Something Brewing in Cornwall — New Book from Tommy Barnes

Tommy Barnes became a cult favourite with A Beer in the Loire (shortlisted for the Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards) and was followed up by Trouble Brewing in the Loire (also shortlisted for the Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards), where he continued to charm readers as the “accidental brewer” who traded London for a French farmhouse. But in this new book, the dream has crumbled and Tommy and his family have been forced to beat a retreat to the rugged North Cornwall coast.

The transition is far from smooth. Squeezed into a cramped cottage in Padstow with confused children and rehomed animals, Tommy must confront the loss of his old life in rural France. After a series of career missteps, he arrives at a blunt realisation: the problem isn’t the work, it’s him. With newfound self-awareness, the support of friends, and an unexpected alliance with a rival brewer, Tommy sets out to relaunch Braslou Bière in Cornwall.

• A fantastic book for both the beer enthusiast and fans of Cornwall. The trial and errors of the brewing process, hop varieties and beer recipes set against the backdrop of the Cornish craft beer scene and stunning locations.

• Unforgettable characters including Tommy’s nemesis Burt the indestructible dog, his new landlord, fellow brewers, fishermen, antique dealers, a Brazilian surfer and many more.

• A deeply human account for anyone who has ever felt like a misfit or dreamed of starting over.

• While many travelogues are about leaving the UK to foreign shores, this is a raw, funny look at “re-entry”.

• Tommy writes with poignancy, respect and humour of his tenure at the legendary St Austell Brewery while attempting a madcap relaunch of his own brand.

• From Pétanque tournaments to Power Ballads from the eighties. The book includes hilarious accounts of leftfield marketing initiatives.

• The book offers a timely, humorous, and sometimes painful look at a family returning to a changed Britain after years of living the European dream.

• Book contrasts the glossy/Michelin rated image of Cornwall with the reality of trying to start a business there.

• Tommy Barnes embraces his disasters with a self-deprecating charm.

• From French wine country to the rugged North Cornwall coast – a story of beer, family, exile, longing, and second chances….

• Provides an insider’s look at the camaraderie of the independent brewing scene.

• Something Brewing in Cornwall bridges the gap between a travelogue, a culinary memoir, and a business “how-to” (or “how-not-to”).

Publication Details

Something Brewing in Cornwall by Tommy Barnes. Published by Muswell Press. Travel/Memoir/Food & Drink. 11 June 2026. Paperback Original. £12.99.

About the Author

Tommy Barnes grew up in Hertfordshire. He worked as a graphic designer in London for 15 years and performed as a stand-up comedian in his spare time. Happily made redundant, he set off to France with girlfriend Rose. There they started a microbrewery, Braslou Biere. His first book, A Beer in the Loire, was published in 2018 followed by Trouble Brewing in the Loire in 2021.

Previous Acclaim

‘Barnes adds something new to the Englishman in France genre not just by being extremely funny but by writing from the heart’ – Best Booze Books, Master of Malt

‘A candid, brilliantly human book full of laugh out loud moments. And lots of beer’ – Rosie Birkett

For more information:

To arrange an interview or request a high-res cover image, contact:

Tim Donald – Brownlee Donald

Email: tim.donald@brownleedonald.com

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