insideKENT Magazine Issue 110 - June 2021 | Page 93

FOOD + DRINK
THE BREWERY TOUR CONT .

YOU “ MUSKET ” TO TRY OUR BEERS !

IF IT ’ S TRADITIONAL , “ OLD SCHOOL ”, NO-NONSENSE , REAL ALE THAT YOU ENJOY , THEN YOU “ MUSKET ” TO TRY KENT-BASED MUSKET BREWERY BEERS !
Brewed in the heart of Kent at Loddington Farm , Linton near Maidstone , the family-owned Musket Brewery this year celebrates eight years of brewing sought-after beers to suit all discerning tastes .
Originally located in a redundant mushroom shed , the growing popularity of Musket beers soon dictated that a larger brewing plant and premises were needed to meet increasing demand for the traditional ales . The owners of Loddington Farm provided a new building and thanks to a grant funded by the North Downs and Marshes LEADER programme , Musket was able to install a brand-new and bigger brew plant , together with a wonderful brewery tap room , named The Armoury .
Together with the whole of the hospitality industry , the COVID 19 pandemic wreaked havoc with Musket Brewery ’ s trade and put its customer base of pubs “ on hold ” overnight . However , rising to the challenge , Musket brought forward its plans for bottling their beers , together with providing a takeaway and delivery service of 5 litre mini kegs . Loyal customers kept the brewery going , with Musket founder and owner , Tony Williams , being justifiably proud of the family achievement .
“ I won ’ t pretend that it has not been a monumental struggle for us , with the challenges faced taking their toll on our finances , health and family life . But with help and support from many friends and a herculean effort by my son , Rhys , supported by his fiancée Louise and my wife , Linda , we have won through and I am so proud of what we have achieved .” He said .
Together with Musket Brewery , Loddington Farm is also home to a number of other businesses , including a gym , coffee roaster , longboard maker , landscaper , artist , sign maker , VW Camper interior fitter , and a florist which hosts floristry workshops and seasonal “ pick your own ” flowers . As the stranglehold of social distancing and lockdown restrictions begin to ease , people have flocked to Musket Brewery ’ s Beer Garden which also houses a huge , state of the art heated stretch tent , where you can enjoy great Musket beer straight from the brewery , together with a small selection of popular wines and soft drinks in comfort .
Due to the popularity of brewing traditional beers , Musket has struggled to meet customer demand but now with a larger brewing capacity available , they are able to expand their customer base throughout Kent and beyond .
“ Three different people on separate occasions have commented that Musket beers have fondly reminded them of their first beer with their Dad . I consider this a huge accolade on the quality of our beers and supported by Musket ’ s enviable customer service , together with the unwavering dedication of our small team , I see no reason why Musket Brewery is not here to stay .” Said Tony .
Near Leeds Castle and neighbouring Boughton Monchelsea Place , Musket Brewery ’ s Beer Garden welcomes all – just check the website or social media for opening times .
www . musketbrewery . co . uk MusketBrewery
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