FOOD + DRINK
The Art of Brewing Cont ...
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A DAY OUT WITH A DIFFERENCE IN KENT ?
SHEPHERD NEAME BREWERY TOUR
BEER LOVERS ARE INVITED TO DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF BRITAIN ’ S OLDEST BREWER , SHEPHERD NEAME , WITH ONE OF ITS AWARD-WINNING BREWERY TOURS .
When you step into the centuries-old Faversham brewery you can get a flavour of the history behind the beer as well as see the brewing process .
A Shepherd Neame brewery tour offers a chance to take in the historic site , dating back more than 400 years , and learn all about the independent brewer and pub company – now led by chief executive Jonathan Neame , the fifth generation of his family to run the business .
The 80-minute tour begins in the Visitor Centre in Court Street where visitors – the ‘ flock ’ – are led by a tour guide through the brewery , into the Brew House , which is still used daily to create the company ’ s muchloved brews , and on to the Old Brewery Store , which features impressive displays of historic delivery vehicles , a recreated coopers ’ workshop , bygone pub signs and a collection of hop picking memorabilia .
It then heads back to the Visitor Centre where you can enjoy a tutored tasting , after which visitors have the chance to visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir .
There ’ s a chance to try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops , and of course … taste the end result !
And once you ’ ve tasted the beers on offer , you can head to one of the brewer ’ s nine pubs in the historic market town of Faversham , all within walking distance .
“ At Shepherd Neame , we ’ re very proud to be Britain ’ s oldest brewer , and we want others to know all about our history – but we ’ re also a 21st century brewer , and we want our visitors to see how we produce our awardwinning range of classic and contemporary ales and lagers today - and naturally to try them too !”
GILES HILTON , HEAD OF CUSTOMER RELATIONS
The experience was awarded a Hidden Gem accolade from VisitEngland in October 2022 , listing it as one of nine winners in the South East which go the extra mile to provide a high quality day out .
They praised the informative nature of the tour , without it being too technical , adding : ‘ Customer care was to a high standard ’ and that there was ‘ very good use of anecdotes and ad hoc historical references were engaging and a very good knowledge of the brewery and brewing process was evident .’
The tours , which are open to those aged 18 and over , cost £ 22.50 per person .
To book a tour of the historic Faversham brewery for a friend , loved one , or just to treat yourself , visit : www . shepherdneame . co . uk / visitor-centre / brewery-tours or call 01795 542016 . Customers are advised to prebook to avoid disappointment .
Note : Tours are on foot and involve walking around the brewery site , which , due to its age , has some uneven surfaces and stairs .
www . shepherdneame . co . uk
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