On a glorious summer’s day, Saturday 15 August, CAMRA members descended on Trevaunance Cove not to mingle with the holidaymakers and surfers but to the Driftwood Spars pub-b&b-restaurant-brewery.

We were there for a branch business meeting followed by presentations to the brewery for wins in the Champion Beer of Britain (CBoB) competition. On the bar downstairs were Driftwood’s own Bawden Rocks, Stippy Stappy and a new beer St Agnes Brown Ale, plus Timothy Taylor’s Boltmaker and local Touchwood Cider.

The business meeting took place including voting for Cornwall Branch Pub of the Season – Summer. Then followed lunch and informal chat.

Driftwood Spars Alfie’s Revenge then took centre stage. This excellent Strong Ale (6.5% ABV) won CAMRA’s Champion Winter Beer of Britain in 2012. Head Brewer Pete Martin was there to receive the award for his beer. Sadly, Pete passed away in 2020, but current Head Brewer Tim Lawrence continues to brew Alfie’s Revenge, which was available on the top bar alongside Stippy Stappy and St Agnes Brown Ale.

At CAMRA’s national judging of Barley Wines and Strong Ales at the Liverpool Beer Festival in February, Alfie’s Revenge did it again, coming top in its class (Gold place) against all other beers in the class for 2026! As if that was not enough, when the CBoB final judging took place at Cambridge Beer Festival in May, Alfie’s Revenge won Bronze (3rd place) in the Overall Winners category, against thousands of other beers that were eligible for the competition.

Tim and Driftwood owner Lou Treseder were present at Cambridge to celebrate the success. Here at the pub, National CBoB Coordinator Kevin Travers presented Tim and Lou with the formal certificates for the wins.

They were joined by Cornwall Branch Chair Dave Pedlar on the balcony overlooking the Cove, all very happy bunnies.

Finally, a group photo in the restaurant with a toast to Alfie the squirrel. Cornwall CAMRA branch magazine One & Ale on the table shows Pete Martin in the brewery. Rest in peace, Pete. Well done Tim and thanks to Louise.

Cheers,

Steve Barber