stunning surroundings.

Brewing Responsibly, The Devon Way

Sustainability is a key part of our journey at Bays, and something we continue to build into every aspect of how we brew. As a family-run business rooted in South Devon, we care deeply about protecting the environment that inspires our beers, and we’re always looking for ways to reduce our impact while supporting our local community.

It starts with our ingredients. Wherever possible, we prioritise local and British sourcing, with around 50% of our malt coming from local suppliers and 50% of our hops grown here in the UK. Sustainability is embedded throughout our brewing operations, from production through to packaging and distribution. We’ve made significant investments to reduce our carbon footprint, including installing over 30kW of solar panels on our brewery roof.

Our commitment doesn’t stop there. We work hard to ensure that brewing by-products are put to good use rather than going to waste. Spent grain is collected weekly by a local farmer to feed livestock, spent hops are shared with local gardeners and allotments as natural fertiliser, and surplus yeast is sent to an anaerobic digestion facility where it’s used to generate renewable energy.

Perfect Pints For Your Stuart Line Cruise

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a great local beer while taking in Devon’s coastline from the water. That’s what makes our partnership with Stuart Line Cruises so special – bringing together two family-run businesses with a shared love for the sea, the scenery, and showcasing the very best of the region.

On board Stuart Line Cruises, you can now enjoy two of our most popular beers – Devon Rock and Devon Cove. Devon Rock is a firm favourite – a well-balanced, easy-drinking pale ale with a refreshing finish, making it the perfect companion for a sunny day on the water. Meanwhile, Devon Cove offers a lighter, more delicate option, ideal for those looking for something crisp and sessionable as they take in the views.

Both beers are brewed with drinkability in mind, making them perfectly suited to a relaxed cruise. They capture that easy-going coastal feeling – unhurried, refreshing, and best enjoyed while soaking up the scenery. This partnership is all about celebrating the best of Devon – combining great local beer with unforgettable experiences on the water.

A Shared Vision

As Will Freeland, Bays Brewery’s Head Brewer, puts it:

“We’re really proud to see Bays beers being enjoyed on board Stuart Line Cruises. As a fellow family-run business with strong local roots, it’s a great partnership for us – bringing together two Devon brands and giving people a true taste of the coast while they’re out on the water.”

From brewery to boat, it’s all about celebrating what makes Devon special – incredible scenery, strong local businesses, and great beer worth sharing.

Discover more about Bays Brewery and explore our range at: www.baysbrewery.co.uk