St Austell launches Summer Sun ale to support RNLI

The company, which has more than 30 coastal pubs in its estate, has brewed a limited-edition beer that is available now and will be hosting an RNLI-themed dining event for pub guests in September.

Summer Sun is said to be a pale 4.5% ABV fruity summer blonde ale with floral and citrus notes.

St Austell added the cask beer, which is in pubs across the south-west now, is a part of its music-themed seasonal beer collection for 2024 and has its own playlist that can be listened to by scanning a QR code on the pump clip.

Fish supper events​

Each pint sale of Summer Sun, inspired by the famous Texas song, will see 5p donated to the RNLI.

In September, St Austell Brewery will also host RNLI Fish Supper events across 13 of its pubs by the sea, donating a percentage of ticket sales to the charity.

The brewer and pub operator will help raise guest awareness on the RNLI’s latest water safety campaigns, providing crucial advice to help protect those visiting its pubs by the water’s edge​.

St Austell Brewery marketing & communications director Laura McKay said: “We’re delighted to be doing our bit to support such a special charity by releasing a seasonal beer and hosting RNLI fish supper events in our pubs.

Water safety messaging​

“Many of our coastal pubs are near local lifeboat stations and some of our team members are volunteer crew themselves. What better opportunity than the charity’s 200th anniversary for us to recognise the important role these volunteers play within our south-west communities, keeping people safe on the water and saving lives at sea?”

RNLI water safety lead for the south-west Steve Instance added: “This partnership will help the RNLI spread vital water safety messaging during our peak summer season as well as bring in funds to help the charity in its mission to save lives at sea.

“St Austell pubs will help us reach a crucial demographic of holidaymakers visiting the coast this summer with our Float to Live messaging​, which we know saves lives – if you find yourself in trouble in the water, fight the urge to panic, lay back with your ears submerged and use your arms and legs to help you stay afloat. Then you can call for help or swim to safety.”