The Tuppenny, at 58-59 Devizes Road is the brainchild of Jamie Stapleton and Linda Gulliford who were determined to create a welcoming, independent establishment catering for a growing interest in beer, wines and spirits from smaller producers. Jamie explained: “One of the most heartening things was that on our first birthday celebration, on 23 November, it was great to see so many people there supporting us. “The place was packed. Linda and I both realised how many new friends we have made since The Tuppenny opened. It hasn’t all been plain sailing - but our customers believe in us and what we are trying to achieve and it is their support that has enabled us to thrive in our first year.” Jamie’s business partner Linda explained: “One of the things that people say to us all the time is: ‘When’s that beer going on?’, we have a quick turnover of lots of different beers. We have showcased more than 70 different beers here in a year - and that’s just the draft ones! “At any one time we have more than 30 different beers available here. And we try to ensure that we cover a range of different styles.” Jamie said: “The craft ethos applies to everything we do - we say that there’s a beer for everyone. We aim to be approachable and we are happy to recommend something that people might not have tried before.” Jamie and Linda are constantly on the lookout for new and exciting brews to bring to their customers and often attend industry exhibitions which are attended by dozens of small independent producers. Linda has been working in the industry since she was 18 and understands the pub trade inside out. “It’s all about people really - that’s the best part of the job.” Jamie, a former sound engineer, has always been a self-confessed beer obsessive. “I think it’s important to do a job that you are passionate about - we both took a risk, but after the first year we can say that it was definitely the right thing to do. Our customers can see that we have a vision for the type of establishment that we are trying to create and that we really believe in what we are trying to achieve.” Jamie and Linda plan to expand on what they have achieved with the Tuppenny so far by extending their range in the New Year. They are installing a new six beer range to allow them to host a constantly changing range of six exciting guest craft beers of different styles. And the Tuppenny will also always stock a core range of lager, pale ale, cider and stout as a permanent fixture as well as one real ale. As some of the beers that will be stocked are of a higher strength, there are also plans in place to make them available in 1/3 and 2/3 pint glasses. The monthly music quiz will still be held and there are plans to introduce beer, wine, gin and whisky tasting sessions. For more information about forthcoming events at the Tuppenny, follow them on Facebook or log in to their webpage www.thetuppenny.com