Shepherd Neame Brewery
17 Court Street Faversham Kent ME13 7AX
You’re never far from a Shepherd Neame pub in Kent: the brewery, producing distinctively hoppy, very British ales like Spitfire and Bishop’s Finger, has been based in the creekside market town of Faversham for more than three hundred years. Tours of the premises, which last between two and two-and-a-half hours, are engaging affairs that walk you through the working brewery and give a clear run-down of the brewing process from start to finish. There are lots of tasting opportunities – you can sip the beautifully fresh-tasting natural mineral water from the on-site well; nibble malted barley (dark, chocolatey); breathe in the aroma of Kentish hops (pungent, bitter); and, at the end, settle down in the pub-like room in the visitor centre, where you're schooled in how to identify and quality-test the beer. Servings are generous; and, sensibly perhaps, snacks are provided. If these tasters leave you craving more, you can pick up various gift beer packs in the on-site shop. It’s best to book tours in advance online.
