Palmers Brewery is hoping to scoop awards at the South West’s biggest and best beer festival. The Bridport-based brewery has entered four of its finest ales in both the bottled beer and cask ale categories, at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) South West Region Beer Competition 2011, held at Tuckers Maltings in Newton Abbot.

The man hailed by food critics as one of the UK’s most talented seafood chefs has joined a picturesque West Dorset pub to head up a garden-inspired menu. George Marsh, 31, is now Head Chef at the New Inn, in Stoke Abbott.

Palmers Brewery, owners of The Three Cups in Lyme Regis, are undertaking further detailed survey work on the back of the building. Surveyors will be removing overhanging slates on the rear of the property to investigate the fabric of the building beneath.

Licensees at Palmers’ pubs have been rolling out the barrels to make sure they keep their beer in tip-top condition. Palmers invest in Cask Marque accreditation for tenants and top bar staff in all their West Country pubs, offering them the industry-recognised qualification in cellar management.

Palmers Brewery held the first of a series of consultation meetings this week with local community representatives on the future of the former Three Cups Hotel. The invitation only meeting in Lyme Regis Guildhall on Monday (22 February) discussed the Broad Street site and its limitations.

Palmers Brewery of Bridport has bought The Thimble Inn in Piddlehinton from owners Norman and Anne White. The picturesque, thatched pub nestling by the River Piddle was bought for an undisclosed sum in a private sale. The Thimble is a Grade II listed building built around 300 years ago with many ancient beams.