

In the quiet moments after loss, what most people need is someone who listens, who honours individuality and who carries both the weight and the hope of farewell with grace. For many in Plymouth, that someone is Wyatt Brothers Funeral Directors. Independent, family run and deeply rooted in the community, they offer something rare in today’s world: a funeral service that feels personal, genuine and human.
Their home is The Old Brewery building in Stonehouse, which John lovingly restored from a derelict shell into a welcoming haven. Inside, soft lighting, comfortable sofas and a fireplace replace the clinical feel often associated with funeral homes. Thank you cards from grateful families fill the sideboards, proof that this is a place built on warmth and trust rather than formality.
That care extends to every part of what they do. Wyatt Brothers often visit families in their own homes, offering comfort in familiar surroundings. Their Chapel of Rest on Durnford Street provides a calm alternative for those who prefer to visit in person. What truly stands out is consistency: whoever answers your call will guide you through the entire process. No call centres, no confusion, just genuine continuity and care.
Transparency is another hallmark of their service. Funerals can be expensive, and John and Richard believe families deserve honesty about costs. They publish a clear price list and never add hidden charges for third party services. Whether you choose a traditional funeral, a simple cremation or something entirely bespoke.
When the Covid pandemic struck, that commitment was tested like never before. Restrictions meant small gatherings, no wakes and heartbreaking distance between loved ones. Even in those difficult months, Wyatt Brothers found ways to help families say goodbye with compassion and creativity. At the same time, John faced his own battle with cancer, enduring treatment while ensuring the business continued to serve the community. Supported by Richard and his wife Pippa, the team kept going, offering comfort when people needed it most.
John’s recovery is a story of strength and gratitude. Today he is cancer free and more devoted than ever to his work. “Life is fragile,” he says, “and every farewell should reflect love and individuality.” That belief is visible in every service they arrange. From traditional hearses and horse-drawn carriages to woodland burials and colourful coffins, Wyatt Brothers make it possible to celebrate a life in whatever way feels right.
The pair’s approachable nature also sets them apart. During the week, they choose not to wear black, preferring to encourage happy memories as well as tears. Families often leave surprised at how much they smiled. “We meet people as strangers and often end up as friends,” John says. It is that warmth which has earned them countless five star reviews and heartfelt messages of thanks.
In a world where larger firms can sometimes treat funerals as routine, Wyatt Brothers have chosen a different path. They have no desire to expand beyond Plymouth, knowing that to grow too large would mean losing the intimacy they value. Remaining small and independent allows them to do what they do best: care for each family as if they were their own.
For those seeking a funeral director who values kindness over convention and compassion over profit, Wyatt Brothers stand as a reminder that dignity and empathy still exist in their truest form. When the hardest moment comes, these are the people who will help you honour your loved one with sincerity, warmth and love.
