Torbay Weekly Rewind: What got Torbay talking in January

January 2025 saw Torbay start the year with a mix of local landmarks, new openings, and community action.

In Paignton, the town’s iconic milk bottle stood firm despite the fall of the Big Tree at the Fisher Street and Dartmouth Road junction. The 140-year-old Monterey Cypress, much loved by residents, had been felled after being deemed unsafe, leaving the milk bottle as a familiar fixture for locals and visitors alike.

Torquay’s harbour front was buzzing with news of a brand-new bar and restaurant, The Yacht, set to open around Easter 2025. Spread over two floors, the venue promised an open distillery, globally inspired food, and a flexible space for drinks, dining and entertainment. The family-run East Street Pub Company aimed for The Yacht to complement its existing harbour venues, including Viva, offering a mix of sit-down dinners and late-night fun while reflecting optimism for Torquay’s ongoing regeneration. Safe to say, I think this has been achieved.

Meanwhile, almost 5,000 people signed a petition to save the Devon Dumpling pub in Shiphay from closure. The pub, a local fixture for around 80 years, faced licensing challenges over noise complaints and outdoor structures, keeping the community talking at the start of the year.

This is part of our Torbay Weekly Rewind series, looking back at the key stories from each month over the past year. Missed a month? Explore our other monthly rewinds here, with more to come:

- December 2024: HERE