Locals cheer a new beer (From Penarth Times)

Locals cheer a new beer

A PENARTH man has helped set up the first brewery to open in Barry for 100 years - and put locally brewed real ale back on tap in the Vale.

Brewers Ian Teagle, of Penarth, and Dave Walbeoff, of Barry, have been making beer at home for many years - but took the plunge 18 months ago to set up their own label.

And the Vale of Glamorgan Brewery is now up and running on the Atlantic Trading Estate in Barry.

The Vale of Glamorgan pub in Cowbridge is the first to take the beer VoG1 - and Dave and Ian hope this is just the start.

Ian lives on Station Road in Penarth with his young family. Dave has lived in Barry all his life and went to Barry Boys Comprehensive School.

Dave, from the Knap area, said: "We are very happy with the support we have had from Camra and the Business Enterprise people who have been great.

"It was big step to start this up and we are both hoping that the venture will be successful. Our ultimate aim is to have our beer in pubs all over the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond.

"It will be great if we can establish our beer as a favourite in the pubs.

"I think one of the reasons we decided to start this beer label up is because we want more choices in pubs."

In the coming year Dave and Ian want to put their beer on show at beer festivals throughout the country to promote their product.

Barry Brewery Company, on Broad Street, was brewing in 1895 but ceased trading in 1902. The last brewer in the area was Bull Mastiff who stopped brewing in the Vale a few years ago and is now based in Cardiff.

The beer has already become a firm favourite with Camra which has been helping the two brewers perfect their process.

* And the verdict on VoG1?

Our reporter says it went down a storm, is not too bitter or too soft, and seems to have just the right blend of flavours to help the beer go down a treat.