March ’07

Building the Brewery – Will Freeland, Mark Salmon and Peter Salmon joined forces and signed a lease on an old 5000 square foot steel fabrication unit in Paignton.

The transformation began towards the end of March and by the middle of June, after some considerable construction and installation works, we were running our first brew through our 20 barrel brew plant.

July ’07

First Deliveries -The first two brews, Best and Gold, were successfully launched into local pubs simultaneously in the first week in July.

With Will Freeland’s experience as the head brewer at Skinners Brewery in Truro for ten years Bays Brewery was quickly able to establish an efficient and consistent brewing regime.

Early recruitment – Steve Eastley joined the team and was immediately thrown in at the deep end with head brewer Will to learn how to brew award winning beer! Jo Pottinger also joined the team and immediately took charge of all admin and logistic operations.

August ’07

Gold launched in bottles – Due to the early success of Gold in cask, it was decided to launch the product in bottles. Within days Bays Gold was being delivered to restaurants, hotels, and shops all over South Devon!

September ’07

Brewery shop opens – Due to public demand the brewery shop was opened in September where it sells the beer in bottles, party nines and polypins. It also sells gift sets, clothing and a variety of other Bays branded merchandise.

Early award success – Bays Best was voted ‘Best Bitter in Show’ at the annual Tamworth Beer Festival. As a result, this provided the perfect platform to spread the brand on a national scale.

November ’07

Bays Breaker launched – Early feedback from landlords and drinkers indicated that there was a growing demand for a darker, stronger beer. We listened and Bays Breaker was born!