Britain's oldest and newest brewer (Shepherd Neame)
Shepherd Neame in Kent is doing a fine job of being all things to all people. Dominic Roskrow reports
If ever there was a case of having your cake and eating it, it’s Kent’s Shepherd Neame.
On the one hand its publicity people are sending out press releases showing how Britain’s oldest registered brewer is even older than they thought. The next they’re showing off a state of the art visitor centre.
And this sort of ‘one step forward, one glance back’ approach to its business can be found at every level of this impressive English regional brewer. Traditional pubs with hops round the restaurant and fine quality dining? No problem. A pint with the lads in one of Kent’s many feeder towns? You’ve got it.
Fine South East English ale? That’s what Shepherd Neame does. No matter, though, if lager is your tipple of choice. Sheps is the lager equivalent of the United Nations, with Dutch, Japanese, Swiss, Indian, Chinese and South African versions all brewed on site.
The brewery itself dominates the town of Faversham in the way large industries once did across Britain. Its impressive main entrance opens in to the sort of traditional authoritarian reception area that seemed to have been designed to intimidate, its dark wood furnishings and grandiose furnishings recalling an era long gone. If you’re fortunate enough, they’ll also show you some of the storerooms, with the big heavy iron safes and handwritten original ledgers recording every pound and shilling that has passed through its doors. It’s a stark reminder of the brewery’s great family history.
Enter the heart of the brewery a.....
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By Dominic Roskrow
Section : British Breweries
Page number : 16
