Torbay brewery raises glass to charities

Family-run Bays Brewery in Paignton is saying ‘cheers’ to some top Devon charities throughout 2024 with the launch of four brand new limited-edition ‘Charity Brews’. 

Available at various times throughout the year in bottles, cask and beer boxes, each brew will support a worthy local cause in a bid to give something back to the community.

The first of its charity brews ‘Tracker Ale’ will be available from February, with five per cent of proceeds going towards Dartmoor Search and Rescue at Ashburton.

The smooth pale session beer will help its Ashburton division raise much-needed funds to replace its oldest Land Rover for future rescue missions in Torbay, Dartmoor and East Devon.

The second charity brew ‘Funky Monkey’ will be available from April and will see the Torbay brewery partner up with Paignton Zoo once again.

The copper-coloured pale ale will have a cheeky citrus character and fruity hoppy notes, with the brew inspired by the zoo’s new baboon exhibit ‘Hamadryas Hill’ which is set to open later this year.

Funky Monkey will be the latest in a long line of beers developed by Bays Brewery in collaboration with Paignton Zoo, which combined have raised more than £27,000 for endangered species to date. 

Director of Bays Brewery, Peter Salmon, said: “Last year’s charity beers proved a hit among our loyal following of beer fans, raising a total of £3,370 for three local charities close to our heart, and we’re thrilled to be working with another brilliant bunch of local charities in 2024.

“With many of them facing unprecedented demand alongside inadequate funding, we are pleased to be able to play a small part by pledging to donate five per cent from every bottle and pint sold to help raise much-needed funds for four incredibly worthy causes.”

The third charity brew ‘Chopper Ale’ will take off in July, with beer drinkers able to enjoy their pint in the knowledge that they are supporting the vital work of Devon Air Ambulance with every sip. 

Completing the charity line-up from November will be ‘Jingle Ale’, a deep amber ale that spreads some festive cheer with five per cent of proceeds supporting Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW).

CHSW provides hospice care for children and their families across the South West living with life-limiting illnesses from point of diagnosis through to end of life.