Shepherd Neame beer

Shepherd Neame is officially recognized as Britain's oldest brewer, with a rich history centered in the medieval market town of Faversham, Kent. While the brewery’s official founding date is 1698, commercial brewing on its current site can be traced back as far as 1573, historically linked to the brewing traditions of the nearby Faversham Abbey established in 1147. All of its own-brand beers are produced at the Faversham Brewery using water from an artesian well located deep beneath the site and locally grown Kentish hops.

Originally founded by Richard Marsh, the brewery transitioned through several families before the Shepherd family took control in 1741. The Neame family’s involvement began in 1864 when Percy Beale Neame joined as a partner. Today, the business remains an independent family-led concern, with Jonathan Neame serving as the fifth generation of his family to lead the company.

Shepherd Neame operates a vertically integrated model, managing a large estate of nearly 300 pubs and hotels across London and the South East of England. In addition to its own portfolio of beers, which includes flagship brands like Spitfire, Bishops Finger, and the Whitstable Bay collection, the company also brews international labels such as Singha and Samuel Adams under license for the UK market.