Shepherd Neame

Browsing the displays in Faversham museum, I learned that the local brewer Shepherd Neame claims to be the oldest brewer in Great Britain.  Officially, it was founded in 1698 although evidence has been uncovered showing brewing has taken place continuously on the current site near the centre of this historic town since at least 1573. 

It still uses traditional methods and every beer is brewed with chalk-filtered mineral water from the brewery’s own artesian well, deep below the brewery.  93% of the hops used in its beers are grown in Kent and I expect some of them are in this display. Unfortunately the  museum did not have any beer to sample and I feel the need to return to this very attractive town  for a brewery tour.