THE owners of a West Devon pub are this month celebrating, after being awarded a coveted industry accolade. Shaun Collins and Julie Payne, of the Trout and Tipple pub at Tavistock, have been awarded the sought-after Cask Marque accreditation, following a detailed inspection of their beers and premises. Shaun said he and Julie were delighted with the award ? there are fewer than five Cask Marque-accredited pubs in West Devon. He said: ?It means a huge amount to us. It?s recognition for all the work we have put into our cask ales ? and all the efforts of our customers. ?If they don?t drink the beer, we can?t keep it and sell it to the high quality it has to be. ?To have a Cask Marque is a bit like getting an AA rosette or RAC recognition ? it?s very highly sought after.? Shaun said Cask Marque were a ?best practice? organisation for the beer industry. To qualify for accreditation, the Trout and Tipple?s cellars were rigorously inspected for hygiene, the beers checked for their quality ? even the beer glasses themselves. Following the initial inspection a further visit was paid by inspectors a month later, after which he and Julie received the good news they had made the grade. But they won?t be able to rest on their laurels ? to retain the Cask Marque, there will be twice-yearly unannounced inspections. Shaun and Julie keep Jail Ale, brewed at Princetown, permanently on tap at The Trout ? the other three ales change constantly. ?We use mainly West Country beers or those from South West members of the Society of Independent Brewers, plus others that come up occasionally,? said Shaun. A fifth real ale is added to the pumps during the summer and the couple also organise mini beer festivals twice a year, in February and March, when the range increases to seven, plus several ciders and perrys.
