Tucker’s & The Maltings

The Maltings is an important part of Devon’s Industrial & Agricultural Heritage. Built by Tucker’s, whose origins go back to 1831 – trading as agricultural merchants, seedsman & maltsters.

In 1898, Edwin Tucker’s son, Parnell, choose a section of land next to Newton Abbot Railway station, for the erection of a new 60 quarter Malthouse that would become Tuckers Maltings. This comprised of two germinating floors, production machinery and two kilns at the far end of the building.

Work began on its construction in January 1900 and it officially opened for business on Monday the 5th November 1900. The final cost was £8000. A further 50 quarter Malthouse, with three germinating floors and two additional kilns was added between December 1901 and November 1903.

It is a testament to Parnell Tucker’s vision that much of the machinery and methods from 1900 continued to be used for over 118 years until the Maltings ceased production in October 2018.

Tuckers Maltings Beer Festival / SIBA Maltingsfest

For over 25 years Tuckers Maltings has been the setting for the annual SIBA Beer Festival which takes place every April. There are over 250 beers to sample as well as live music & food during the three day festival; it is now regarded as one of the top festivals in country.

The Taphouse

The idea to start the Taphouse came about over a beer (as most good things do). Richard and Jonathan were enjoying a few pints and contemplating life, saying how they would love to open a micro pub. Jonathan – as a director of Tuckers – began to realise the potential of The Maltings as a perfect venue to make their shared dream a reality. With a lot of planning and hard graft, the Taphouse was finally opened at the end October 2016 and run by the pair and their partners (alongside the day jobs).

Not long after Sam, Jonathan’s son, stepped in as Manager, and brought his vast knowledge of craft beers as well as traditional beers – having spent time working for Brewdog and Thornbridge breweries, before stints in a Brewpub in Australia and in the U.S.

The current manager Chris and his team are taking the Taphouse forward in a new direction, watch this space!