KENT’ S REVOLUTION OF THE MICROPUB
Susie
FOOD + DRINK
A NEW SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS,
BUT THERE’ S STILL LOTS TO LEARN
Think‘ education’ and you might have memories of classrooms, chalkboards and textbooks. But in Kent, learning looks a little different this academic year – and far tastier.
Across the county, a growing number of local businesses are offering hands-on experiences that combine artisan skills with a deep sense of place. Take TrAles of the Unexpected, for example. They’ re a walking beer tour company that leads curious minds( and thirsty ones) through Kent’ s wonderful brewing heritage. It’ s a spirited blend of storytelling, history and hop appreciation. These aren’ t pub crawls( well, they are a bit), they’ re also pint-sized lessons in culture and craft.
KENT’ S REVOLUTION OF THE MICROPUB
Widely recognised as the birthplace of the now booming micropub movement, Kent’ s much-loved scene first began with The Butchers Arms in Herne. Founded in 2005 and hailed as Britain’ s first micropub, owner Martyn Hillier MBE set out to create an intimate, community-focused hub where great ales and conversation remained firmly at the centre. Truly reshaping the beer-drinking landscape, Martyn’ s groundbreaking endeavours led to Kent becoming a hotbed of charming micro-destinations fit for relishing high-quality ales and ciders with like-minded craft aficionados.
insideKENT’ S TOP MICROPUBS
The Butchers Arms, Herne Facebook icon- The Butchers Arms
Housed in a former butchers and serving up some of the finest real ales around, The Butchers Arms is cherished for its lively atmosphere and award-winning brew list certain to please even the most discerning ale drinkers.
The Dog House, Ashford thedoghousepub. co. uk
Expect the warmest of welcomes and a wonderful array of local ales and homemade food when visiting this quaint micropub run by the passionate Duncan and Claire.
The Malling Jug, West Malling themallingjug. co. uk
West Malling’ s first and only community micropub situated in the centre of the picturesque town offering a no-frills experience to enjoy real ales straight from the barrel, bottled craft beers, cider and wine.
If cider’ s more your style, head to Nightingale Cider near Tenterden for an immersive tasting event. The cider is made from handpicked fruit from their own farm and their next expert-led cider education takes place on 13 September. With a backdrop of the stunning orchards of Gibbet Oak Farm and a glass in hand, you’ ll come away knowing your wild ferments from your dessert apple blends.
In Rodmersham, Green Cottages run brilliant bakery courses from sourdough to enriched dough- perfect for anyone looking to build their kitchen confidence. Taught in small groups in a traditional country setting, they offer a deliciously different kind of adult education.
And let’ s not forget Bore Place and the Brogdale Collections, two centres championing rural skills and sustainable living. Whether you fancy learning to forage, making kefir or diving into seasonal gardening, they’ ve got a workshop to match.
This new wave of Kentish learning isn’ t about ticking boxes, it’ s about curiosity, creativity and connecting with the land. Education, but with more flavour.
For a full list of food, drink and craft workshops across Kent, visit: producedinkent. co. uk
Susie
SUSIE WARREN-SMITH CBE CHAIR PRODUCED IN KENT producedinkent. co. uk producedinkent
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