Shepherd Neame Brewery Tour, Faversham, Kent
Rich in history, Britain’s oldest brewery has stayed true to its roots still sourcing around 95% of its hops from Kent. Go on the Shepherd Neame brewery tour to get a real taste of Britain’s brewing heritage and to hear its fascinating story.
Visit Shepherd Neame Brewery. Photo: J. Linwood Flickr
Visit Shepherd Neame in Kent to experience their award-winning brewery tours and to taste their hand-crafted ales such as Spitfire, produced in 1990 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The brewery is located in the historic market town of Faversham which is steeped in hop history.
- Brewery tours
- Tutored beer tastings
- Special events
- Good for groups
Explore Britain’s Brewing Heritage
Although it was officially founded in 1698, there’s evidence to suggest that the heritage of Shepherd Neame may date back to 1147 when Faversham’s Abbey was founded by King Stephen. It had a brewhouse situated close to the brewery’s present site producing ale for the monks. By 1327, at least 86 ale wives in the town were also brewing beer and selling it from their homes.
Discover The Brewery’s Link to Royalty
There’s a direct link to royalty too as King James II was held prisoner at the brewery. His ship ran aground off Faversham while he was attempting to flee to France to avoid William of Orange and his Dutch army during the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Take a Tour of The Brewery
Take the Shepherd Neame brewery tour and you’ll see the traditional mash tuns; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley; smell locally-grown Kentish hops; see bygone delivery vehicles and step into a recreated cooper’s workshop. At the end, there’s a tutored tasting of their Kentish ales and speciality lagers with names like Spitfire, Bishop’s Finger and Asahi. The brewery also runs tasting suppers and beer and food matching events.
Shepherd Neame Brilliant Ale. Photo: The Sampler Flickr
Morris Man Faversham Hop Festival. Photo: Smudge 9000 Flickr
Drink a Pint in The Three Tuns
Shepherd’s Neame now has more than 350 pubs in its estate including The Three Tuns in Faversham – its first pub that was built in 1605. With its cosy fireplace and weathered oak beams, the Grade II listed building was reputed to be the base from which Admiral Lord Nelson recruited and paid his crew.
Tips
- Brewery tours are really popular so advanced booking is essential especially at the weekend (allow 2 hours for your visit and wear appropriate footwear)
- To participate in the brewery tour, you must be at least 12 years of age
- Visit Faversham in early September for the annual Hop Festival
- Go to The Market Inn to play the popular Kentish pub game of ‘Bat and Trap’. It’s an ancestor of cricket
- Visit Oare, near Faversham, to try the excellent food at the rambling 18th-century pub, The Three Mariners and to buy oysters from Hollowshore Fisheries
Where to Stay
The Marine Hotel – a lovely 3 star hotel located on Tankerton Cliffs, owned by Shepherd Neame Brewery
The Hotel Continental – a 3 star hotel directly facing the beach (ask for a sea view). It’s a 10 minute walk into the centre of Whitstable.
Ready to book a weekend break in Whitstable? See all recommended Best Places to Stay in Whitstable.
Dogs
Please check with Shepherd Neame Brewery directly.
How to Find Shepherd Neame Brewery
Shepherd Neame Brewery Tours, The Faversham Brewery, 17 Court Street, Faversham, Kent. ME13 7AX
Website: www.shepherdneame.co.uk
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.