BBC Radio Kent presenter Julia George was named Shepherd Neame Kent Journalist of the Year at the Kent Media Awards lunch held at the Faversham brewery.

Julia, who also won the Bishops Finger Broadcast Journalist of the Year category, was described as very talented broadcaster who has built a relationship of trust with her listeners.

Chair of judges Barbara Sturgeon commented: “Her sensitive approach to addressing the issue of rape with one of her callers was phenomenal. She has also proved herself able to deal with aggressive callers tactfully and effectively and, as such, her radio show has taken off. In live broadcasting, there is no room for error.”

BBC Radio Kent also won the Shepherd Neame News Service of the Year Award, earning particular praise for its quick response and extensive coverage of Pfizer’s decision to close its research facility in Kent in February 2011. Barbara Sturgeon said: “As a whole, this radio station provides insightful and relevant news to its listeners and is unafraid to tackle sensitive issues.”

Other winners included:

Kent’s Best Newspaper or Online Journalist of the Year – Alan Watkins, Gravesend Messenger
Master Brew Kent Feature Journalist of the Year – Nashreen Issa, ITV Meridian
Spitfire Kent Sports Journalist of the Year Award – Neil Bell, BBC South East Today
WF Deedes Kent Young Journalist of the Year – Mike Sims, Folkestone Herald

The Sevenoaks Chronicle won the Canterbury Jack Campaign of the Year Award for launching and running a local loyalty card initiative, encouraging shoppers to spend their money in the town. The scheme is ongoing and is supported by more than 4,000 customers and 100 stores.

This year’s awards were judged by a panel comprising former BBC Radio Kent broadcaster Barbara Sturgeon; Kim Fletcher, former editorial director of the Telegraph Group and chairman of the NCTJ; Tim Luckhurst, professor of journalism at the University of Kent and a former editor of The Scotsman; and Justin Allen, from the sports desk of The Sun.

The event was held in Shepherd Neame’s new live entertainment venue, The Old Brewery Store. Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, paid tribute to veteran broadcaster Bob Holness, a former judge on the Kent Media Awards, then known as the Kent Journalist of the Year Awards, who died early this year.

The Imperial, Southborough, has new licensees and an attractive new look following a £125,000 refurbishment by Shepherd Neame.

Originally built in the Victorian era, the pub, in London Road, has been transformed from top to bottom with an interior combining contemporary design and materials with comfortable and stylish furnishings.

The Imperial’s new interior includes a glass lobby, a chandelier of wine bottles, an open fireplace with feature mirrors above it, a modern bar and a traditional games area. The pub’s first-floor function room has been redecorated to bring out its period detail. It accommodates up to 40 people and can be hired for meetings, private parties and events. Outside there is a pleasant enclosed garden with seating and tables which has been attractively landscaped.

The new-look Imperial is already proving a hit with local people, says licensee Declan Agnew.

“We have been delighted with the response from customers and a number of community groups have already shown interest in using our function room,” he said.

This is Declan’s first pub venture following a 20-year career in the City but his partner, former teacher Caroline Webb, has many years of experience in the trade.

The pair have created a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that appeals to all ages and they plan to begin serving food sometime in the spring. The pub will also host live music.

Open from 11am to 11pm every weekday, with extensions at the weekend, the pub offers Shepherd Neame cask ales, including seasonal and event beers.

Situated on the outskirts of the historic spa town of Tunbridge Wells, The Imperial dates from the Victorian era and its name derives from the Imperial crown, as pictured on the pub sign, worn by the monarch at the coronation ceremony.

The official re-opening of The Imperial will take place on Wednesday, 1st February 7:30pm - 8:30pm - please join us for a pint!

Brewer Shepherd Neame has teamed up with Jobcentre Plus to give Kent jobseekers aged between 18 and 24 the skills and experience to equip them for the world of work.

The company has already helped three young people to develop a range of skills, including driving a forklift truck, at its distribution centre on the outskirts of Faversham.

Now warehouse manager Tony Berllaque is set to interview a fresh batch of candidates at Sittingbourne Jobcentre for the chance to take part in another eight-week work experience scheme during the spring.

Tony said: “This initiative gives young people a true experience of work. If they are successful, they leave with a reference, a pallet truck licence and a forklift licence.”

Under the scheme, candidates continue to receive their regular benefits, while working for a maximum of 30 hours a week for a maximum of eight weeks.

Tony said: “They are asked to attend with steel toe-capped boots and a high visibility jacket and work six hours a day, Monday to Friday. We give them a basic company induction and health and safety training and they start with “housekeeping”, straightening pallets and tidying up generally, before moving on to “picking”, preparing cases of beer for dispatch.

“They move on to using a pallet truck and if they show aptitude with this and suitable commitment, they take the three-day forklift truck course. We’ve had three guys aged 22, 19 and 18 who have seen it through and left us with good references and Mechanical Handling Equipment licences.”

Jobcentre Plus operations manager Kevin Payne said Kent currently had 10,875 young people aged 18 to 24 out of work, including 1,220 in the Swale district.

“We really appreciate this interest from local employers,” he said. “Shepherd Neame is a reputable company, with a well organised manufacturing and distribution operation and thorough in-house training.

“It is a big step from school to the world of work and some of these 18 to 24-year olds haven’t worked before. Shepherd Neame has given them an opportunity to experience a professional environment, to work alongside role models and to boost self-confidence. This kind of work experience can make young people feel a lot more positive about selling themselves to a future employer.”

Jobcentre Plus is organising an Employer Breakfast Event to discuss local apprenticeships, work experience and work trials. The free event is scheduled for Thursday February 9 at Sheppey College, Bridge Road, Sheerness, from 8 to 10am. For details, call employee adviser Paul Norris on 01795 562679 or email him.

Brewer Shepherd Neame is pressuring politicians to cut the cost of eating out by joining a campaign to reduce the level of VAT on drink, food and accommodation in pubs.

Shepherd Neame has more than 350 pubs in London and the South East, including 237 in Kent, 38 in East and West Sussex, 22 in Surrey and 16 in Essex.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “A reduction in VAT will stimulate jobs and investment in local and rural communities. This approach has already created jobs in Germany, Belgium, Sweden and France and we think it will work here.”

The campaign, orchestrated by French leisure entrepreneur and lobbyist Jacques Borel, has been boosted by £240,000 of funding from the Independent Family Brewers of Britain, which represents private, family-run regional brewers such as Shepherd Neame.

They believe that cutting VAT to 5% in the UK hospitality sector would create up to 320,000 jobs, many of them in the 16 to 24-year-old age group, which recently hit a 17-year high unemployment rate of one million.

Mr Neame said: “Each pub contributes an average of £80,000* to its local economy each year but licensees are struggling because they are hampered by excessive tax increases and legislation. Reducing VAT in pubs will provide more jobs for young people and safeguard an important community hub.

“This is a simple measure that could make a big difference to the UK’s hospitality and tourism sector, an area of the economy in which jobs can be created relatively quickly and at relatively low cost.”

Shepherd Neame is family-owned brewer founded in 1698 and based in Faversham, Kent. The company brewed 68 million pints of beer in 2011, and 4,500 people work in its pubs, hotels, brewery and distribution centre.

The Neame family has run Kent’s Shepherd Neame brewery for five generations but whatever happened to the Shepherds?

Following the discovery of two previously unknown ledgers, brewery archivist and historian John Owen is now able to answer that question with a new book, The Shepherds of Shepherd Neame 1737-1875.

John has used information from the ledgers and researched insurance policies and ecclesiastical records to reinstate the Shepherds in the historical record, marking their considerable achievements in the story of the brewery.

He tells the story of how Samuel Shepherd, John Shepherd, Julius Shepherd, Henry Shepherd and Henry Shepherd Junior steered the business through some of the most turbulent years of British history.

John said: “Through the shortages of the Napoleonic Wars to the coming of the railways, each generation consolidated trade and seized opportunities for growth in staff, equipment and property, consistently outperforming rival brewers.”

But on 30 July 1877, Mrs Ellen Shepherd sold the half interest in the brewery of her late husband, Henry, to Percy Beale Neame. The Shepherd family ceased to have any interest in the brewery and no Shepherd ever again lived in Faversham.

With the exception of the surname, retained in the company name, little of the family survived. Nearly all the business records of the early Shepherds disappeared; the ledgers, cash books, rest books, waste books, brewing books and correspondence once needed to manage the business. All the early deeds of the brewery site were lost during the Napoleonic Wars, when a mortgagee buried them for safe keeping and later discovered they had rotted away.

Originating from Peasmarsh, Sussex, in the 16th Century, the Shepherd family acquired the brewery by marriage in 1732. Then it was valued at a modest £1,000 but in two generations they had become one of the wealthiest merchant families in Faversham. Within four generations, in 1875, they were joint partners in the brewery with a gross asset value of £165,000.

They formed valuable partnerships with Charles Jones Hilton, John Henry Mares and Percy Beale Neame but there is little evidence that Henry Shepherd planned for his family to continue as partners or that his children were interested in succeeding him. In his will, written in 1868, there is no reference to the brewery. Thus, despite generations of success, there was no Shepherd family legacy, only the brewing legacy, which continued through the Neame family to the present day.

The Shepherds of Shepherd Neame 1737-1875, price £13.45, is available from the Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre shop, online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop and at good bookshops in the Faversham area.

From murder mystery to music and Kentish ale to model rail, there’s a busy spring of events at Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Visitor Centre and its exciting new sister venue, The Old Brewery Store.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre won a hat-trick of awards in 2011 and this year the Faversham brewery has even more to offer with a series of additional events at The Old Brewery Store, the new live entertainment venue. 

The fun starts at The Old Brewery Store on Saturday February 4 with rock and funk from London-based covers band Jam Sandwich supported by Thanet soul group EK1. 

On Friday February 17, the Visitor Centre hosts the first of four Ale Samplers’ Suppers, at which guests can enjoy an 80-minute brewery tour, followed by a tutored ale-tasting and a two-course seasonal supper. Ale Samplers’ Suppers are also scheduled for Friday March 16, Friday April 20 and Friday May 18. 

The Old Brewery Store hosts more music on Saturday March 3 with a show by Hullabaloo, who combine vocal harmony, jazz, jive and swing favourites with their own unique take on pop to play a lively dance set. They are supported by local band Kellys Heros, revisiting classic rock from the 1970s. 

The first of three spring Beer and Food Evenings is held on Saturday March 17 at the Visitor Centre, featuring a brewery tour, expert tuition on brewing and beer tasting and a four-course dinner matched with specially-selected beers. Diners have the chance to savour seven distinct and flavoursome beers during the evening and the meal ends with a fun beer quiz. Further Beer and Food Evenings are scheduled for Saturday April 28 and Friday May 25. 

The Old Brewery Store hosts a Wedding Fair on Sunday April 1 and on Friday April 6 tribute band Imagine . . . The Beatles play hits by the Fab Four. 

If you’re feeling lucky on Friday April 13, turn detective at the Murder Mystery Evening in the Visitor Centre’s 15th century function room, where Inspector Jager’s rookie sleuths try to crack a crime while enjoying a delicious four-course dinner. 

On Saturday May 5, eight-piece Midlands rock, funk and soul band DC Fontana come to The Old Brewery Store, performing songs from their successful album La Contessa. 

May’s a big month in Faversham for transport enthusiasts. On Sunday May 12, The Old Brewery Store hosts a Model Railway Exhibition, with up to 20 layouts and trade stands. The following weekend, Saturday May 19 and Sunday May 20, the Visitor Centre is open for Brewery Tours and Lunch (advance booking essential) during the Faversham Historic Transport Weekend, in which the town’s streets are filled with hundreds of classic and vintage cars and motorcycles. On Sunday May 20, steam enthusiasts can travel to Faversham from London in style on the Spitfire Steam Train or take an afternoon trip from the town.

Shepherd Neame has enhanced Faversham’s oldest pub with a £60,000 refurbishment.

The Kent brewer has retained The Bear Inn’s historic charm – such as its traditional three-bar system of a saloon bar, public bar and snug – while boosting its modern comforts.

Licensees Chris and Marie Annand are delighted with the result. Chris explained: “We have added new fixtures and fittings and returned to the traditional colour scheme, using blues and greens. We have kept a lot of the memorabilia, as well as putting up some original pictures from the pub and the local area.”

He said: “One great feature is the bespoke lamp fitted over the bar, very similar to the gas lamp captured in a Victorian photo of the pub. We have put up a display of floor plans from the early 19th century when the frontage was added.”

It is understood that some of the oak beams in the main bar were originally part of a ship built at the nearby boatyard. The refurbishment also uncovered some original wood panelling, which has been restored.

The Bear Inn, thought to be 500 years old, was bought by Shepherd Neame in 1736.
Situated opposite the Guildhall, the pub was well placed for customers to witness many of the town’s important historical events. These would have included a visit by Queen Elizabeth I and the town’s role in the Glorious Revolution of 1688 when King James II was captured by fishermen as he attempted to flee William of Orange’s successful invasion.

The Bear Inn is a popular town centre pub, which has featured in the Good Beer Guide for the last three years and serves traditional English pub food favourites, such as steak and kidney pudding, smoked haddock and toad in the hole. 

It is a regular part of Faversham's folk music scene. It hosts an open mic spot and stages quiz nights.

Shepherd Neame property and tenanted trade director George Barnes: “This pub is a real treasure, with its saloon bar, public bar and snug. The refurbishment is befitting of such an important and iconic Faversham pub.”

Forthcoming events at The Bear Inn include:
• Sports quiz - every third Monday of the month
• General knowledge quiz - last Wednesday of the month
• Wednesday, February 15 – Murder Mystery evening (St Valentine’s Day Massacre theme)

The Fountain in Sittingbourne has received a whole new look to reflect its railway past following a £60,000 refurbishment by Shepherd Neame.

The Victorian pub’s makeover highlights its prominent position next to the town’s railway station. Along with its redecorated exterior, fresh colour scheme and new signage, the pub’s railway theme extends to new pictures on the walls and railway station signs around the bar.

New licensee David Foster said: “We have a great little snug area which resembles a carriageway and old-style London lighting with the twisted strand wiring which adds to the atmosphere. We will soon take delivery of an old, London station clock which should be a talking point.”

While The Fountain pays homage to the past, it offers all the modern comforts including authentic Thai cuisine, available for lunch and dinner.

David said: “We serve exactly the same style of food that you could expect during a visit to Thailand. My wife Arisara is Thai and does all the cooking. We serve such dishes as curries, noodles, soups and stir frys. We also serve vegetarian meals and English options are available.”

The Fountain also hosts live music nights and offers darts, pool and free wi-fi.

David added: “Come in for some great food, great beer, great atmosphere and a very friendly welcome.”

Two hospices have been bowled over by a Shepherd Neame pub which helped raise more than £38,000 for them with its annual Pedal4Charity event.

Cycling, quizzing and dancing are just three of the events which saw The Cricketers in Horsell, Surrey, top last year’s tally by an impressive £5,000 for the Woking and Sam Beare Hospices.

The Cricketers has supported the Pedal4Charity for the last four years, raising tens of thousands of pounds each time for the hospices, which provide specialist palliative care. This year’s event included a 22-mile cycle ride from and to the pub.

Ron Neale, who created the Pedal4Charity event and announced the figure at a thank-you party for participants at The Cricketers, said: “It is amazing. It has taken me by surprise. Last year we raised £33,000 and I thought that would be hard to beat.”

The fund-raising ride, which attracted 260 cyclists, was boosted by a festival on the nearby green comprising live music, a barbecue and amusements for the children. There was also a barn dance and a pub quiz, each attracting 250 people and the whole thing lasting over five days.

“The Cricketers hosts the event and Shepherd Neame provided a mobile bar for the barn dance,” added Ron who, along with his team, plans to organise another event next year.

Cyclists, comprising hardy enthusiasts and families, set off from The Cricketers at 11am, before heading back from about 1pm.

Ron said: “The speedy ones whipped around the course in about hour and a half, with others coming in four hours later. The festival itself attracted about 600 to 700 people –and that doesn’t include the cyclists.”

In total, the Pedal4Charity events have raised £110,000 for the hospices.

Pedal4Charity may be over for this year, but staff at The Cricketers have remained busy on the fund-raising front. The team backed Spitfire Ale’s involvement in the international men’s health charity campaign, Movember by cultivating a fine array of facial hair. The team raised more than £1,300 for the cause.

Shepherd Neame chefs perfected their lamb preparation skills with a development day at Ashford food supplier Brakes.

The brewery’s head development chef Simon Howlett oversaw the session, attended by nine Shepherd Neame pub chefs and supported by local butchers JC Rooks & Sons and EBLEX, the organisation which supports the British beef and lamb industry.

Simon said: “The day was all about encouraging the use of lamb on our menus by introducing some new cuts and allowing our chefs to become more familiar with it. For example, we looked at a riblet cut, which is similar to a spare rib in a pork loin, only smaller. It is full of flavour, but needs to be slow-cooked or casseroled.”

The day also saw Hugh Judd of EBLEX speak to the chefs about their roles in the industry and ended with a cooking competition, won by Steve Piddock of the Bell Hotel in Sandwich.

Simon said: “Two weeks before the event each chef was given a different cut of lamb for them to prepare in a cook-off. Steve won with herb-crusted sirloin of lamb, smoked sweet potato and a fondue of leeks with red wine jus.”

This latest development day follows similar events in which Shepherd Neame chefs have practised pioneering steak cuts and learnt new fish skills.

Shepherd Neame Retail Operations Manager Graeme Endacott said: “These skills days demonstrate our commitment to training and development and help to keep us ahead of our competitors in terms of quality, choice and innovation.”

Comedian Ade Edmondson rolled out the barrel when he visited the Shepherd Neame brewery in Faversham for his new ITV series, Ade In Britain.

Star of Bottom and The Young Ones, Ade tried his hand at brewing for the series which looks at great British customs and heritage.

His visit – to be broadcast on Friday, December 2 at 4pm – sees the funny man take a serious interest in Shepherd Neame’s brewing methods.

Shepherd Neame senior brewer Stewart Tricker, who accompanied the Comic Strip star, said: “Ade visited a nearby hop garden as Shepherd Neame sources its ingredients locally, and he mashed in at the brewhouse. We also spent some time in the sampling room. At one point he did try to run out of the brewery with a cask on his shoulders!”

The series, which started on November 7, follows Ade as he travels around Britain discovering each region’s traditional foods and customs. As Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales enjoy protected geographical indication – a European Union designation recognising provenance – Britain’s oldest brewer fitted the bill perfectly.

Ade saw for himself how Shepherd Neame combines local ingredients with hundreds of years’ of brewing excellence and the latest technology to produce such distinctively Kentish ales as Spitfire, Bishops Finger and Master Brew.

The comedian is no stranger to Kent. His folk band, The Bad Shepherds, played in Whitstable earlier this year and is set to return when they perform at The Quarterhouse in Folkestone on November 25. He also made a memorable Captain Hook in the panto, Peter Pan, at Canterbury in 2009/10.

Visitors can discover the secrets behind Shepherd Neame’s brewing expertise with a brewery tour. For more information and to book a visit click here.

Shepherd Neame has been shortlisted for a Tourism South East Beautiful South Excellence Award – known as the ‘Tourism Oscars’. 

The Visitor Centre, at the Faversham headquarters of Britain’s oldest brewer, is nominated in the Flavour of the South East category of the awards which recognise excellence, quality and innovation achieved over the last 18 months. 

Category entrants must serve food and drink of the highest quality, including regional dishes. They must also show their contribution to the local economy through a commitment to local sourcing and communicate this to visitors. 

Commenting on the award nomination, Maddy Carr, Tourism South East business development executive for Kent said, “In 2011 the ability to provide exemplary service and the highest quality is paramount. These Awards recognise those businesses that have been delivering to the highest standards and we’re delighted with the record number and quality of entrants. May I congratulate the Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre on being shortlisted and we look forward to seeing them on 1st December, when we announce the final results.” 

Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins said: “This is a wonderful accolade for our business as we work so hard to ensure the highest standards for our customers. A commitment to combining superb local produce with our award winning beers is central to our activities and is exemplified by our inaugural Christmas Beer and Local Food Festival later this month.” 

The event takes place on Saturday 26th November in the brewery’s recently-launched functions and entertainment venue – The Old Brewery Store. Over 15 local producers will be exhibiting at the festival, displaying everything from pickles to ice cream and from game to cheeses. 

Admission to the event is free and visitors will be able to sample traditional mulled ale, as well as discover which beers make an excellent accompaniment to Christmas dinner. The event runs from 10.30am – 4.30pm enabling visitors to attend the show before joining the celebrations to mark the switch-on of Faversham’s Christmas Lights in the town centre. 

Following the festival, there are chances to enjoy superb beer and food at the Visitor Centre with Yuletide tours and tastings running in December along with Christmas-themed Beer and Food Evenings. The brewery shop is open Monday to Saturday and is packed full of great gifts – many of them produced in Kent.

Shepherd Neame has been named Team of the Year in the European Supply Chain Excellence Awards 2011, beating global companies including Coca Cola, DHL and Vodafone.

The Faversham brewery was praised for its enthusiasm, passion and commitment to customer service and improvements to the supply chain. Recent initiatives have helped increase capacity, reduce costs and improve product availability to meet higher demand and expectations from customers.

Tom Falcon, production and distribution director, said: “This win reflects the commitment and hard work of the whole team and the dedication they have shown in driving up product availability and customer satisfaction. We will continue to look for ways to improve our supply chain and to make it even more efficient.”

The European Supply Chain Excellence Awards were launched in 1997 as an initiative to recognise and reward organisations in Europe that demonstrate excellence in their supply chain operations. They are renowned for the rigour of the judging process.

Shepherd Neame was also recognised for supply chain improvements at the Manufacturer of the Year Awards 2010, and awarded Best Improvement Project at the Process Excellence Awards 2010.

The Bricklayers Arms has won the Bromley Best Bar None Award for Responsible Retailing (small venue) 2011, thanks to its exceptionally high standards of innkeeping.

The scheme, run in conjunction with Bromley Council and the police, aims to promote the borough as a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and socialise.

Licensees Jon and Veronica Berry proved more than able to meet its rigorous standards.

Veronica said: “There were about 60 components centring on health and safety, staff training, risk assessments and fire risk management, among others. We were interviewed by experts and provided all the documentation so they had the evidence in black and white.

“Our win came as a wonderful surprise, though Shepherd Neame has high standards and we live up to them.”

The couple’s gleaming plaque hangs in pride of place in the Bricklayers Arms after attending the awards ceremony at Bromley Council offices, accompanied by Shepherd Neame Retail Operations Manager Graeme Endacott.

The win is a double triumph for Jon and Veronica who are expecting their first child soon.

Graeme Endacott said: “Jon and Veronica’s swift and professional responses meant they fulfilled the demanding standards necessary to win this award.”

 Ale drinkers are being challenged to try something spooky this Halloween – if they dare.

The eerily tasty Spooks Ale from Shepherd Neame will be available in bottles and cask from mid-October.

The Official Ghost Brew of All Hallows, Spooks Ale offers a rich and spicy taste, with a fruity and biscuity aroma. According to the blood-spattered, parchment-like label, the 4.7% abv beer contains “Gall of Shepherd, Slip of Neame, Silver’d in the Kent’s Moon Dream.”

Shepherd Neame is used to ghostly goings-on, as one might expect from Britain’s oldest brewer. Spectral sightings at the historic Faversham brewery have included a feline phantom walking through reception and a ghostly group of monks haunting an old malt kiln.

Psychic Derek Acorah visited to record an episode of the TV series, Most Haunted.

Such a paranormal past has culminated in the bedevilled brew that is Spooks Ale.

Mark Miller, marketing manager at Shepherd Neame, said: “This is an ale with a bewitching appeal. It is full of flavour and has a glorious deep, red hue. It is the perfect bridge between our light summer ales and the richness of our winter beers and should haunt drinkers’ thoughts forever.”

Spooks Ale will be available in cask from selected Shepherd Neame pubs and freehouses and in 500ml bottles from leading retailers, as well as the Visitor Centre shop.

Shepherd Neame Ltd, the Kent-based brewer and pub operator, announces the appointment of Mark Rider (35) as Finance and IT Director. Mark will join the company in January 2012 and will replace Ken Littlefair on the Board upon his retirement in March 2012.

Mark joins Shepherd Neame from J Sainsbury plc, where he has been Head of Finance, Food, since 2008. Mark joined Sainsbury’s in 2001 and has held a number of senior finance roles, including Head of Financial Planning and Corporate Finance and Group Financial Controller.

Prior to joining Sainsbury’s, Mark qualified as a Chartered Accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers (UK).

Miles Templeman, Chairman, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Mark to Shepherd Neame. We are confident that his experience during ten years at Sainsbury’s will be of significant benefit to the company as we continue to develop our business.

I would also like to thank Ken Littlefair, who has made an outstanding contribution to the company over the past eleven years. Ken joined us in 2000 and has played a significant role in the company’s progress, particularly in modernising and developing our IT systems, improving business processes and the quality of management information flow. We wish him well in his retirement.”

Shepherd Neame has further boosted its expertise in beer with the appointment of Richard Frost as head brewer.

Mr Frost – currently head brewer at Banks’s Brewery in Wolverhampton – brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to an already highly experienced team.

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Britain’s oldest brewer, has welcomed his appointment saying: “I am confident he will enhance what is already an excellent brewing team.”

Mr Frost, who is married with two grown-up children, has been site manager and head brewer at the Wolverhampton brewery, part of Marston’s plc, since 2003. He is responsible for all brewing, packaging and engineering operations. He has a B.Sc.(Hons) and Dip. Master Brewer.

He joined Marston’s in 1978 and his experience includes brewery site management, supply chain, packaging, technical services, distribution, cask and kegging, trade quality and shift brewing.

His appointment complements a strong and dedicated brewing team responsible for Shepherd Neame’s hugely popular ales such as Spitfire and Bishops Finger, as well as lagers like Asahi, Oranjeboom and Hurlimann.

Bishops Finger, which has brewed since 1958, won a bronze award at the International Beer Challenge 2011, while Asahi Super Dry was voted best keg lager in the world by experts at the Brewing Industry International Awards and Kingfisher won an International High Quality trophy by Monde Selection.

Shepherd Neame’s expert distribution team has been acknowledged with the accolades of Best Improvement Project (under 90 days) in the Process Excellence Awards 2010 and Winner in the Supply Chain and Logistics category of the 2010 Manufacturer of the Year Awards.

This success resulted from a programme to introduce Lean Six Sigma thinking and methods into the brewery’s supply chain, the first time it has been used by a British regional brewer.

Mr Frost will take up his appointment with Shepherd Neame on January 9, 2012.

Shepherd Neame’s new events venue, The Old Brewery Store, has a packed programme of entertainment throughout November and December.

The venue, which can accommodate more than 400 people and is based at the brewery in Faversham, hosts soul band Loose Change on Friday, November 11 from 7pm. Early booking is recommended for the popular Kent group, who boast a repertoire of more than 150 songs and stage an impressive sound and light show. Tickets £8.

The next day – Saturday, November 12 at 7pm – two Kent bands perform at the venue, Blighty and Jailbird. Blighty is a five-piece band from the Isle of Sheppey, renowned for playing Great British songs by Great British bands, while six-piece Jailbird is truly local, based in Faversham, and with a growing fan-base and reputation. Tickets £6.

A beer and local food festival is being staged on Saturday, November 26 from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Visitors will have the chance to sample an array of Shepherd Neame ales and lagers – including some specially-brewed beers – and to try a wide selection of Kentish food.

It’s a 60s and 70s Night at The Old Brewery Store on Friday, December 2, with The Vintage Corporation supplying an infectious dance play-list guaranteed to take visitors back to some truly funky times. Tickets £8.

One of Kent’s best-loved covers bands, The Crossfire, will provide Christmas Rock at the Brewery when they bring their blues-rock-funk mix to the store on Saturday, December 3. They will be supported by Under The Wood. Tickets £8.

Early booking is recommended - visit our Online Shop to book.
For further information visit The Old Brewery Store’s Facebook page.

Brewers, hop farmers and barley growers gave thanks for another successful harvest at Shepherd Neame’s annual Hop Blessing service.

Held at St Mary the Virgin Church in Selling, the service was led by Reverend Martin Webb and Shepherd Neame president Robert Neame’s granddaughter, Flora Bishop, presented a basket of hops for blessing.

The service included readings from Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, and Tom Falcon, production and distribution director. Senior brewer Stewart Main read from Nathaniel Kent’s 18th century writings on hop picking.

The packed congregation also enjoyed music from Vocal Consort, directed by Dan Harding, deputy director of music at Kent University.

Prayers were led by Railway Hotel licensee, Chris Maclean, who is training to become a Church of England priest.

The service was preceded by the annual Goldings Lecture – held in Shepherd Neame’s The Old Brewery Store – by archivist and historian John Owen who revealed that Britain’s oldest brewer has an extensive background dating well before the generally accepted date of 1698. His expert knowledge of Shepherd Neame can also be found in his new book, The Shepherds and Shepherd Neame Brewery, Faversham Kent 1732-1875.

Following the lecture, guests enjoyed a traditional hop-pickers’ lunch at Wellbrook Farm at Boughton-under-Blean, with musical accompaniment from Vocal Consort and folk group Triskele.

Shepherd Neame, the Kent-based brewer and pub operator, today announces results for the 52 weeks ended 25 June 2011.

Financial performance:

* Turnover up 5.2% to £121.3m (2010: £115.4m)
* Operating profit before exceptionals up 3.3% to £12.3m (2010: £11.9m)
* Profit Before Tax and exceptionals up 9.7% to £8.0m (2010: £7.3m)
* Earnings per share before exceptionals up 17.0% to 46.2p (2010: 39.5p)
* Final dividend per £1 share of 19.00p. Total dividend per £1 share up 3% to 23.8p (2010: 23.1p)
* Strong cashflow has enabled repayment and cancellation of £5m of term loan ahead of schedule
* Revaluation of pub estate shows £68m surplus over book value

Operational highlights:

* Strong sales indicators:
- total beer volume up 4% against a UK decline of 7.1%
- own beer volume up 2.6% to 239,000 BBs
- strong performances from Spitfire, Bishops Finger and Asahi Super Dry

* Pubs benefiting from good performance from recent investment and strong food and accommodation sales:
- like-for-like managed sales up 7.4% (2010: +0.7%), liquor +5.6% (2010: -0.7%) food +11.1% (2010: +3.9%), and accommodation +9.7% (2010: +0.1%)
- improving trends within the tenanted estate with like-for-like EBITDAR -3.0% (2010: -3.8%)
- improving profile of pub estate with average EBITDAR in tenanted pubs up by +0.8% and in managed pubs up by +8.5%

* Strong start to the new financial year for the 12 weeks to 17 September 2011:
- beer volume +6.9%
- like-for-like managed sales +6.5%
- continued improving trends within the tenanted estate
- Since the year end, acquisition of two prestigious coastal hotels for £7.6m, adding 66 letting rooms.

Miles Templeman, Chairman, commented:

“This is another strong performance from Shepherd Neame, as we have achieved record turnover and record beer volume. We have improved the offer in our pubs, enjoyed the benefits of recent capital investment in our estate, grown our beer sales and invested to develop our marketing capability.
However, the general economic and industry outlook remains challenging with decline in consumer income and inflation in our cost base.
We will continue to pursue our long-term strategy of investing fully in our brands and pubs so as to retain the strength and identity of the business. I have every confidence that we will continue to deliver value for shareholders with dividend growth and a strong balance sheet for future expansion.”

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Note: The directors of Shepherd Neame Limited accept responsibility for this announcement.

Shepherd Neame has acquired The Bell Hotel, Sandwich, for £3.6 million.

The renowned 37-bedroom hotel, in heart of the Cinque Port town, is a further addition to Shepherd Neame’s growing accommodation estate, now totalling seven hotels and 450 rooms across the South East.

The hotel, previously owned by Albion Ventures, is an historic building combining traditional and contemporary décor and has recently undergone a major refurbishment. It includes individually-styled rooms and a restaurant menu offering local and seasonal dishes. Its two function rooms, The Regency Room and The Club Room, offer comfortable surroundings from which to enjoy a range of celebrations.

The Regency Room is late Georgian, featuring a musician's gallery, chandeliers and high ceilings, while The Club Room is the perfect place for private dining, seminars or meetings.

The acquisition follows Shepherd Neame’s recent purchase of the Fayreness Hotel in Broadstairs, which like The Bell Hotel, occupies an enviable position.

Both acquisitions join such landmark Shepherd Neame hotels as The George Hotel at Cranbrook, the Royal Albion in Broadstairs and The Royal Hotel in Deal in offering high-quality accommodation with great character and individuality.

The Bell Hotel holds events and exhibitions in support of local arts and promotes the produce of local and regional farmers and growers. It participates in Sandwich’s festivals and celebrations.

The hotel is also a favourite with those wanting to make the most of the historic town and its many features, such as the Guildhall and town hall, Ropewalk and Toll Bridge over the River Stour.

It is close to some of the best links courses in the South East: Royal St George’s, venue of this year’s Open, and Prince’s and Royal Cinque Ports.

Shepherd Neame retail director Nigel Bunting said: “The Bell is a well known, prestigious hotel, ideal for business travellers, visitors on short breaks, keen golfers and customers looking for a high-quality function venue.”

 A popular London pub has received an extensive makeover, courtesy of Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer.

The Rugby Tavern has benefited from a £120,000 external and internal refurbishment, reinforcing the traditional appeal of this lively Clerkenwell pub.

The bar has been redecorated and there has been extensive work to the kitchen and function room. New furniture, carpeting and lighting has been installed and there are photos mounted on the walls depicting the area’s colourful history.

A particularly striking feature is the etched windows around the pub, each inscribed with Rugby Tavern, Shepherd Neame Limited or Fine Ales and complementing the pub’s traditional yet revitalised look.

The outside has been painted and new signage erected.

The Rugby Tavern is so named because it was built about 1850 on land donated by the renowned Rugby School, whose famous pupil William Webb Ellis is credited with inventing the sport.

Its central location, not far from the British Museum, London’s theatre district and the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras, makes it a bustling pub used by office workers, Bloomsbury residents and tourists.

Shepherd Neame retail director Nigel Bunting said: “The refurbishment has brought the Rugby Tavern into the 21st century, while retaining its traditional London roots. The function room is now a superb facility, a new menu has been introduced and the pub is all set to capitalise on its new look.”

Enjoy live music, ghost stories and traditional mulled beer this winter at Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Visitor Centre.

Visitors will need to keep their wits about them at Halloween, as ghostly figures tell tales of unusual sightings at the brewery. Ghost Tours take place on October 29 and 30, with the chance to warm up afterwards with a pint of Shepherd Neame’s new Spooks Ale.

There is also a specially-themed Halloween Beer and Food Evening on October 29 in the brewery’s charming 15th century function room.

The Winter Beer and Food Evening will be held on November 4, where four seasonal courses are matched with ales and lagers that complement the food. The event includes a guided tour and tutored beer tasting.

Kent’s top touring soul band, Loose Change, will perform in the brewery’s atmospheric events venue, The Old Brewery Store, on November 11. The recently converted wine and spirits store features original pub signs, hop picking memorabilia and vintage delivery vehicles, and includes a bar area and space for 400 guests.

At the brewery’s Murder Mystery Evening on November 19, diners will help unravel cryptic clues with Inspector Jager to reveal ‘whodunnit’, while enjoying a superb four-course dinner.

The traditional Ale Samplers’ Supper will take place on November 25, which includes an evening tour of the brewery and a two-course meal in the Visitor Centre bar.

Step back in time with the Vintage Corporation Band at the 60s and 70s Party Evening in The Old Brewery Store on December 2. The nine-piece band will perform songs from their extensive back catalogue including Motown, disco, jazz, blues, soul, rock ‘n’ roll and pop.

There’s more live music on December 3 with Christmas Rock in the Brewery, headlined by one of Kent’s best-loved covers band, The Crossfire. The band will entertain with a mix of blues, rock and funk music with support from Under the Wood.

Throughout December, visitors can enjoy Yuletide Brewery Tours and have the chance to try mulled beer, a common winter drink in the 16th and 17th centuries. The hot spiced beer will be made using Bishops Finger Strong Kentish Ale and served with warm mince pies.

The festive theme continues with Christmas Beer and Food Evenings on December 16 and 17 with four traditional Christmas courses and complementary ales or lagers.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre was named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2011.

For more information about events and to book tickets, visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk or call 01795 542216.

A Shepherd Neame pub is putting itself literally at the heart of the community by taking delivery of a potentially life-saving piece of equipment.

The Highwayman in Horsmonden, near Tonbridge, now has a defibrillator, a machine to treat emergency heart conditions such as cardiac arrest, courtesy of South East Coast Ambulance Service (SEACamb).

The defibrillator is an integral part of SEACamb’s community responder scheme and volunteers are needed to be trained in its use. The scheme would allow responders in the village to react immediately to many first aid situations by using the defibrillator kept at the pub.

Claire Reed – who helps her mother, licensee Ann Millward, to run The Highwayman – investigated the possibility of storing the vital piece of equipment after concerns about the pub’s rural location.

She said: “A friend of ours who lives in the village phoned for an ambulance for his daughter and because of a hold-up on the roads it took nearly an hour to get here.

“We are setting up training sessions, so anyone interested in being a responder can attend.”

Fund-raising events are being planned in the hope of buying a second defibrillator to be stored at another location in the village.

The news of the scheme and the defibrillator’s arrival has already garnered plenty of enthusiastic support from villagers.

“We have had a very good response,” said Claire. “The parish council is fully behind us and already someone from the village has contacted us to say that they are holding a fund-raising event.

“One man in the village said to us, ‘I feel so much better knowing that it’s there.’ I hope it’s something we never need to use but it is fantastic that we have it.”

Shepherd Neame has acquired the Fayreness Hotel, Kingsgate, for an undisclosed sum.

The 29 bedroom hotel was previously owned by Thorley Taverns and occupies an enviable position, with spectacular sea views over Botany Bay and close to the sandy beaches of Kingsgate Bay and Joss Bay.

Its cliff top garden, restaurant and conference facilities make it a popular destination for those looking to enjoy holidays, business breaks and weddings. It is a particular favourite with golfers as it is located close to North Foreland Golf Club. The new Turner Contemporary gallery in Margate is also nearby.

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement with Thorley Taverns for the purchase of the Fayreness Hotel. We have admired the way they have operated this prestigious hotel for many years.

“We have a successful record of developing premium hotels across Kent, emphasising their individual characteristics, and we are sure this hotel will make a fine addition to our managed estate.”

Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, is preparing for a weekend of fine Kentish food, beer and entertainment as 20,000 people celebrate the 21st Faversham Hop Festival.

The free festival, which takes place on September 3 and 4 in Faversham, Kent, recalls the days when hop-pickers travelled from London by train to take their annual working holiday, bringing in the harvest and ending their stay with huge parties.

The carnival-like atmosphere offers something to suit all tastes. Music lovers will be spoilt for choice with three live music stages in the town centre, showcasing folk groups, rock bands and local musicians throughout the weekend.

Faversham pubs will also host live music and entertainment from Friday evening. The Albion Taverna, Railway Hotel and Market Inn boast outdoor stages, and other pubs hosting bands include the Chimney Boy and Sun Inn.

Ale fans can enjoy a real treat with a pint of Shepherd Neame’s Hop Festival Ale, brewed especially for the weekend and made using fresh, green hops. The beer will be available from Shepherd Neame pubs and bars outside the brewery in Court Street.

Visitors looking for a bite to eat can choose from traditional inns and superb restaurants. The Sun Inn, a charming ale house in the conservation area of Faversham, offers contemporary British dishes with local and seasonal influences, while the Anchor Inn in Abbey Street has a new seafood restaurant, the Crabshack and Grill, which serves fresh seafood from the Kent coast.

There’s also the Railway Hotel, a Victorian pub featured in the Good Beer Guide 2010, the ideal spot to enjoy a pint of ale. Visitors can dine in the pub’s Provenance restaurant, which serves high-quality, ethically sourced dishes.

Shepherd Neame’s multi award-winning Visitor Centre is opening its doors for brewery tours and special hoppers’ lunches over the weekend. Visitors will have the chance to see inside the heart of the working brewery and, of course, enjoy a tutored beer tasting with Shepherd Neame ales such as Spitfire and Bishops Finger.

Visitors from London on Sunday can choose to travel by Spitfire Steam Train from Victoria, retracing the route of hop-pickers decades earlier. Passengers can enjoy a long afternoon in Faversham soaking up the sights and sounds of the Hop Festival, before returning to London in the evening.

The train, made up of historic carriages from the 1950s and 1960s, features a real ale bar with casks of Shepherd Neame beer, as well as a buffet car serving soft drinks and snacks.

The Steam Train will also make a return trip to Dover, via Canterbury, on Sunday afternoon for people attending the festival.

For more information about brewery tours and Spitfire Steam Train tickets visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk, call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Hurlimann lager is leading the way in supporting women’s football by sponsoring Gillingham Ladies FC in a deal which backs the club’s continuing success.

The beer will support the club over the next two years with advertising, branded training T-shirts and match prizes. The agreement follows similar announcements earlier this month in the men’s game; supporting the Kent Hurlimann Football League and Chatham Town FC.

Hurlimann brand manager Louise Weatherstone said: “Female football is taking off in a big way, as shown by the success of the recent Women’s World Cup and the Women’s Super League. Hurlimann and Gillingham Ladies FC’s shared love of football makes for a great partnership which promises to entertain and excite fans throughout the season.”

The club’s first and reserve teams have enjoyed unrivalled success in the last three seasons and will bid to join the Women’s Super League when the FA invites submissions at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Gillingham Ladies FC will be sharing a ground for the 2011-12 season with Chatham Town FC.

Club chairman Martin Andrews said: “The club is probably one of the best at promoting women’s football. Last season’s attendances against Arsenal, Chelsea, Charlton and West Ham showed that the club really can attract fans.”

Oranjeboom has produced a special edition lager ‘Three Brothers’ in aid of The Dannyboy Trust, a charity dedicated to helping young people.

The Dutch lager, brewed under licence by Shepherd Neame, will be launched at Sheppey Rugby Club’s rugby sevens tournament, Minster, on August 21 from 11am. England rugby ladies team player Rachael Burford, who has captained the national side, will be attending. Rugby World Cup winner Ben Cohen MBE supports The Dannyboy Trust and may make an appearance along with several ex-international players.

The lager is named after three brothers from Eastchurch on the Isle of Sheppey – Daniel, Matthew and Andrew Holkham. As soldiers of the 3rd Battalion the Rifles, they served in Afghanistan together. Sadly, 19-year-old Daniel was killed in March 2010 when intercepting a suicide bomber driving a vehicle in Sangin. The charity was set up in his memory and raises funds for good causes helping young people by providing education, training, life skills and activities.

An exhibition match between Sheppey and the Medway Dragons will be played at the tournament in the afternoon; the winners will receive a trophy dedicated to Daniel.

Shepherd Neame’s free trade sales manager Giles Hilton said: “Initially, ‘Three Brothers’ lager will be available at a selection of Sheppey pubs and clubs. Oranjeboom is proud to support The Dannyboy Trust; for every pint sold 10p will be donated to the charity. We hope lager drinkers will enjoy this special edition, particularly in the knowledge they are supporting such a worthwhile charity.”

Iain Maxstead, secretary of The Dannyboy Trust, said: “We hope this special edition lager will give our charity a real boost, not just in donations but also in raising awareness of what we do. We’d like to thank Oranjeboom for being part of our efforts and making such a generous gesture.”

 Eastenders actress and national treasure, June Brown, visited London’s Tom Cribb pub to explore her family history as part of BBC1’s Who Do You Think You Are?

She was the first celebrity to feature in the new series, which traces family trees and explores major themes in British social history.

June, who plays Dot Cotton in the soap, visited the Tom Cribb to learn more about her great great great grandfather's involvement in the shadowy underworld of 19th century bare-knuckle boxing.

The Shepherd Neame pub is named after a British bare-knuckle boxing champion who, in the 1800s, retired from the ring and later became a publican at the Union Arms. The pub, now known as the Tom Cribb, changed its name to honour his career.

Tarraine Storrie, assistant manager at the pub, said: “It was a real privilege to meet June and fascinating to learn about her grandfather’s involvement with bare-knuckle boxing. She was really interested in the boxing memorabilia at the pub and even signed our visitor book.”

The Tom Cribb, near Piccadilly Circus, celebrates its heritage with boxing prints and photos on the walls, including Lennox Lewis and Henry Cooper.

Bishops Finger, Shepherd Neame’s Kentish strong ale, has won a bronze award at the International Beer Challenge 2011, organised by leading drinks trade title Off Licence News.

Shepherd Neame’s oldest beer brand, Bishops Finger, was blind-tasted by judges amid fierce competition from around the world.

Shepherd Neame production and distribution director Tom Falcon said: “Its rich colour and complex flavours give Bishops Finger a distinctive taste, one which ale connoisseurs instantly recognise. We are pleased that it has made such an impression alongside so many other fine beers and that its quality shone through.

“The award follows Shepherd Neame’s prestigious win earlier this year when we picked up one gold and two silver medals at the Brewing Industry International Awards for Japanese lager Asahi, Chinese beer Sun Lik and Whitstable Bay organic ale respectively.”

Recently voted Best Beer at the Hong Kong International Beer Awards and a former silver medal-winner in the Daily Telegraph Taste of Britain Awards, Bishops Finger holds EU Protected Geographical Indication, which recognises its unique provenance.

Bishops Finger is available as a cask ale (5% abv) and in bottles (5.4% abv).

Its brewing is governed by a strict charter which states it can only be brewed on a Friday using 100% natural ingredients, Kentish hops and barley, as well as mineral water drawn from the artesian well deep beneath the brewery.

The Royal Albion Hotel in Broadstairs, Kent has won the ‘Best of British’ chef competition run by leading supplier to the foodservice industry, Brakes and master brewer Shepherd Neame.

The competition, entered by chefs from the estate of managed Shepherd Neame houses, asked chefs to submit recipes, costings and images of two innovative dishes created using British ingredients supplied by Brakes. First round judging took place in late July by celebrity chef Richard Phillips, Brakes development chef John Homewood and Brakes food centre manager Zoe Gill.

The three finalists from The Wharf, The Marine Hotel and the Royal Albion Hotel all based in Kent, were joined by Richard Phillips at Brakes Group head office in London’s Covent Garden on Tuesday 2 August for the final live ‘cook off.’

The competition was launched to celebrate British Food Fortnight (17 September to 2 October 2011) and raise awareness of British products. It allows Shepherd Neame chefs to demonstrate their skills and enables Brakes to showcase its extensive range of Red Tractor and British meat products which supports British growers.

Stephen Osbourn, the winning chef from The Royal Albion Hotel created a two course meal of Roast cod rarebit on leek and thyme potato cake with pea purée, red amaranth and fish foam, followed by a baked stilton and Bramley apple cheesecake on a poppy seed and walnut base with balsamic dressed strawberries, produced exclusively from British ingredients. Stephen was commended on his use of British ingredients, taste, presentation and the overall balance of the dishes.

Head of food marketing at Brakes, Sally Sturley commented: “The calibre of entries this year was extremely high, showing strong support in pubs across the country for British produce.

“Each contestant produced unique, tasty dishes – showcasing the ‘Best of British.’ It was a difficult task for the judges to choose a winner. However Stephen made exceptional use of all British ingredients and created a stunning two course meal which won him the title.”

The winning dishes will be available at some of the Shepherd Neame managed houses during British Food Fortnight (17 September to 2 October 2011). Winner, Stephen received a one-to-one tuition course from celebrity chef Richard Philips and a three piece Global kitchen knife set as his prize.

Hurlimann lager has signed a two-year sponsorship deal with the Kent Football League, supporting 30 football clubs across the county playing in its premier, first and second divisions.

The Swiss-style beer will support the renamed Kent Hurlimann Football League with pitchside hoardings at all league grounds and programme advertising through the next two seasons.

League chairman Denise Richmond said: “The Kent League provides great competition for our teams and helps clubs move up the non-league pyramid.

“We're sure that this deal will help us to push forward at an exciting time for football in Kent. I’m sure all our clubs will join me in welcoming Hurlimann and will give it their full support."

Louise Weatherstone, Hurlimann brand manager, said: “It’s great to share our love of football with players and fans across Kent. Hurlimann and football is the perfect match for what promises to be an exciting season, so look out for some exciting activity at matches across the county.”

Hurlimann has also signed a sponsorship agreement with Kent League side Chatham Town FC. It is investing in the club through branded training shirts, match sponsorship and programme advertising.

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Two great British institutions have forged a unique partnership to combine top quality entertainment with great ale in the heart of London.

Spitfire Ale takes centre stage at the Royal Albert Hall, becoming their preferred ale partner, with a bespoke bar, designed and installed at the iconic venue by the award-winning brand. Not only will this bar be open for pre-show drinking, it will also act as a post-show bar at select shows. Known as The Spitfire Bar, located on the Hall’s ground floor, it’s the ideal place to enjoy the distinctive ale.

The brand’s partnership with the world famous venue represents a new phase in Spitfire’s continued growth, with many exciting developments ahead sure to keep it in the spotlight.

The Hall is a registered charity with no public funding. It focuses on achieving the maximum public benefit by continuing to enhance the Hall’s unrivalled history of performance on the world’s most famous stage, offering all customers the very best possible experience.

Spitfire brand manager Kate Maclean said: “Spitfire’s wide-ranging appeal complements the many audiences who enjoy the Royal Albert Hall’s diverse range of entertainments. We are delighted at this unique partnership between Spitfire and the Royal Albert Hall and look forward to a long and successful association.”

Michelle Aland, Head of Sponsorship and Partnerships at the Royal Albert Hall said: “The Royal Albert Hall prides itself with associating itself with exclusive partners to complement its own world class brand. This new partnership with Spitfire further highlights the Hall’s commitment in providing the best possible customer experience which is accessible to everyone”

Brewed by Shepherd Neame since 1990, Spitfire is a popular choice with ale lovers nationwide and has raised hundreds of thousands for service charities, including Help for Heroes and the RAF Benevolent Fund. The brand also sponsors a hot air balloon, the Kent Spitfires cricket team and a host of outdoor events across the UK throughout the summer.

In 2010 the Hall experienced a record breaking year with over 380 events on its main stage and 150 events in its non-auditorium spaces. 2011 has been just as exciting so far with the return of Cirque du Soleil, Eric Clapton, Liza Minnelli, Janet Jackson and the hugely popular Strictly Gershwin to name but a few.

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 Spitfire Premium Ale, well-known for its sense of humour and risqué advertising campaign, will feature in Sky1’s new flagship comedy series set in a supermarket.

Trollied, starring Golden Globe nominee Jane Horrocks, is an eight-part series set in the fictional store Valco, which follows the everyday lives of its staff. Viewers can watch out for Shepherd Neame’s Spitfire Ale stocked on the supermarket’s shelves, along with the brewery’s other leading brands.

Starring alongside Jane Horrocks is Mark Addy (The Full Monty, Game of Thrones) and Jason Watkins (Being Human, Lark Rise to Candleford).

Spitfire brand manager Kate Maclean said: “Spitfire Ale’s humorous nature made it an ideal candidate for Sky1’s new comedy series, Trollied. With the show expected to be a hit, Spitfire Ale will be placed firmly on the radar of comedy fans.”

The first episode will be aired on Friday July 29 on Sky1.

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 A new walking guide, which links together 21 Kent pubs and aims to raise money for charity, has been launched with an inaugural walk.

Author Geoff Rambler, aka Geoff Ettridge, led more than 20 guests on a 1.3 mile walk between the Carpenters Arms at Eastling and the George Inn, Newnham, one of the 27 walks listed in Heroic Yomps: Pub Walks in Kent.

The book, sponsored by Shepherd Neame, is being sold for £5 in aid of the charity, Combat Stress, which specialises in the care of military veterans’ mental health.

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, was among those taking part in the walk, which also included journalists and Kent representatives, including Kent Explore ambassador and former broadcaster Barbara Sturgeon.

Heroic Yomps contains details of five circular walks, covering a total of 114 miles of paths, roads, tracks and byways, exploring the countryside between Rochester, Maidstone and Faversham.

Geoff said: “There is no lack of shorter teashop-type walks in Kent but for walkers wanting a more challenging experience the opportunities are somewhat limited and tend to be restricted to longer linear routes such as the Saxon Shore Way and the North Downs Way.

“My hope is that I’ve managed to meet the needs of two types of walkers: those who wish to undertake circular walks and those who may wish to travel from one point to another.”

Geoff has chosen Combat Stress to benefit from proceeds because he said that leisure walking was a great way to relax while keeping fit.

The walks take in 21 Shepherd Neame pubs, as well as the brewery’s Visitor Centre and the book carries details of each pub along the way and the facilities, food and drink available.

Heroic Yomps: Pub Walks in Kent is available from the Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre Faversham shop and is available to download as an ebook from Amazon.

Seafood fans can enjoy some impressive fish dishes at Shepherd Neame pubs following a chefs’ skills day on the Kent coast.

Nine Shepherd Neame chefs sharpened their filleting skills while also learning more about sustainable fishing from family fishmongers Griggs of Hythe.

The day began with a discussion at the Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford, on how to develop menus featuring fresh, seasonal fish dishes, led by head development chef Simon Howlett.

In the afternoon, the group visited Griggs, based on the Fishermen’s Landing Beach at Hythe, where they were given a tour by Andy Cook, proprietor of the family firm.

Griggs supplies seafood to restaurants, hotels and pubs across Kent and has won the admiration of top chefs including Phil Vickery, Rick Stein and Michael Barry. Many Shepherd Neame pubs and hotels source produce from the company, which can deliver fish to kitchens the same day it is landed.

Andy demonstrated the firm’s 150-year-old traditional smoker. He also gave advice on when particular varieties are in season and described how local fishermen maintain sustainable stocks of fish before demonstrating filleting and other preparation skills.

Head development chef Simon Howlett said: “This was a great day for our chefs who will pass on what they have learned to their colleagues and ultimately, to our customers in the form of delicious dishes.”

Keen photographer Jon Strange is the winner of Shepherd Neame’s first Brewery Photography Competition.

Amateur photographers in Kent were invited to capture the character of Britain’s oldest brewer during exclusive open evenings, in which they were given an hour to find the winning shot in areas of the brewery not usually open to the public.

Nearly 100 entries were received and an expert judging panel assessed photographs based on composition, originality and technical ability.

Winner Jon Strange, an insurance broker from Canterbury, was praised for his photograph of the fermentation vessels against a sunset backdrop, which portrayed the industrial nature of Shepherd Neame while remaining an appealing image in its own right. All judges agreed that Jon’s photograph had an extra special dimension.

Jon said: “It was great to be able to look behind the scenes at the brewery and have the chance to take some really interesting photos. I wasn’t expecting to win, but feel proud to have taken the winning shot.”

Three runners-up were also chosen:

• Christopher Rogers, Ashford, submitted a striking photograph of a copper vessel in the brew house, cleverly using black and white to illustrate a modern piece of equipment in a traditional light.
• Rebecca Douglas, Canterbury, was commended for her photograph of the malt mill with excellent colours and tones that captured the brewery’s heritage, with a subtle suggestion of new technology in the background.
• Richard Enfield, Faversham, was praised for his skilful use of colour with black and white in a photograph of the Visitor Centre bar. He captured the traditional hand pumps while highlighting the modern brands.

Jon receives a Sony digital SLR camera worth £350, courtesy of Faversham’s leading independent camera dealer, Davies and Eason. He is also guaranteed a place in ‘A Year in the Life of Faversham 2011’ exhibition and book, organised by Kent Creative Arts.

The three runners-up each win six cases of Spitfire Ale.

The judges agreed the level of creativity was outstanding and the standard of images comparable with professionally-taken photographs, especially given the challenging time constraints of the competition.

The judging panel comprised of Christine Rayner, Kent Regional Newspapers editor, Nathalie Banaigs, Kent Creative Arts and David Holmes, head brewer at Shepherd Neame.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre has been named Best Little Treasure of Britain in the Group Travel Awards – the brewery’s third tourism award this year.

The awards celebrate the best suppliers to the group travel industry, and this year the Little Treasures Award was introduced to recognise smaller, lesser known attractions in the UK.

Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer in Faversham, Kent, was chosen by industry experts as the overall winner in this category, commended for its enthusiasm, effort and careful presentation to create something special and unique.

The brewery can arrange full-day itineraries for organised groups, including guided tours and beer tastings, lunch or afternoon tea at the brewery, and a visit to a local attraction such as Brogdale Farm – home to the National Fruit Collection.

Brewery tours allow visitors to see the heart of the working brewery, showing the whole brewing process from hop to hand pump. Guests will also have the chance to visit the recently converted Old Brewery Store, with a fascinating display of original pub signs, vintage delivery vehicles and hop picking memorabilia. Each tour finishes with a tutored beer tasting.

Exclusive beer and food evenings can also be arranged for groups of more than 30 people, where four courses are matched with ales or lagers that complement the flavours of the food.

Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins said: “We cater for many different groups and people at the brewery, and it’s fantastic to have been recognised for our contribution to the group travel industry. The Visitor Centre team makes sure everyone who visits enjoys a great day out, and this award is testament to their hard work and dedication.”

The results were announced as part of a gala evening of entertainment on June 10 at the Park Plaza Riverbank Hotel in London, attended by over 400 key members of the travel trade.

It has been a busy year for Shepherd Neame, which was named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2011, and also recognised with a silver award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Click here for information on group visits or contact the Visitor Centre on 01795 542216 or tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

A popular Blackheath pub has enjoyed a prestigious re-opening following a major refurbishment by brewers Shepherd Neame.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame welcomed a host of eager guests, including journalists and devoted regulars, all keen to see how The Crown, a prominent pub with 16th century origins, had been brought up-to-date while retaining its traditional warm welcome.

Mr Neame also marked the re-opening with a cheque presentation to Maggie Stephenson from the local branch of the charity, Childline.

Manager Keith Hedley (pictured with Jonathan Neame) said: “The bar has been moved back about six feet leading to much more floor space and it has been altered from square to horseshoe-shaped. We have a new lobby and the whole place has a nice, homely atmosphere. It is a contemporary feel, but still very much a traditional pub.”

An exciting new addition is the Kings Room on the first floor, a multi-function space boasting its own bar and far-reaching views over Blackheath. This is used as a dining area but is also available to hire.

A state-of-the-art kitchen has been installed on the first floor to provide The Crown with an exciting new menu.

The pub’s décor is a refreshing mix of traditional and modern: exposed brickwork, open fires, Victorian wall tiles, hand-painted mirrors and vintage wall fittings. There is also an attractive snug area. The original pub sign has been restored.

Toilet facilities for people with disabilities and baby change facilities have also been added and air-conditioning has been installed.

The outside seating area has been refurbished, freshly painted and new lighting installed. Doors open onto the forecourt, which has also been resurfaced.

With the Kings Room opening up The Crown’s potential for enhanced dining and functions and the choice of Shepherd Neame cask ales increased from three to five, the pub is all set to take on a new lease of life.

“It has always been a thriving pub and particularly busy at weekends,” said Keith. “But now it definitely has the wow factor. People’s jaws’ drop when they see it.”

Shepherd Neame retail director Nigel Bunting said: “We are delighted to see the finished result at The Crown. It now has so much more to offer a wider selection of customers and we urge locals to take a look for themselves.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

The Woolpack, in Banstead, Surrey, has been named Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year in the brewery’s annual pub awards.

Licensees Angie and Danny Irwin (pictured with Jonathan Neame) were commended for their warm welcome, excellent standards of food and drink and wide range of events and entertainment.

Shepherd Neame tenanted trade director George Barnes said: “When Shepherd Neame purchased the Woolpack in 2009 we took on not just a great pub but also exceptional licensees. During the past year, Angie and Danny have developed trade even further thanks to a joint investment project. They provide the highest standards of drink, food and service.”

The pub, in Banstead High Street, has a large garden and stages monthly live jazz sessions as well as a host of community and charity events – a recent Black Tie evening raised more than £3,000 for the Royal Marsden Hospital.

Commenting on their philosophy for running a successful pub, Angie said: “We treat people the way we like to be treated.”

She added: “Shepherd Neame has given us a good feedback and a lot of support and input.”

A total of 13 Shepherd Neame pubs won awards for different aspects of running a successful pub, such as serving great food, pulling the perfect pint or being at the heart of the local community.

They received their awards from chief executive Jonathan Neame at the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards 2011 held at the Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford.

Kate and Reuben Love, licensees of the Crown Inn, Chislehurst, won the Managers of the Year award, while Managed Business of the Year went to the Ship & Trades, Chatham Maritime, managed by Dean Markham.

The Pub Restaurant award went to licensee Gabrielle Harris and chef Jim at the Granville, Lower Hardres, while the Pub Food award was won by the team at the Sun Inn, Faversham, led by manager Brendan McBride.

Mike Stokes, licensee of the Hoop & Grapes, in Farringdon, London won the Perfect Pint award for consistently serving Shepherd Neame’s range of beers in peak condition.

Tony and Shirley Pearson, of the Belle Vue, Pegwell Bay, won the New Licensee of the Year award, and Tenanted Pub of the Year went to the Hastings Arms, Hastings, run by Susan Stoten.

Steve and Jackie Archer, of the Mermaid, Bishopsbourne, won the Heart of the Community Pub of the Year award while Fiona and Mark Harris were given the Wine Pub of the Year award for their excellent selection at the George & Dragon, Ightham.

The Peacock, at Iden Green, Goudhurst, run by Sharon and Gary Poole, achieved the award for Best Garden while the prize for the best small garden or hanging basket display went to Dee Mosedale, licensee of the Anglesey Arms, Bromley.

The Lifetime Achievement was presented to Karen and Jerry Copestake for their 25 years of devoted service to their historic village pub, the Griffin’s Head at Chillenden and its community.

Britain’s oldest brewer, based in Faversham, Kent, operates more than 360 pubs across its Kentish heartland, London and the South East.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Shepherd Neame Pub of the Year – The Woolpack, Banstead
Managed Business of the Year – Ship & Trades, Chatham Maritime
Tenanted Pub of the Year – Hastings Arms, Hastings
Managers of the Year – The Crown Inn, Chislehurst
New Licensee of the Year – The Belle Vue, Pegwell Bay
Pub Restaurant of the Year – The Granville, Lower Hardres, Canterbury
Pub Food of the Year – The Sun Inn, Faversham
Wine Pub of the Year – George & Dragon, Ightham
Perfect Pint – Hoop & Grapes, Farringdon
Heart of the Community – The Mermaid, Bishopsbourne
Best Garden of the Year – The Peacock, Goudhurst
Small Garden / Hanging Baskets – The Anglesey Arms, Bromley
Lifetime Achievement – Griffin’s Head, Chillenden
 

The Faversham Hop Festival in Kent, September 3-4, celebrates its 21st anniversary this year and promises to be a jam-packed weekend for the whole family.

The free festival recalls the days when hop-pickers travelled from London by train to take their annual working holiday in the fields of Kent, bringing in the harvest and ending their stay with huge parties.

The carnival-like atmosphere attracts more than 20,000 people, with plenty on offer – street entertainers, the finest local fare, live music and the ever-popular Spitfire steam train.

Sponsors of the event and Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame, is opening its doors for brewery tours and special hoppers’ lunches over the weekend. Visitors will have the chance to see inside the heart of the working brewery and, of course, enjoy a tutored beer tasting with traditional Kentish ales such as Spitfire and Bishops Finger.

Throughout the market town of Faversham, stalls line the historic streets featuring local food and drink, arts and crafts and even freshly picked hop bines. Three live music stages will showcase folk bands, rocks bands and the best local musicians. Shepherd Neame pubs also host live music over the weekend and Morris dancers perform in the town centre.

Visitors from London on Sunday can choose to travel by Spitfire Steam Train from Victoria, retracing the route of hop-pickers decades earlier. Passengers can enjoy a long afternoon in Faversham soaking up the sights and sounds of the Hop Festival, before returning to London in the evening.

The train, made up of historic carriages from the 1950s and 1960s, features a real ale bar with casks of Shepherd Neame beer, as well as a buffet car serving soft drinks and snacks.

The Steam Train will also make a return trip to Dover, via Canterbury, on Sunday afternoon for people attending the festival.

Advance booking for the Spitfire Steam Train, guided brewery tours and lunch at the brewery is essential. Tickets are available now.

Click here for more information and tickets, or call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Six Spitfire Ale consumers have each won a £500 Thomas Cook holiday voucher after buying their favourite pint.

Evacuate with Spitfire saw the six lucky pub visitors from across the country each scoop the voucher after they received a scratch card with their pint. They were entered into the prize draw after inputting details from the card into the Spitfire website.

The six winners are John Thompson of Torquay; Graham Webster of Shrewsbury; Roy Neeve of Seaford, East Sussex; Ivor Herdson of Mersham, Kent; Jeff Arnold of Devon; and Owen Reilly of London.

Spitfire – brewed by Kent-based Shepherd Neame – was originally brewed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain in 1990. Its characteristically Kentish, hoppy flavour and risque advertising campaign has made it a firm favourite with beer lovers ever since.

Spitfire brand manager Kate Maclean said: “Congratulations to all the winners. We are delighted to be able to offer these prizes to our customers and hope that they all enjoy a pleasurable break, courtesy of Spitfire.”
 

The Royal Oak in New Ash Green has celebrated its £80,000 refurbishment with a grand re-opening.

The Shepherd Neame pub, in Chapel Farm Road, has been redecorated inside and out in a smart, modern style.

Chief executive Jonathan Neame and property and tenanted trade director George Barnes joined licensees Kevin Morris and Sonia Pegler and a host of regulars to celebrate the Royal Oak’s new look.

To mark the re-opening, Jonathan Neame presented a cheque for £200 to pub regular Joe MacNeil, in aid of his frequent fundraising efforts for the Kent Air Ambulance which have included running the London Marathon.

The Royal Oak’s refurbishment combines carpeted lounge areas with stylish wooden floors. The range of comfortable furniture includes high backed leather chairs in which customers can watch sport and other events on satellite TV or warm themselves by the feature fireplace.

Licensee Kevin Morris said: “The pub has been refurbished from top to bottom, from the roof tiles to the cellar. This is a great place for families and we are already welcoming many new customers from the local area and further afield.”

The Royal Oak serves traditional pub food, all freshly prepared on the premises, including a popular Sunday roast. Barbecues are held during the spring and summer.

As well as a spacious car park, the pub has a large garden with plenty of seating and a children’s play area.

The Royal Oak is a ‘family local’ serving the rural community of New Ash Green and is also close to the Brands Hatch racing circuit and the London Golf Club.

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A group of wartime veterans who had their burns treated by a pioneering plastic surgeon enjoyed lunch at an Isle of Sheppey pub to celebrate their 70th anniversary.

The 27-strong group from the “Guinea Pig Club”, including original patients of surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe, family members and club representatives, enjoyed a fish and chip lunch at The Aviator, courtesy of Kent brewer Shepherd Neame.

The group went on to visit the Blue Town Heritage Centre where they viewed some early footage of powered flight over the Isle of Sheppey, discovered only last year and now on show at the centre.

They returned to The Aviator, at Queenborough Corner, and were presented with a 70th birthday cake, specially prepared by Shepherd Neame, which regularly supports the group. Each year Britain’s oldest brewer organises events for the club, such as brewery tours and visits to the Spitfire and Hurricane Museum at Manston.

The innovative work of Sir Archibald McIndoe continues at the Blond McIndoe Research Foundation at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead.

Opened in 1961, it was the culminating achievement of the efforts of Sir Archibald and his friends Neville and Elaine Blond, who lent their home to convalescing airmen during the War World Two.

During the last 50 years, the Blond McIndoe Research Foundation has pioneered leading-edge surgical techniques: the first successful toe-to-thumb transplant, immunology of organ transplantation and tissue typing, matching grafts to recipients and improving the success of corneal grafts.

Shepherd Neame retail director Nigel Bunting said: “It was a delight to welcome the Guinea Pig Club to The Aviator. Their story is an amazing one and we are proud to be able to help them celebrate their 70th anniversary.”

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Shepherd Neame is inviting people with a keen interest in photography to capture the character of the brewery, where traditional oak mash tuns sit alongside state-of-the-art equipment such as energy-efficient steam injection technology.

One talented photographer will win a Sony Alpha 290 SLR digital camera worth £350, courtesy of Davies & Eason, Faversham.

The winner will also be featured in A Year in the Life of Faversham exhibition and book, organised by Kent Creative Arts.

Open evenings on Wednesday April 27 and Thursday May 5 will allow photographers exclusive access to the brewhouse and The Street where they will have one hour to spot and capture the winning shot.

Entrants are also invited to photograph the exterior of the brewery, from the period frontage in Court Street to the picturesque creek that runs directly behind the building. Creativity is welcomed.

All photographs will be assessed by a judging panel based on composition, technical ability and originality.

Two runners-up will receive six cases of Spitfire Ale, courtesy of Shepherd Neame, and Kent Regional Newspapers will publish a selection of the best photographs.

Entrants must register for a time slot at the open evenings on Wednesday April 27 and Thursday May 5. Email your preferred date and time (6pm, 7pm or 8pm) to pressoffice@shepherdneame.co.uk. Extra dates may be added to meet demand.

Photographers should submit their photos with a minimum size of 2MB in JPEG format on a CD or DVD, clearly labelled with their name. Entries, containing your CD / DVD and a completed entry form, should be marked Photo Competition and posted or hand-delivered to Shepherd Neame Ltd, 17 Court Street, Faversham, Kent ME13 7AX.

Download an entry form

Download a photo consent form

For more information contact pressoffice@shepherdneame.co.uk.

The closing date for entries is Friday May 27.

Canterbury Jack, Shepherd Neame’s light and refreshing ale, is now better than ever thanks to an enhanced recipe.

Changes to the hopping regime mean the 3.5% abv cask ale / 4% abv bottle ale delivers an even more satisfying taste.

Senior brewer Stewart Main explained: “We have significantly increased the bitterness level and the grapefruit / citrus hop aroma and flavour – which is now quite outstanding and makes the beer really special.”

As well as being a refreshing drink in its own right, Canterbury Jack is also the perfect accompaniment to fish, pasta and chicken dishes.

It will be available in cask until September 30 and in bottles all year round.

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Shepherd Neame’s former wine and spirits store has been converted into The Old Brewery Store, a spacious and atmospheric venue suitable for a wide range of functions.

The Old Brewery Store, part of Shepherd Neame’s award-winning visitor centre, can accommodate up to 450 guests and kicks off its entertainment programme with a weekend of music events which show off its diversity and unique style.

The fun starts on Saturday June 4, with music from one of the South East’s leading covers bands, Jam Sandwich, who took last year’s hop festival by storm with their blend of rock and funk favourites. They are supported by The Crossfire, playing a mix of rock, funk and blues songs by well-known artists. Tickets are £6 and the doors open from 7pm.

The attractive space is decorated with pub signs and is full of fascinating vintage vehicles and hop-picking memorabilia.

Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins said: “The Old Brewery Store operates alongside the rest of our facilities, giving us increased flexibility to host a wider range of events and functions, especially those requiring lots of space.”

The Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre recently won gold in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category of the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, which recognise outstanding customer service, good presentation of information, accessibility and innovative marketing.

The Millers Arms in Mill Lane, Canterbury, is preparing to welcome summer visitors with an enhanced space and a fresh, contemporary feel following a £100,000 refurbishment by Kent brewers Shepherd Neame.

The whole of the downstairs has been redesigned and redecorated, combining modern materials with character furniture to give a clean, new look that remains sympathetic with the building’s origins.

Licensee Paul Henderson said: “The design uses chrome and wood – including a captain’s table from a ship – and some of the original flagstones have been reinstated. We have a new bar and the conservatory has been reworked to create more space for customers.”

The restaurant area has been redecorated, the kitchen extended and the outside of the pub has also been freshly painted.

And with The Marlowe Theatre set to re-open this autumn following its own extensive refurbishment, the Millers Arm – a short walk away in Mill Lane – is perfectly situated to offer pre and post-entertainment refreshment.

The Millers Arms, built in 1826 to serve local mill workers, occupies a prime spot in the centre of Canterbury overlooking the Cathedral, making it a perfect base for visitors to the World Heritage Site and Kent’s coastal resorts and countryside.

As well as a lively bar and restaurant, the pub has 11 en-suite rooms with modern facilities as well as a courtyard garden and an inglenook fireplace.

Popular with visitors to the town, the Millers Arms is also a busy community pub, hosting quiz nights, a book club and a theatre society.
 

Say thanks to Dad this Father’s Day, June 19, with a guided tour, beer tasting and traditional Sunday lunch or brewers’ tea at Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer in Faversham, Kent.

Recently named England’s Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, the brewery is home to traditional Kentish ales such as Spitfire and Bishops Finger. Visitors will see the heart of the brewery and the whole brewing process from hop to hand pump. They can taste chalk-filtered mineral water straight from the artesian well, try malted barley, savour Kent hops and visit the brewhouse with its magnificent stained glass windows.

Visitors will also be taken to The Vaults, the recently converted wine and spirits store, which features a fascinating display of historic pub signs. Shepherd Neame’s vintage delivery vehicles are also on display, including a genuine Spitfire cockpit, Thornycroft, Morris and Austin from the 1920s, as well as a wealth of hop-picking memorabilia.

At the end of the tour, guests will be taken through a tutored tasting with a selection of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and international lagers brewed under licence.

For a special end to the day, choose between a delicious three-course Sunday lunch, freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients, or a brewers’ tea, including cheese scones, home-cooked ham, mature Cheddar, locally-produced chutney, ale cake and Victoria sponge.

Brewery tours followed by a three-course Sunday lunch are available at 10.45am, 11.15am and 11.45am and cost £29.75 per person.

Brewery tours followed by a brewers’ tea are available at 2.30pm and 2.50pm and cost £19.75 per person.

Advance booking is essential. For more details or to make a booking call 01795 542016 or click here.

A range of gifts are also available from the brewery’s shop in Court Street, Faversham, and from the website’s online shop.

Choose from a range of quality hampers such as theShepherd Neame Ale Lovers Hamper at £39.50, which features 500ml bottles of 1698 Bottle Conditioned Ale, Bishops Finger, Whitstable Bay and Early Bird plus two stubbies of Spitfire Ale. Also included are jars of Bishops Finger Marmalade, Spitfire Mustard, 1698 Brewer's Chutney, Peach Apple and Apricot Chutney made with Whitstable Bay and a Shepherd Neame bottle-top fridge-magnet and bottle opener.

For the true Spitfire Ale fan there’s the Spitfire Squadron Hamper at £47.50, which includes two 500ml bottles, two 250ml stubbies, a jar of Spitfire mustard, the Bottle of Britain advertising campaign book, Spitfire drip mats, pen, key ring, playing cards and bookmark, as well as a Spitfire bar runner, pint glass and Merlin engine sound-effect bottle opener.

For that extra special present, there are short break gift certificates featuring a brewery tour plus an overnight stay at one of Shepherd Neame’s local inns, including the historic Sun Inn, situated in one of Faversham’s oldest streets.

The shop also offers a selection of pub games, such as dominoes, cards and cribbage, as well as tankards and plates, themed leisurewear, books, posters and a range of beers and lagers.

Shepherd Neame is supporting this year’s Great Kent Bike Ride, which is expected to attract 1,000 riders.

The June 12 event has been arranged by the visitor attraction, the Rare Breeds Centre in Woodchurch, near Ashford, and will raise money for the Canterbury Oast Trust, a charity for adults with learning disabilities, which is based at the centre.

Shepherd Neame is one of the sponsors of the event and seven of its pubs have been designated official refreshment stops along the routes.

Participants will ride either a 35-mile or 60-mile route. Both start and finish in Ashford and take in the picturesque villages and open landscape of East Kent. There is also a less demanding five-mile off road route.

Riders will be able to stop at any of the seven Shepherd Neame pubs where a warm welcome awaits.

The pubs are:
• Royal Oak, Mersham
• Ship Hotel, New Romney
• Royal Mail, Lydd
• Woolpack Inn, Brookland
• The Vine, Tenterden
• Bonny Cravat, Woodchurch
• Kings Head, Shadoxhurst

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are delighted to support the Great Kent Bike Ride. It supports a very worthy cause and is just the sort of healthy lifestyle event that families can enjoy.”

For further information on how to take part visit www.rarebreeds.org.uk

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Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
The picture shows staff and volunteers at the Rare Breeds Centre preparing for the Great Kent Bike Ride.

Shepherd Neame brewery has been named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2011.

The national awards are organised by VisitEngland and recognise outstanding commitment to customer service and high quality standards.

Shepherd Neame competed against seven other regional finalists to scoop the top prize, and Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins said: “Winning this award is a great testament to the hard work of the team who provide a first-class experience for our visitors.”

Britain’s oldest brewer was recognised for its outstanding customer service, good presentation of information, accessibility and innovative marketing that has brought in new and repeat visitors.

The brewery hosts guided tours and tastings, themed Beer and Food Evenings, Murder Mysteries, Ale Samplers’ Suppers, Father’s Day Lunches and even Halloween Ghost Tours, to name a few.

Graham adds: “We saw a 25 per cent rise in visitor numbers during 2010 and have increased the number of tours to meet demand. We’re looking forward to another busy year.”

Attractions are rigorously reviewed by independent assessors and judged by a selected board of tourism industry experts. The results were announced at a special awards ceremony at The Great Hall, Birmingham University on April 15.

John Williams, Chairman of Tourism South East, said: “Competition from across England is fierce and standards are extremely high so to achieve such high accolades is a resounding endorsement.”

For information on tours and events at the brewery visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk, call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Notes to editors:
The Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category is open to any attraction with fewer than 50,000 visitors a year.

Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

The Seaview Hotel in Birchington, Kent, has won a Town Pride Commendation from the Margate Civic Society.

The newly refurbished Shepherd Neame pub and hotel has been recognised for its contribution to the area’s historic and architecturally impressive environment in this year’s Town Pride Awards.

Licensees Steve and Kim Morgan received their framed commendation at a ceremony held at the Walpole Bay Hotel in Cliftonville, before returning to the Seaview Hotel where Steve immediately put the commendation up behind the bar.

He said: “We are over the moon. I don’t know how many pubs receive civic awards but it can’t be many.”

Dating from the turn of the 19th century, the Seaview Hotel recently benefited from an £80,000 refurbishment to its bar and exterior. There are plans to extend its accommodation, which currently comprises four double rooms.

The Seaview Hotel offers a wide range of cask ales while the menu draws on locally sourced food. There is also a function room, an outdoor area and a real fire to help ward off the chill of the winter months.

Shepherd Neame surveyor Ben White said: “The aim of the project was to make the Seaview Hotel the finest pub in Birchington and to ensure that Steve and Kim are given the greatest chance of turning this once failing pub into an establishment of which the town can be proud.

“The ethos of the refurbishment was to enhance the existing features of the pub and where necessary to make sympathetic and tasteful improvements.”

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Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Shepherd Neame has published a handy new accommodation guide as the holiday season approaches.

Hotels & Inns lists 11 of the brewer’s most comfortable accommodation houses, stretching from historic Canterbury and Faversham to picturesque Deal and Wye and beyond.

The colour leaflet gives the hotels / pubs’ contact details, along with a small map listing their locations and website addresses, as well as information on Britain’s oldest brewer.

Each venue offers excellent food and accommodation, with many also offering function room facilities.

All have an online booking option.

Hotels & Inns will be available from the Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre in Faversham, the hotels themselves and tourism outlets, free of charge.

Shepherd Neame’s retail director Nigel Bunting said: “The new guide will help people make the most of their visit to Kent. Each hotel offers a comfortable stay and is well placed for some of the county’s major attractions.”

The pubs listed are:
• Millers Arms, Canterbury
• George Hotel, Cranbrook
• New Flying Horse, Wye
• Royal Albion, Broadstairs
• Royal Hotel, Deal
• Ship & Trades, Chatham (pictured)
• Marine Hotel, Tankerton
• Crown Inn, Chislehurst
• Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford
• Dog & Bear Hotel, Lenham
• Sun Inn, Faversham

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The Chequers at Doddington is becoming Faversham’s latest foodie destination after a refurbishment by brewers Shepherd Neame.

With an extended, fully-equipped kitchen, a bigger and brighter restaurant and a new chef, licensee Josephine Greenham has launched an exciting new menu at the Grade II listed coaching inn in the heart of the rural village.

Although Josephine hails from a family of publicans, this is her first pub venture, after a career in the catering industry.

She said: “Dodi, our French chef, has created a menu of freshly-prepared dishes using seasonal produce from local meat, fish and vegetable suppliers. It changes almost daily depending on what is fresh and available.”

Two signature dishes are marinated lamb steak with dauphinoise potatoes, green beans and pepper sauce and vegetable nut roast, with apricot and goat’s cheese. The menu also offers traditional favourites such as hand-carved ham with free range eggs and freshly prepared chips and “home-made” fish pie with salad and a Sunday roast.

Bar snacks include familiar dishes such as local sausages and mash as well as more unusual items such as a Mediterranean platter or a pint of prawns in their shells.

The restaurant area has been redecorated and fitted out with rustic furniture, sympathetic with the character of the medieval building which has oak timbers, mullion windows and an inglenook fireplace.

Beer-lovers can choose from up to three cask ales and the pub is also home to darts and pool teams, morris dancers and the Norton Motorbike Club.

Josephine said: “As well as growing into a place that people travel to for a meal we are at the heart of the local community, hosting a full post-office service every Tuesday between 1 and 3pm. Many of our customers are talented musicians and we stage regular open mic nights and traditional folk music.”
 

A popular Shepherd Neame pub has been given a new lease of life thanks to a £25,000 refurbishment.

The makeover has transformed the Royal Mail at Lydd, which licensee Sue Kent, who runs the pub with partner Andy Cox, has described as the “best pub I’ve ever been in – and I work here!”

The pub has been redecorated throughout, with new carpeting and a freshly painted exterior. Its four letting rooms have also been refurbished.

Sue said: “We have created a cosy atmosphere, whether it is in the lounge bar where I have put two sofas, or in the games room. People love everything about it – as well as the beer.”

Along with food, accommodation, fine ales and a host of games such as pool and darts, the Royal Mail hosts curry nights on Thursdays and Fish and Chips suppers on Fridays.

The refurbishment has seen the pub return to the heart of the community in Lydd.

Sue said: “It is friendly and homely and children are welcome.”

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After 10 months of specialist repair work, the locomotive that hauls the Spitfire Steam Train is back on track for Faversham’s Historic Vehicle Weekend on May 21 and 22.

Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, has made a special delivery of Royal Wedding Ale to the Horse Guards at Whitehall to celebrate the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.

The cask of beer will be enjoyed by the 1st Battalion Irish Guards after completing their royal wedding duties on April 29, and who have recently returned from six months in Afghanistan.

The specially brewed 4.7 per cent abv ale is available from selected Shepherd Neame houses, and pubs throughout the UK.

Royal Wedding Ale is described as: “Full bodied, warming, light in colour, this truly special beer is characterised by a delicious, fragrant, hoppy aroma and palate. A delightful marriage of the finest malts and hops England has to offer.”
 

Faversham’s popular classic car and motorcycle show has been extended to a whole weekend on May 21-22, incorporating historic buses, vintage cars and the Spitfire Steam Train.

The Historic Vehicle Weekend will be a real treat for transport enthusiasts, and there’s plenty of live music, local fare and street performers to keep the whole family entertained.

On Saturday, dozens of historic, refurbished and novelty buses will be on display in the town centre, including a children’s play bus. Visitors will also have the chance to climb aboard one of the restored buses and visit a nearby attraction such as Brogdale Farm, home to the National Fruit Collection.

On Sunday, classic cars and motorcycles will replace vintage buses. Visitors to the town can enjoy sleek sports cars, glitzy American motors and old British classics and chat to proud vehicle owners and fellow enthusiasts.

Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer and sponsors of the event, will run guided brewery tours and tutored tastings over the weekend. Visitors will be taken through the heart of the brewery and shown the whole brewing process from hop to hand pump. Especially for the weekend, one of the brewery’s stationary steam engines, dating from 1850, will be in operation.

A selection of Shepherd Neame’s vintage delivery vehicles will also be on display, which include a Thornycroft, Morris and Austin from the 1920s and a 1951 Reliant Trike van.

On Saturday, the brewery will host a special two-course Busman’s Lunch featuring Shepherd Neame Pie, and on Sunday a three-course traditional roast will be served. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

On Sunday afternoon at 2.50pm, the Spitfire Steam Train will take passengers from Faversham to Gillingham, then a diesel locomotive will haul the train to Sheerness-on-Sea before steam takes charge again for the journey back.

The train is made up of historic carriages from the 1950s and 1960s and will carry a real ale bar, serving a range of Shepherd Neame ales, as well as a buffet car serving soft drinks and snacks.

Train fares cost between £16 and £24, with concessions for children. Tickets sell fast, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Faversham’s Historic Vehicle Weekend is supported by Shepherd Neame, Faversham Town Council and Faversham Enterprise Partnership.

Click here for more information and tickets or call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Kingfisher lager has been granted an International High Quality Trophy 2011 by Monde Selection, the premier international food and drink awards, for three consecutive years of brewing achievement.

Kingfisher lager’s 50-litre kegs have secured Gold Awards and Grand Gold Awards for the past three years, while the 330ml bottled format has also won the approval of judges.

In the 2010 Monde Selection, 4.8%abv Kingfisher lager won two Grand Gold awards, one for bottled lager and one for keg and the lager is also a former winner of a Grand Gold with Palm Leaves in the category for Pilsen-style beers.

First brewed in 1857, Kingfisher is the world's best-selling Indian lager and is brewed in the UK by Shepherd Neame under licence from United Breweries of India.

Beer writer Peter Ogie describes Kingfisher as “a clean, refreshing lager, bursting with hops, filling the mouth with citrus and herbs in an intensity of flavour, which is not overwhelmed by hot and spicy food”.

Brewed according to the original recipe, incorporating Indian yeast, Kingfisher is prized for its full and hoppy taste and smooth palate, earning the lager a listing in the majority of Indian restaurants throughout the UK.

Shepherd Neame’s production and distribution director, Tom Falcon, said: “Winning an award for quality is a welcome accolade but to win one for consistent quality over a long period emphasises the skill and dedication of our brewers and is a great testament to their professionalism. Shepherd Neame brews a number of international lagers on licence and our brewers combine their knowledge and experience with high quality ingredients to capture each of their distinctive flavours.”
 

Royal Air Force officer Dean Holder completed Sunday’s London Marathon dressed as a Spitfire fighter, his charity fund-raising given a flying start by Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale.

Spitfire sponsored Squadron Leader Holder’s hand-built outfit, helping him raise a total of £3,000 for the charity Leonard Cheshire Disability.

He completed the course in five hours and 11 minutes and was greeted by his wife, Becks, and daughters Felicity, 10, and Charlotte, nine, at the finish line.

Dean, 41, is based at Brize Norton, the largest station in the RAF. The Spitfire costume was specially designed for the race to mark his appreciation for the iconic aircraft and his love of its namesake ale.

Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale www.spitfireale.co.uk is an official partner of the RAF, raising large sums for the RAF Benevolent Fund, Help for Heroes and other veterans’ charities. Award-winning Spitfire, created in 1990 by Shepherd Neame in Faversham, Kent, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, is the only draft ale available at the Royal Albert Hall, with its own bespoke bar. The beer’s characteristically Kentish, hoppy flavour and tongue-in cheek humour have made it a firm favourite with beer lovers.

Dean said: “Spitfire has long been one of my favourite beers. After a particularly tough training session the odd pint has helped me get back on my feet and put a smile on my face.”

Dean chose to raise money for Leonard Cheshire Disability because the charity’s work with disabled people is close to his heart.

He said: “I have previously worked at Headley Court with military personnel who have suffered injury and this helped me to gain an understanding of the impact of empowering people to overcome personal challenges. The work that Leonard Cheshire Disability does to help people fulfil their potential struck a chord with me.”
 

Community-minded customers at the Rose and Crown, Wrotham, are at the heart of a Royal Wedding Day street party for 100 local children and their parents.

Licensee Doug Bell and 15 of his regulars have written and rehearsed a pantomime to be performed in the High Street, the highlight of an exciting afternoon of fun featuring a disco, a magician and party food, supplied by local people and topped up by the pub.

The pantomime, When a Rose Meets a Crown, was written by a local teacher and customers have even built their own set featuring a medieval castle.

Doug said: “It’s a cross between Star Wars, The Knights of the Round Table and Sleeping Beauty. Various knights will have different coloured tabards and the children will be encouraged to wear different colours to get behind their favourite. I play Black Doug – the villain.”

The event runs from 1.30pm to 5pm with the play being performed about 3.45pm. Hartley Morris Men, who are based at the pub, will also perform during the day.
 

A Kent pub that is reaping the benefits of hosting live music has won £5,000 worth of performance and sound-proofing equipment in a competition run by PRS for Music.

The Market Inn, Faversham, a former Shepherd Neame Community Pub of the Year, will be installed with professional lighting, an in-house PA system and secondary glazing, further enhancing its development as a thriving music venue.

Licensees David and Suzanne Pott won the prize after suggesting the changes they would like to make to improve their music events at the pub, in East Street.

“The prize money will be a great boost for the pub and for the community,” said David. “This will put the Market Inn on the map for music. We’re already receiving demos from local bands who want to play here.”

David, who enjoys playing the guitar himself, said he had been looking for something to replace satellite TV, which had become too expensive, and began to hold music nights, which proved very popular.

The venue has gone from strength to strength, and now presents bands playing cover versions and original music in a wide variety of genres, including rock, soul, swing and blues. Sessions are on Friday and Saturday evenings between 8.30pm and 11pm and Sunday afternoons from 2.30pm to 5pm ( click here for full listings).

He said: “We present a variety of live music which brings in a broad cross-section of the community and creates a lively atmosphere.”

The Music Makeover competition was run by PRS for Music in partnership with The Musicians’ Union and the British Beer and Pub Association.
 

Asahi Super Dry has been voted the best keg lager in the world by a panel of experts at the Brewing Industry International Awards, the Oscars of the brewing industry.

The Japanese lager, brewed under licence by Shepherd Neame in Faversham, Kent, won the title after a double-blind tasting by more than 30 leading brewers from around the globe.

After being awarded a Gold Medal in its class, Asahi overcame a host of other lagers to be named as Champion Beer in the International Keg Lager Category at an awards ceremony this week.

Shepherd Neame head brewer David Holmes said: “We are proud that Asahi Super Dry brewed at Faversham has been named the best of the best. This is a huge accolade for all our brewers and our partners in Japan, particularly as it has been chosen by a panel of our peers in the brewing industry.”

Super crisp, clear and dry, 5% abv Asahi Super Dry is served in Britain’s best bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Asahi is also a supporter of the arts and is an official beer partner of The Royal Albert Hall where there is a dedicated Asahi bar. Asahi also supports some of the UK’s leading events including the GQ Man of the Year Awards, Boodles Boxing Ball and Fortis Tennis at the Hurlingham Club.

Beer writer Ben McFarland describes Asahi Super Dry: “Clean and crisp with a restrained bitterness and a subtle citrus aroma, this light golden beer was Japan’s first ‘dry’ lager. Fresh and with plenty of balanced finesse, it’s an ideal accompaniment to the well-defined flavours and textures found in sushi.”

Shepherd Neame also picked up two silver medals at the awards: Chinese beer Sun Lik, also brewed under licence, picked up silver in the same group and Whitstable Bay Organic Ale won a silver award in the Small Pack Ale Category. This year’s event attracted nearly 800 entries from more than 160 breweries.

The awards are now in their 125th year and are judged solely by practising brewers from countries including Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Africa, America and the UK. Beers are assessed for taste, appearance and aroma, as well as their commercial worth in today’s market.

The awards were judged at the National Brewery Centre in Burton-upon-Trent followed by a presentation ceremony at Guildhall, London on 12 April 2011.
 

Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale and Oranjeboom lager are chasing glory on the cricket field this summer in their support for neighbours and rivals Kent Spitfires and Essex Eagles.

Spitfire is continuing its long-standing relationship with the Kent Spitfires, Kent’s one-day side, as they strive for glory in the Friends Provident t20 tournament. Kent Spitfires have a good track record in Twenty20 cricket, reaching two finals and lifting a trophy in recent years.

Shepherd Neame, which brews Spitfire in Faversham, Kent, signed a four-year deal with the county side last year, reinforcing the close links between Britain’s oldest brewer and Kent cricket.

Oranjeboom, brewed on licence by Shepherd Neame, is supporting Essex Eagles, the county’s one-day side, in the Clydesdale Bank 40 tournament.

Essex Eagles will turn out in colourful red shirts for the 40-over competition, bearing the distinctive orange tree logo of the Dutch lager, brewed on licence from Brouwerij de Oranjeboom, Breda, in Holland.

Shepherd Neame has supported Essex cricket for more than a decade. The Kent brewer now has 16 pubs in Essex and has named one of its pubs, the Essex Cricketers in Great Notley, near Braintree, in honour of the association between the brewery and the county side.

Kent Spitfires’ first Friends Provident t20 fixtures are against the Somerset Sabres at the Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells, on June 3 and Hampshire Royals at the same venue on June 5. Essex Eagles’ first home Clydesdale Bank 40 fixtures are on Sunday May 1 against Nottinghamshire Outlaws and the following day, Monday May 2, when Lancashire Lightning visit Chelmsford.

Sales and marketing director Graeme Craig said: “We are proud to have two of our distinctive brands, Spitfire and Oranjeboom, associated with first class cricket played in both exciting one-day formats. Shepherd Neame is a great supporter of cricket at all levels, enjoying a long association with the Kent and Essex county sides as well as sponsoring club championships and knockout competitions across the South East.”
 

A charming riverside pub will be making even more of its delightful setting this Easter thanks to a £100,000 refurbishment and the introduction of a tourist information centre.

The Grove Ferry Inn is in a prime spot, just outside Canterbury, in the Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve, on the banks of the Great River Stour.

The four partners who run the pub have teamed up with brewers Shepherd Neame to extend the riverside terrace and expand the patio, creating more space for customers to enjoy traditional Kentish ale and good quality food by the river. The building also has a new roof and refurbished windows.

Already well-known as a start point for boat trips, the Grove Ferry now hosts a tourist information centre with details of local attractions and services and the area’s extensive network of cycling and walking routes.

New for Easter 2011 is a barbecue of high quality locally-sourced meats, offering chicken kebabs, steak baguettes and sausages in baps, as well as grilled vegetable kebabs.

Owner Anthony Pender said: “We also plan to offer our customers blankets for the first time this summer, either to sit on the grass, picnic-style, in our large garden, or for people to put over their legs on cooler evenings.”

Originally a coaching house dating back to 1831, the inn took its name from a hand-drawn ferry and is an excellent base for walkers, fishermen and cyclists.

The partners, whose slogan is “More than just a pub”, have made other innovations that make the Grove Ferry a charming and unique place to visit. There is a fish and chip serving point in the garden, featuring fish direct from the Kent coast, and the butcher’s block a selection of steaks from local farms, where customers can pick the cut they would like, the size of steak they want, from a 6oz rump up to a 24oz rib eye, and tell the chef exactly how they’d like it cooked. The butcher’s block deli offers a selection of local produce to purchase and take away.
 

Shepherd Neame’s bottle-conditioned ale, 1698, has been given a new look, evoking the Faversham brewery’s rich heritage.

The label has been redesigned in black, gold and cream with a collar bearing the three royal lions and the legend “Market Town of Kings”.

Shepherd Neame has brewed Kentish ales in the ancient port of Faversham for more than 300 years. A Royal Court to the Kings of Kent, the town holds no less than 17 Royal Charters and is one of the few allowed to use the 'three lions crest' from the Royal Arms.

Originally brewed to celebrate the tercentenary of Britain's oldest brewer, 1698 is a characteristically hoppy Kentish ale, which has Protected Geographical Indication from the European Union, the same unique regional protection afforded to Champagne and Parma Ham.

Target and East Kent Goldings hops are added three times during the brewing process, giving the beer its strong hop character, dark, amber colour and uniquely Kentish aroma. Pearl malted barley and crystal malt, harvested from the fields of Kent, are combined with Shepherd Neame's chalk-filtered mineral water, drawn from an artesian well 200ft beneath the brewery.

A connoisseur’s ale to be savoured, 1698 matures naturally in the bottle and can be enjoyed fresh or allowed to settle for a few months to mellow. The natural effervescence produced by bottle-conditioning – the interaction of yeast and brewing sugars – gives 1698 fine, champagne-like bubbles that further enhance the fragrance, flavour and overall drinking experience.

Beer writer Ben McFarland describes 1698: “This copper-bronze, bottle-conditioned beauty is an intense yet uniquely intricate offering, thrice-hopped during the brewing process. This adds rich resinous notes and spikes of citrus to a moreish strong ale already rife with notes of liquorice, Marsala wine, caramel and spicy orange. A frisson of dark fruit freshens the finish. Serve with smoked cheese.”

A silver medal winner in the Taste of Britain Awards, 1698 has been included in the International Beer Challenge's World's Top 50 Beers and won a Gold Award from the British Bottlers' Institute in 2010.

Bottle-conditioned 1698 is available in 500ml bottles from Asda, Makro and good independent stockists, priced around £1.89 or online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk.

Sales and marketing director Graeme Craig said: “The stylish, classic look of 1698 is completely fitting for a connoisseur, bottle-conditioned ale of such distinction, quality and pedigree.”
 

Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, is celebrating the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton with a limited edition cask beer to toast the occasion, Royal Wedding Ale.

The specially brewed 4.7 per cent abv ale is available from selected Shepherd Neame houses, and pubs throughout the UK.

It is described as: “Full bodied, warming, light in colour, this truly special beer is characterised by a delicious, fragrant, hoppy aroma and palate. A delightful marriage of the finest malts and hops England has to offer.”

A new menu is helping to herald in the spring at selected Shepherd Neame pubs.

Head development chef Simon Howlett (pictured) has produced a combination of new dishes and enhanced favourites that make the most of the kinder weather and diners’ wishes.

The Aviator on the Isle of Sheppey and the Spanish Galleon in Greenwich are among those introducing the menu.

Simon said: “We have introduced new steak cuts – such as the flat iron steak – which people in this country may not have seen before. The menu also offers a lot of healthy choices, including fish dishes and salads.”

Examples include salmon, pepper and sweet potato fishcake salad; pan roasted red snapper fillet; roast garlic, tomato, pasta and mascarpone bake; and Malaysian fish curry.

Pub favourites such as beer battered cod and chips, sausage and mash and steak and ale pie remain firmly in place with some enhancements.

“For example, we have introduced a 21-day matured British beef burger, which is even more flavoursome,” said Simon.

Vegetarian dishes make a prominent appearance on the menu, with increasing numbers of meat-eaters choosing such tasty alternatives. Examples of dishes on the new menu likely to tempt both types of diners include vintage Cheddar cheese and leek frittata and sweet potato, spinach and chickpea curry.

 The menu has also been designed with a view to lighter bites, with diners offered an array of starters and the option of sharing three dishes for £12.

Desserts are also well represented with such dishes as Turkish delight cheesecake, strawberry yoghurt profiteroles and St Clements sponge pudding.

Nigel Bunting, Shepherd Neame’s retail director, said: “We are very pleased to have introduced this new menu. It features a wealth of choice and has been carefully compiled to reflect diners’ springtime appetites.”

Ends
Notes to editors:
The Shepherd Neame pubs operating the new menu include:
• Aviator, Isle of Sheppey
• Britannia, Guildford
• The Conningbrook, Ashford
• The Crown Inn, Chislehurst
• Marine Hotel, Tankerton
• Ship & Trades, Chatham
• Singleton Barn, Ashford
• Spanish Galleon, Greenwich
• Spitfire, West Malling
• Ye Olde Whyte Lion, Orpington

A family-friendly Croydon pub has new licensees and a smart new look, following a refurbishment by brewers Shepherd Neame.

The Two Brewers, in Gloucester Road, a cosy town pub converted from two Victorian cottages, has been redecorated inside and out with freshly-covered seating and a newly-varnished floor.

Licensees John Kitchenside and his wife Diane came to the pub in October following eight years running another pub in Croydon.

John said: “The Two Brewers is a charming, cosy, community pub and this redecoration has restored the building to its former glory.

“We are close to the Crystal Palace football ground and, on match days, we welcome both home and away supporters with our family-friendly ambience before and after the game.”

There is always something to do at the Two Brewers, where customers enjoy regular darts matches, poker evenings, charity quiz nights, live music and karaoke sessions.

John and Diane plan to launch a menu of good-quality, traditional pub favourites in the spring and hope to make the most of the barbecue in the garden during the summer. The beer garden is a pleasant open space with seating and a canopy for smokers, who may also use another covered area at the side of the building.

The pub is open from noon to 11.30pm every day of the week.
 

An historic Shepherd Neame pub is attracting an array of new fans following its refurbishment by introducing accommodation and home-cooked food.

The William Caxton, at the end of Tenterden High Street, has received a new lease of life since licensee Debbie Fleet (pictured) took over in December last year.

Debbie, a first time licensee, has ensured that the pub – named after the 15th century printer who is said to have been born in the Cinque Port town – is firmly back in the heart of the community after it closed for six months while it was refurbished and Shepherd Neame sought new tenants.

Debbie said: “We have had a lot of interest in the pub. People just love it. And Shepherd Neame has been fantastic, really supportive.”

That support includes matching Debbie’s investment of £20,000 to provide bed and breakfast accommodation, which will soon be available.

Debbie said: “We are providing three rooms, one a luxury suite with a Jacuzzi bath.
We have taken our first booking already!”

This innovative move follows Debbie’s introduction of food, served lunchtimes and evenings and all day Saturday.

“We serve traditional pub food,” said Debbie. “Everything is cooked here and locally sourced where possible.”

She added: “I want the William Caxton to be somewhere where people feel at home as soon as they come through the door.”
Only 20 minutes from Ashford and its high-speed rail link, the William Caxton’s forthcoming accommodation will make it an ideal base from which to enjoy London.

The William Caxton can be contacted on 01580 764417.
 

A popular lunchtime haunt has a smart, new look thanks to a refurbishment by brewer Shepherd Neame and licensee Tony Blackburn.

One of East Grinstead’s oldest pubs, the Sussex Arms, in West Street, has been redecorated inside and out and now boasts two comfortable seating areas, one furnished for casual dining plus a second “chill-out” area with settees, leather chairs and coffee tables.

Licensee Tony, who has many years of experience running a number of Central London pubs, has created a relaxed atmosphere, in which customers can enjoy traditional cask ale and good conversation. He also hosts a regular Deal or No Deal-style quiz.

“This is a comfortable, traditional pub with no darts, pool or loud music,” said Tony. “We serve a range of bar snacks and pub favourites at lunchtime, such as baguettes, burgers and sausage and chips, and customers can also order tea or coffee.”

Although it is in the town centre, the Sussex Arms has a pleasant garden at the rear where customers can enjoy the fresh air in a large heated and covered seating area.

The pub has disabled access and is conveniently situated opposite a large public car park, a few steps from East Grinstead Library and close to the Waitrose and Iceland stores.
 

Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, welcomed Science Museum curator Dr Andrew Nahum to brew Watt’s Late Ale, in celebration of a new James Watt exhibition.

The Science Museum will be opening up the attic workshop of steam pioneer James Watt to the public, as part of a new permanent exhibition James Watt and our world, from March 23.

Shepherd Neame was one of Watt’s early customers and in 1789 was the first brewery outside of London to install a Boulton & Watt steam engine, becoming known as the Faversham Steam Brewery.

Watt’s Late Ale has been brewed especially for the Science Museum’s adults-only evening on Wednesday March 30. The free monthly events are known as Lates and visitors can participate in a wide variety of activities including the Launchpad gallery, the Pub Quiz and Silent Disco and the new A Cockroach Tour of the Science Museum.

When Watt died in 1819, his workshop at his home near Birmingham was locked and its contents left undisturbed as an industrial shrine. Then, in 1924, the complete workshop including its door, window, skylight, floorboards and 8,434 objects used or created by Watt, was carefully removed and transported to the Science Museum.

Although the workshop has previously been displayed at the Museum, visitors have never been invited inside until now. The vast majority of its contents, once hidden within drawers, on shelves and under piles of tools and papers will now be revealed.

The workshop will be accompanied by a new gallery of previously unseen objects and innovative multimedia, presenting a vivid portrait of the working life, ingenuity and character of the first engineer to be propelled to international fame.

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Spitfire ale is sponsoring a Royal Air Force officer to run the London Marathon – dressed as the world famous World War Two fighter.

Spitfire, brewed by Shepherd Neame, has sponsored Squadron Leader Dean Holder, who is raising money for the charity, Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Dean, 41, is based at Brize Norton, the largest station in the RAF. He will be taking on the challenge of the London Marathon on 17 April sporting his Spitfire costume, which has been specially designed for the race.

Half of the money raised will go to his local Leonard Cheshire Disability service, John Masefield House, a care home in Oxfordshire.

Dean said: “I knew I was never going to win this race, so I thought – what could I do that’s a bit different? And that’s when I thought of dressing up as a Spitfire.

“As well as the aircraft, Spitfire has long been one of my favourite beers. After a particularly tough training session the odd pint has helped me get back on my feet and put a smile on my face.”

According to Dean, he chose to raise money for Leonard Cheshire Disability because the charity’s work with disabled people is close to his heart.

He said: “I have previously worked at Headley Court with military personnel who have suffered injury and this helped me to gain an understanding of the impact of empowering people to overcome personal challenges. The work that Leonard Cheshire Disability does to help people fulfil their potential struck a chord with me.”

Leonard Cheshire Disability also has a historical connection to the RAF. Group Captain Leonard Cheshire, the charity’s founder, was a British pilot during the Second World War and was awarded his country’s highest military honour, the Victoria Cross.

To sponsor Dean, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Dean Holder.
To be updated on his progress, visit www.facebook.com/spitfireale

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Shepherd Neame and Morrisons are offering Sun Lik oriental beer in 500ml bottles as part of meal deal offers for 2011 following a successful launch earlier in the year.

Sun Lik was introduced as part of the deal in mid-January and enjoyed particularly excellent sales in the build-up to Chinese new year on February 3.

Grocery controller at Shepherd Neame Deighton Ridge said: “Morrisons are fantastic at promoting meal deals with beer in store, so we are delighted to partner with them for an exclusive grocery launch for Sun Lik.”

Matthew Cain, buyer for beer and cider at Morrisons, said: “In the two weeks prior to Chinese new year we sold almost 100,000 bottles.

“We are more than happy to support brands which are unique and which offer a point of difference and good value for money to our customers.”

Ends
Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Shepherd Neame in Faversham, Kent, has lent its weight to a national campaign from the Society of Independent Brewers.

Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer, was one of the 25 brewers to take a role in the short film featuring its head brewer David Holmes. Launched earlier this month, the film celebrates British beer and the British pub where it is enjoyed by millions of people every week. ‘Proud of British Beer’ is not just a ‘feel good’ movie, it also sends a stern warning about damage caused by the government’s beer taxation policy – pub closures are currently running at 29 per week. “Stop the duty increases – show some pride in British beer”, implores a group of brewers in the film’s end frame.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame comments, “We are proud to brew British beer, as are the other brewers from across the country who feature in this film. We hope that our message about beer duty is heard by the Chancellor who has it in his power to stop the increases and with it the decimation of our industry.”

To view the film: www.vimeo.com/SIBA/proudofbritishbeer

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

A Shepherd Neame pub has helped raise almost £400 for Help For Heroes after hosting a night of classic swing sounds.

The Aviator on the Isle of Sheppey was the venue for the latest stage of the Frankie Martin Great British Pub Tour, in which the former soldier performs one gig a night for a year at venues around the country in aid of the forces’ charity.

He started his tour on April 19 last year in Lincolnshire and is close to raising £100,000.

The Aviator – renowned for its charity fund-raising – was only too pleased to stage one of his nights, especially as Help For Heroes is one of the main charities supported by the brewers’ popular Kentish ale, Spitfire.

Assistant pub manager Matt Boosey (pictured, on the right, with Frankie), said: “Frankie sang all the classics from Sinatra to Darin. An enjoyable night was had by everyone, and to boost the amount raised even further many of the staff donated a range of raffle prizes, from chocolates to toiletries, signed football memorabilia to watches and jewellery.

“In total, we raised an excellent £379 in just four hours.”

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Shepherd Neame’s Canterbury Jack is back!

It benefits from a light, floral citrus aroma, delivering a highly refreshing pale ale fit for the hot summer months.

Canterbury Jack – named after an early hop grown in Kent – is the perfect accompaniment to fish, pasta and chicken dishes.

It will be available in cask until September 30 and will remain available in bottles all year round. It has a cask strength of 3.5% and a bottle strength of 4%.

Graeme Craig, sales and marketing director, said: “Canterbury Jack is ale noted for its refreshing flavour and finish – and is perfect for those long summer nights we are all looking forward to.”

Shepherd Neame’s seasonal ales see Early Bird herald in the Spring; Late Red returns in the autumn.

Shepherd Neame, the Kent-based brewer and pub operator, today announces results for the 26 weeks ended 25 December 2010.

Highlights include:

• Turnover up 1.6% to £61.7m (2009: £60.8m) 
• Operating profit level at £6.4m (2009: £6.4m)
• Earnings per £1 share 26.7p (2009: 28.7p)
• Interim dividend 4.80p per £1 'A' "Ordinary Share (2009: 4.75p)
• Record beer volume
• Strong performances from Spitfire, Bishop's Finger and Asahi
• Like-for-like retail sales up 3.6%
• Strong like-for like retail sales in nine weeks since year end - up 11.4%

Miles Templeman, Chairman, commented:

"This has been another good performance for the company. We have achieved record turnover and record total beer volume against a background of adverse weather conditions and pressure on disposable income.

Total beer volume increased by 0.6%, with strong performances from our core portfolio. Overall like-for-like sales in our managed estate have grown by 3.6%, with growth in liquor, food and accommodation and a particularly encouraging performance in the last nine weeks. In the tenanted estate we are experiencing similar encouraging underlying trends and average EBITDA per tenanted pub was stable at -0.6%.

2011 will place a further squeeze on consumers' disposable income through tax rises and inflationary pressures, but we remain focused on driving the business for the long term, on developing the quality of our brands and pubs and on maintaining our strong cash generation."

For the full press announcement, click here.

There’s something spooky going on at Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer.

The Faversham brewery has a plethora of ghosts and spirits, but recently staff have noticed an increase in paranormal activity and even reported sightings of a feline ghost.

Receptionists Christine George and Jane Glover have got used to the presence of ghostly figures, but it’s the first time the mysterious black and white cat has made an appearance.

Christine said: “The cat was seen walking behind me in reception, which vanished as quickly as it appeared. We don’t know of any cats that lived at the brewery, but maybe it has a connection with one of our other ghosts.”

One of the more common sightings is of a man wearing a high frock coat walking through reception. Christine said: “Often people comment that they’ve heard or felt someone walking behind them, but there’s never anybody there. I have seen him walking past the reception desk early in the morning, but he can make an appearance at any time of day. Lately he has been more active but we don’t know why.”

Several spirits have been detected by paranormal investigators in recent years, including a group of monks in the old malt kiln, the smell of cigar smoke and the sound of someone running by the fermentation vessels and even an evil spirit by the old management offices.

A former member of staff refused to even go in the boardroom after seeing a ghostly figure.

Click here for information about brewery tours, call 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk. Visitors are advised to be on their guard!

Shepherd Neame brewery has been recognised with a silver award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Awards are granted to businesses that are actively engaged in reducing the negative environmental and social impacts of their tourism operations.

Shepherd Neame was commended for its commitment and management of sustainable practices throughout the brewery. Highlights included the provision of excellent green information for visitors and a strong emphasis on local products and purchasing.

The brewery was also praised for its excellent heritage interpretation during the restoration of the Visitor Centre, and applauded for strong ties with the community and commitment to local events.

Businesses are assessed according to a range of criteria including compliance with environmental legislation, management and marketing and social involvement and communication. Auditors also consider energy efficiency, waste minimisation and the purchasing of environmentally friendly goods and services.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins said: “We are very pleased to have received this award, which recognises the sustainable practices we have in place for the benefit of the environment, the local community, visitors and the company. It fits in other local initiatives such as the Faversham Walks and Food and Drink Trails that Shepherd Neame supports.”

The Green Tourism Business Scheme is a sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK, validated by Visit Britain.

Brewery tours run most days. For more information visit the brewrey pages, call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Pubs run by Kent brewer Shepherd Neame have come out on top in an independent survey on the importance of pub food.

Shepherd Neame pub food achieved the best ratings among customers of a number of major pub companies across the UK.

The OnTrack survey, conducted by the research and consulting company him!, involved questioning more than 4,000 customers to find out the things that most attracted customers to visit a pub.

Choice of food was judged the third most important factor, behind choice of beers and atmosphere. In a supplementary question, 53% of customers were happy to rate the pub food they had tasted as “excellent”.

Nigel Bunting, Shepherd Neame retail director, said: “We have been working hard to maintain and improve the quality of food served in our pubs and this survey shows that our chefs are achieving great things across the estate. The appointment of head development chef Simon Howlett and the advent of regular chef skills days will further enhance the quality of food on offer to our customers.”

A him! spokesman said: “These results are gleaned from face-to-face interviews with customers at pubs in May 2010. Shepherd Neame’s dedication to food shines through in this survey.”
 

A Shepherd Neame pub has been voted the best in Thanet.

The Belle Vue in Pegwell Bay came out tops in a reader survey – styled the Pub Oscars – run by the Thanet Times. While categories included Best Landlord in a Leading Role and Best Real Ale Pub, the Belle Vue Tavern walked away with the big one – the Best Pub in Thanet.

Journalist Saul Leese, who ran the competition via his column Time, Gentlemen Leese, said: “We were inundated with votes. The Belle Vue did exceptionally well and was a worthy winner. People commented on its sea views, garden, its pleasant interior and they liked the beers.”

A delighted licensee Tony Pearson, who runs the pub with wife Shirley, said: “I was ecstatic at the news – and really shocked!

“I love running the pub. I like the people and the place - in fact, there isn’t anything I don’t like.”

Jennie Elms who works at the Shepherd Neame pub, the Crown & Sceptre at Acol, Birchington also did well - she was voted Best Barmaid in a Supporting Role.

George Barnes, property and tenanted trade director said: “Congratulations to Tony and Shirley and to Jennie. It is clear that customers appreciate the hard work and attention to detail that the Belle Vue and Jennie at the Crown & Sceptre have shown.”

Ends
Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

A community allotment scheme operating on land owned by Shepherd Neame has received a grant of more than £6,000 from the National Lottery.

The 29 plots on the previously unused field behind the Plough Inn at Brabourne Lees, near Ashford is now a thriving green-fingered community – and the Awards For All grant of £6,639 means the allotment’s success is set to grow.

Things got under way last year when the parish council contacted Shepherd Neame – who had already made land available for such a scheme at the Harrow in Knockholt – to enquire if they had an available plot.

The site – a field behind the pub’s children’s play area - was leased by the parish council and enthusiastic gardeners quickly came forward.

Parish clerk Sue Wood (pictured right) said: “It is above and beyond our expectations. We are thrilled to bits. We have 29 allotment holders and people are still coming forward.”

The money will be used to install a water supply, to erect a communal shed and to help construct raised beds.

Plough Inn licensee Sally Duncan (pictured left), who runs the pub with her daughter Bonnie, hopes to buy some freshly-produced ingredients from allotment holders for use in the pub’s meals – and to credit the grower and his or her proud contribution on the specials’ boards.

She said: “I’m extremely happy with the idea of the allotment scheme. I am really pleased that the land, which was unused, is now looking really good and that villagers are getting something good out of it.”

Ends

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Shepherd Neame’s Early Bird Spring Hop Ale delivers a boost of fresh, seasonal flavours to lift the spirits as the weather gets warmer.

Deliciously floral in taste, Early Bird Spring Hop Ale takes its name from the Early Bird variety of East Kent Goldings hops, grown in the East Kent hop fields around Shepherd Neame’s brewery in Faversham.

The light golden beer, with an abv of 4.3%, is full-bodied and has been a spring favourite with ale-lovers since it was first brewed by Britain’s oldest brewer in the mid 1990s.

Beer writer Ben McFarland describes Early Bird: “A fabulously refreshing, bracing beer that hails early maturing Goldings hops in style. Alive and open with a golden glint in its eye, it stirs up spring sensations of blossom, honey, freshly-cut grass and plenty of pine on the nose. The gentle bitterness, soothed by an undercurrent of light biscuit malt, delivers a dry finish. Superb with salads and whitebait.”

Early Bird Spring Hop Ale will be available on draught in selected pubs and clubs from March until the end of May.

The 500ml bottles of Early Bird Spring Hop Ale, which have an abv of 4.5%, retail for around £1.69 and can be purchased online at www.shepherdneame.co.uk and from Asda, Morrisons, Kent Tesco stores and other leading off-licences and supermarkets.
 

There are now two more great reasons to visit the Tudor Rose pub carvery at Borden and The Aviator on the Isle of Sheppey.

Diners can choose between a free bottle of house wine when they spend £25 or more on food or the choice of a free starter or dessert with any main meal ordered.

The offers run Monday to Friday from February 23 to March 31. To redeem, visit the pubs or look out for advertisements and leaflets in the local press.

The Tudor Rose is a picturesque pub set in the attractive village of Borden. Its carvery has proven to be a popular attraction and recently benefited from the input of Shepherd Neame’s head development chef Simon Howlett who, with chef Nigel Meakin, has expanded the carvery to include a choice of turkey, beef, pork or gammon plus a vegetarian option. Desserts include lemon and mascarpone parfait, apple and berry crumble and chocolate torte.

Only a short distance, on the Isle of Sheppey, is The Aviator, a pub renowned for its community spirit and warm welcome.

The aptly-named pub pays tribute to the pioneering airmen who took to the skies over Sheppey in the early years of the last century, through its décor and the memorabilia on display.

The Aviator has proved itself to be a real community pub, with its football team recently raising hundreds of pounds for Macmillan Nurses by stripping off for a risqué 2011 calendar, which saw regulars snap up in their entirety.
 

With the New Year in full swing, employers are looking for unique conference venues that will bring out the best in delegates.

The Shepherd Neame brewery in Faversham, Kent, offers a cost-effective meeting facility just an hour from London, ideal for conferences, seminars and inspiring away-days.

The Visitor Centre is a beautifully-restored medieval hall house, with a magnificent 15th century function room featuring traditional oak beams, vaulted ceilings and even a unique beer-bottle chandelier. Downstairs, the bar area boasts an original brewing-tun floor and wood burning stove, creating an atmosphere that will fire delegates’ imaginations.

Companies can incorporate activities and team-building games into the day and, for something really different, can choose a guided tour of the brewery and tutored tasting session or fun-filled beer quiz.

With several national business, manufacturing and logistics awards, Shepherd Neame can arrange for senior brewery staff to speak on a range of subjects from Lean Six Sigma to marketing, and from product development to supply chain innovation.

Companies can have the whole facility to themselves, across two floors, with a fully-equipped bar and dining facilities, and can build their own agenda of meetings, workshops and activities for one competitive price.

The brewery offers a range of catering options from brewers’ platters to ale samplers’ suppers. Shepherd Neame’s beer experts can also host a beer and food matching dinner, where each course is matched with an ale or lager to complement the flavours of the food. All food is freshly prepared on site, using some of the best locally-sourced ingredients.

Upon departure delegates can receive bespoke “goody bags” including a range of beers and local products from the Visitor Centre shop. Corporate gifts such as Kentish produce hampers can also be arranged.

If required, packages can include high-quality accommodation in two Shepherd Neame pubs a short walk from the brewery: the historic Sun Inn, in the town’s attractive conservation area and featured in the Good Pub Guide 2010, or the Railway Hotel, featured in the Good Beer Guide 2010.

The Visitor Centre has hosted successful events and conferences for organisations including Maersk, A.T.Kearney, McDonalds, Pfizer and the NHS.

Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins said: “Shepherd Neame provides employers with an inspiring venue for seminars and away-days in a convenient location, just an hour from the capital. We are already seeing interest for summer 2012, as businesses find London venues are being booked up for the Olympics and other events well in advance. With a range of catering and accommodation packages available, the brewery is suitable for multiple-day conferences as well as office away-days.”

Faversham is a 40 minute drive from the M25, located just off junction 6 of the M2. There is ample car parking in the town and free parking for coaches. The town also benefits from new high-speed rail services from London, with journey times of just over an hour.

The town of Faversham is home to over 500 listed buildings and an array of independent traders and specialist shops.

For more information regarding conferences visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk, call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Notes to editors:
1. The flexible space is suitable for boardroom style meetings or smaller break-out groups and a full range of presentation equipment is available including a PA system, lectern, projector and large screen, flipcharts, laptop, DVD player and television.

2. Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Shepherd Neame brewery has been announced as a finalist in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2011.

Shepherd Neame was named the regional winner in the Beautiful South Awards in October last year, and has now been shortlisted along with three other attractions for the national accolade.

The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2011 celebrate the best of English tourism. Attractions are rigorously reviewed by independent assessors and judged by a selected board of tourism industry experts. The overall winners of each category will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 15 April 2011.

Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins said: “We are delighted to have been announced as finalists for the national award. This is a real boost for the team who have worked exceptionally hard to provide a first-class experience for our visitors.”

Jeremy Brinkworth, head of business development at VisitEngland and member of the judging panel commented: “It has been truly inspiring to be reminded of the wonderful events, institutions, accommodation and people we have working within England’s tourism industry. We have been impressed with the level of dedication shown by each of the businesses to their guests as well as their local environment. This year’s finalists have raised the bar and it is fantastic to be able to reward this commitment”.

For information on tours and events at the brewery visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk, call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Notes to editor:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

Shepherd Neame has picked up one gold and two silver medals at the Brewing Industry International Awards, dubbed the Brewing Oscars.

Japanese lager Asahi won gold in the keg lager category, and Chinese Sun Lik picked up silver in the same group. Both lagers are brewed under licence at the Faversham brewery. Whitstable Bay Organic Ale also received a silver award in the small pack ale category.

The international awards include small pack (such as bottles or cans), keg and cask beers from around the world. This year there were nearly 800 entries across nine categories, divided into 32 classes according to alcoholic content.

The awards are now in their 125th year and are judged solely by practising brewers from countries including Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, Africa, America and the UK. Beers are assessed for taste, appearance and aroma, as well as their commercial worth in today’s market.

Shepherd Neame production and distribution director, Tom Falcon, said: “We are delighted to have been rewarded with three medals in such a prestigious and long-running awards scheme. We brew Asahi and Sun Lik to meet the exacting standards of our international partners, and it’s fantastic to see our brewers recognised for this. We are pleased to see one of own Kentish ales selected as a winner too.”

The awards were judged at the National Brewery Centre in Burton-upon-Trent and a presentation ceremony will take place at Guildhall, London on 12 April 2011.

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

A popular South London pub has received a makeover, courtesy of Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame.

The Prince of Wales in Cleaver Square, Kennington now boasts a completely redecorated interior consisting of a redesigned bar, new furniture, carpeting and wallpaper.

The £25,000 new-look further enhances the pub’s warm and cosy atmosphere, heightening its classic Georgian pub character thanks to such additions as leather banquette seating, chandeliers and hand-painted Shepherd Neame mirrors.

A popular spot with cricket fans and tourists – it lies close to the Oval ground and the Imperial War Museum – the Prince of Wales is also popular with regulars, who enjoy its range of Shepherd Neame ales and pub food.

Shepherd Neame retail director Nigel Bunting said: “The Prince of Wales is a popular, classic London pub and we are pleased to be able to improve upon its already comfortable interior.”
 

A popular Shepherd Neame licensee and an innovative river-front pub have made a prestigious industry awards shortlist.

Chris Maclean of the Railway Hotel in Faversham has been nominated in the Publican of the Year category, while the Grove Ferry Inn at Upstreet, near Canterbury features in the Tenanted Pub of the Year category of The Publican Awards 2011.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London on April 6.

Chris Maclean’s 20-year involvement in the industry and his championing of pubs through his popular blogs are just some of the reasons for his nomination.

He said: “It is very good news. I have been in the trade for 20 years and perhaps now is my time.”

The nomination could one of the last for busy Chris who is training to become a Church of England priest. Within three years, he could be ministering to his own parish – though his assertions of the positive effects on a well-run pub on the local community could continue to feature in his views.

He said: “This industry has been part of me for 20 years and I have a compelling urge to make sure that it has a good profile.”

Anthony Pender, licensee at the Grove Ferry Inn, thinks his pub’s innovations may have played its part in the nomination for Tenanted Pub of the Year.

He said: “We think outside of the box. For instance, we have the Butcher’s Block deli counter where customers can order meat and buy vegetables, jams, chutneys and cheeses.

“We also run river trips with our eco-friendly boat and we are in the process of setting up a tourist information point as we had a vacant space in an outbuilding.”

Publican editor Caroline Nodder said: “There are some truly great pubs and pub companies which are leading the way not only for our sector but for British retail as a whole, and far from being disheartened by the financial climate, these operators have risen to the challenge and are giving their customers their best pub experience.”

Notes: Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Diners can sample some wonderfully complementary tastes thanks to fine food and beer matching evenings to be held at Shepherd Neame pubs throughout 2011.

The evenings offer a range of appetizing courses matched to Shepherd Neame beers, while senior brewer Stewart Main provides expert commentary between courses.

Fine food and beer matching evenings are being held at the following:
• Sun Inn, Faversham – February 15
• Griffin’s Head, Chillenden – March 2
• Royal Albion, Broadstairs – March 16
• Ye Olde Beverlie, Canterbury – April 6
• Woodman, Farnborough – April 20
• Adelaide, Teddington – May 17
• Bush, Blackbird & Thrush, East Peckham – June 14
• FitzWalter Arms, Goodnestone – July 19
• Dove, Dargate – September 13
• Lock & Barrel, Frinton-on-Sea – October 19
• Royal Albion, Broadstairs – November 9
• Belle Vue, Ramsgate – November 22

The year’s first event, at the historic Sun Inn, will feature such delicacies as pan-fried fillets of sea bass with mussel and crayfish paella accompanied by Hurlimann lager; tandoori spiced fillets of cod with masala lentils complemented by Kingfisher Premium lager; and gratin of barn-reared chicken with smoked bacon, sausage and haricot beans accompanied by Early Bird.

Stewart Main said: “This is a chance for diners to discover how well Shepherd Neame beers go with some delicious foods. I talk about the brewing process and the particular attributes of the beer. So it is an interactive, educational and entertaining evening.”

• To book a place at the Sun Inn - £20 per person – phone 01795 535098.
 

A popular family-run pub and hotel in Birchington now boasts a refreshing new look, thanks to Shepherd Neame.

The Seaview Hotel’s reputation as a traditional and family-friendly venue has been enhanced thanks to new decoration and carpeting throughout.

The £66,000 refurbishment saw improvements to the bar including new fittings, such as Shepherd Neame mirrors, while some original Victorian tiles have been uncovered in the entrance.

The exterior has been also been redecorated with traditional signwriting on the paintwork and there are plans to refurbish the rooms and to add a patio to the garden.

Licensee Steve Morgan said: “We are a family-run business, with a very good reputation for food and a cosy atmosphere. The refurbishment has given everyone here a lift and it’s clear that Shepherd Neame is a caring brewer that wants to preserve its pubs.”

Built at the turn of the 19th century, the Seaview Hotel offers a wide range of cask ales and the menu draws on locally sourced food.

Shepherd Neame brewery saw a dramatic increase in visitor numbers during 2010.

There were 25 per cent more people on brewery tours compared to 2009, and 10 per cent more overall, including special events such as Beer and Food Evenings and Ale Samplers’ Suppers.

Brewery tours now include the recently converted wine and spirits store, The Vaults, where there’s a fascinating display of original pub signs, hop picking memorabilia and the brewery’s collection of vintage delivery vehicles. Other tour highlights include visiting the brewhouse with its 100-year-old mash tuns, tasting water from the artesian well and sampling a selection of traditional Kentish ales.

Shepherd Neame also caters for large groups and coach parties, teaming up with other local attractions, such as Brogdale Farm, to offer full day excursions with lunch or tea at the brewery.

Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins said: “As Britain’s oldest brewer we are proud of our heritage and delighted to show visitors the heart of the working brewery. Our beer and food matching evenings have proved extremely popular and we have had to increase the number of tours to meet demand. With even more events planned for 2011, we are looking forward to another busy year.”

Shepherd Neame’s spring events include Ale Samplers’ Suppers on 18 February, 11 March and 15 April, where guests can enjoy a two-course seasonal supper after an evening tour of the brewery.

To celebrate the beginning of spring, there will be an Equinox Beer and Food Evening on 19 March.

There’s a treat in store for Mum on 3 April with a special Mothering Sunday Lunch, served in the charming 15th century function room, featuring exposed beams. The traditional roast dinner will be freshly prepared with the finest local ingredients.

To celebrate the Patron Saint of England there will be a St George’s Day Beer and Food Evening on 23 April, complete with Dragonfire Ale brewed especially for the occasion. Traditional English pub dishes will be served with a modern twist.

A Murder Mystery Evening will take place on 13 May, where Inspector Jager will lead dinner guests through a series of statements and clues to help solve a terrible crime. The evening includes a four-course dinner.

Faversham’s Classic Car & Motorcycle Show has proved so successful in the past it has been extended to the whole weekend on 21 and 22 May. On Saturday there will be a vintage bus display and on Sunday hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles will descend on the town. Shepherd Neame will be running guided tours over the two days and serving lunch in the brewery – though advance booking is advised. The Spitfire Steam Train will also be making an appearance, running from London to Faversham on the Sunday, with a shorter return trip in the afternoon.

Shepherd Neame was named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2010 at Tourism South East’s Beautiful South Awards.

Click here for more information or call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Shepherd Neame employees Glynis Newman and Laurence Halls have received Long Service Awards to mark 20 years working at the brewery.

Glynis and Laurence were presented with watches by Shepherd Neame chairman Miles Templeman.

Glynis joined the company in November 1990, working in the accounts department and now holds the position of Purchase Ledger Clerk.

Laurence also joined in November 1990, first working in the bottling hall. He then spent 17 years as a drayman and now works in the Shepherd Neame warehouse. Laurence’s father-in-law also worked for the brewery and Laurence’s son is a drayman.

Glynis and Laurence are both Faversham residents.

Shepherd Neame chefs are proving themselves to be a cut above after learning some new skills.

Head development chef Simon Howlett hosted the skills development day at Kent food supplier Brakes, in Ashford, which introduced a new specification guide to improve meat quality and a Ready, Steady, Cook-style competition.

Eleven top Shepherd Neame chefs also saw Simon demonstrate new flavoursome meat cuts proving popular in the US and South America but largely unknown to British diners.

He said: “I demonstrated the flat iron steak, the club steak and picahna steak cuts. The flat iron steak was developed in America and is extremely tender as it comes from the chuck, which is part of the shoulder, in three thin cuts.

“The picahna is highly prized in great beef producing nations such as Brazil and comes from the rump and is also thin-cut, while the club steak is a fore rib cut, popular throughout America and Europe.

“The chefs will now be looking at these new meat cuts and introducing them onto special boards with a view to putting them on their spring menus.”

The skills day, which was arranged by the brewery’s food development team, is likely to become a regular feature.

The competition in which chefs worked with selected ingredients to produce their own dish saw winner was Alistair Lycett of The Sun, Faversham produce noisette of lamb served on a bed of roasted winter vegetables with pan-friend sweetbreads and veal jus.
The runners-up were Steve Osbourn from the Royal Albion in Broadstairs and Ellina Smith from the Wharf, Dartford.

The day was supported by Andrew Rook of Rook & Son butchers and Hugh Judd of the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX).

Retail purchasing and development manager Graeme Endacott, who oversees the food development team, said: “The skills day – which we hope to stage on a regular basis – was a very good experience and the chefs came away enthused. It was a chance for them to meet and share best practice and also for them to introduce these new meat cuts which consumers in the UK may not have necessarily seen before.

“So customers can expect to try something rather special at many of Shepherd Neame’s pubs and restaurants in the near future.”

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Swiss-style lager Hurlimann has rewarded an online competition winner with a spin around Brands Hatch racing circuit.

Neil Scott of Ditton, near Maidstone got to try life in the fast lane when he drove a F1-style single-seater around the world famous track for a day he will never forget.

Neil, 29, said: “It was fantastic. After a briefing, we went out in a high-powered BMW M3, which has phenomenal power. I then went out in a single-seater. I got up to just over 100mph. My best time was 1 minute, 31 seconds.”

Neil won the top prize in Hurlimann’s Christmas advent calendar competition after registering on Hurlimann’s Facebook page. Fans were linked to the advent calendar where they had to answer a simple question to stand a chance of winning the prize of the day in the run-up to Christmas.

Prizes included a Blu-Ray DVD player, DVD box sets, iTunes vouchers, computer games, Top Man / Top Shop vouchers and a DAB radio – with Neil scooping the big Christmas Eve prize of the race day.

The distinctive full-bodied lager – brewed by Shepherd Neame – has long been popular thanks to its refreshing taste and unmistakable hop character.

Shepherd Neame brand manager Louise Weatherstone said: “We hope that all of our winners had their Christmas holidays enhanced thanks to Hurlimann and that Neil, in particular, enjoyed his big day at Brands Hatch.”

Notes to editors: Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Derek Johnson, of ITV Meridian, was named Shepherd Neame Kent Journalist of the Year at an awards lunch held at the Faversham brewery.

Derek, who also won the Bishops Finger Broadcast Journalist of the Year category, was described as a brilliant journalist with an excellent reputation. The judges commented on his ability to produce exceptional work that keeps viewers riveted from beginning to end.

KentOnline won the Shepherd Neame News Service of the Year Award, earning praise for creating an interactive online experience, mastering video, audio and the written word with a team of first class journalists.

Other winners included:
• Kent’s Best Newspaper or Online Journalist of the Year – Simon Tulett, Gravesend & Dartford Messenger
• Master Brew Kent Feature Journalist of the Year – Lesley Bellew, Kent Messenger Group
• Spitfire Kent Sports Journalist of the Year Award – Luke Cawdell, Kent Messenger Group
• WF Deedes Kent Young Journalist of the Year – Katie Alston, Kentish Gazette

The Gravesend & Dartford Messenger won the Canterbury Jack Campaign of the Year Award for exposing the presence of a sex industry in the heart of a local community.

Long-serving sports editor Mick Cork, of the Folkestone Herald, was recognised with a Contribution to Journalism Award.

This year’s awards were judged by a panel comprising former BBC Radio Kent broadcaster Barbara Sturgeon; Kim Fletcher, former editorial director of the Telegraph Group and chairman of the NCTJ; Tim Luckhurst, professor of journalism at the University of Kent and a former editor of The Scotsman; and Justin Allen, from the sports desk of The Sun and the News of the World.

Jonathan Neame, chief executive of Shepherd Neame, said: “We are delighted to sponsor these awards and reward the achievements of Kent’s finest journalists. They provide a first-class media service and this year we were pleased to see a record number of entries.”

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

Shepherd Neame Kent Journalist of the Year – Derek Johnson, ITV Meridian
Kent’s Best Newspaper or Online Journalist of the Year – Simon Tulett, Gravesend & Dartford Messenger
Highly Commended – David Mills, News Shopper
W F Deedes Kent Young Journalist of the Year – Katie Alston, Kentish Gazette
Highly Commended – Amy Andrew, Sevenoaks Chronicle
Bishops Finger Kent Broadcast Journalist of the Year – Derek Johnson, ITV Meridian
Highly Commended – Sarah Saunders, ITV Meridian
Highly Commended – Lauren Hood, KMFM
Master Brew Kent Feature Journalist of the Year – Lesley Bellew, Kent Messenger Group
Runner-Up – David Wright, ITV Meridian
Spitfire Kent Sports Journalist of the Year – Luke Cawdell, Kent Messenger Group
Highly Commended – Neil Bell, BBC South East Today
Canterbury Jack Campaign of the Year – Gravesend & Dartford Messenger
Shepherd Neame News Service of the Year – KentOnline
Shepherd Neame Contribution to Journalism Award – Mick Cork, Folkestone Herald
 

Shepherd Neame has welcomed new research that shows a pint of beer a day is good for your health.

Spanish researchers found that those who regularly drank moderate amounts of beer were less likely to suffer from diabetes and high blood pressure and had a lower body fat content.

Those with a Mediterranean diet who drank up to a pint of beer 'not only did not put on weight, but in some cases even lost weight.’ Dr Lamuela said: 'In this study we banish myths. We know that beer is not to blame for obesity.'

Beer contains folic acid, vitamins, iron and calcium which researchers confirmed provide a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.

The doctors found that beer provides the same health benefits already attributed to moderate consumption of wine, and suggest combining beer with exercise and a healthy diet high in fish, fruit and vegetables and olive oil.

The joint study was carried out by Barcelona University, the Hospital Clinic in Barcelona and the Carlos III Institute of Health in Madrid.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “We welcome this research that supports what we’ve been saying for years – beer in moderation is good for your health. Our new website has more information about how beer can be part of a healthy lifestyle.”

More information on beer and health can be found here.

Banish winter blues and enjoy two-for-one brewery tours and a fully packed line-up of events at Shepherd Neame’s award-winning Visitor Centre.

Throughout January and February, Shepherd Neame is offering two-for-one daytime brewery tours, as part of its New Year sale. Visitors will be taken through the heart of the brewery learning how beer is made from hop to hand pump, before sampling a range of Shepherd Neame ales and lagers brewed under licence. (When booking quote ‘two-for-one offer’)

A Winter Beer & Food Evening will take place on 5 February, where four seasonal dishes will be matched with ales that complement the flavours of the food.

Ale Samplers’ Suppers will take place on 18 February, 11 March and 15 April, which include an evening tour of the brewery and a two-course seasonal supper, served in the Visitor Centre bar.

To celebrate the beginning of spring, there will be an Equinox Beer and Food Evening on 19 March.

There’s a treat in store for Mum on 3 April with a special Mothering Sunday Lunch, served in the charming 15th century function room, featuring exposed beams. The traditional roast dinner will be freshly prepared with the finest local ingredients.

To celebrate the Patron Saint of England there will be a St George’s Day Beer and Food Evening on 23 April, complete with Dragonfire Ale brewed especially for the occasion. Traditional English pub dishes will be served with a modern twist.

A Murder Mystery Evening will take place on 13 May, where Inspector Jager will lead dinner guests through a series of statements and clues to help solve a terrible crime. The evening includes a four-course dinner.

Faversham’s Classic Car & Motorcycle Show has proved so successful in the past it has been extended to the whole weekend on 21 and 22 May. On Saturday there will be a vintage bus display and on Sunday hundreds of classic cars and motorcycles will descend on the town. Shepherd Neame will be running guided tours over the two days and serving lunch in the brewery – though advance booking is advised. The Spitfire Steam Train will also be making an appearance, running from London to Faversham on the Sunday, with a shorter return trip in the afternoon.

Shepherd Neame Gift Certificates make great presents for birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day and are available for brewery tours, Beer and Food Evenings, Ale Samplers’ Suppers and short breaks.

For more information on tours and special events visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk, call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Shepherd Neame, Britain’s oldest brewer and Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, has a fully packed line up of events for groups in 2011.

Located in the heart of historic Faversham in Kent, Shepherd Neame offers group packages for special events, exclusive Beer and Food Evenings, full day excursions with other leading attractions and private brewery tours and tastings.

The two-hour tour takes visitors through the heart of the working brewery telling the story of how beer is made from hop to hand pump. Groups will have the chance to taste chalk-filtered mineral water from the artesian well, visit the brewhouse and savour Kent hops.

Visitors will also see the recently converted wines and spirits store, ‘The Vaults’, which contains a fascinating display of original pub signs, vintage delivery vehicles and hop picking memorabilia. Each tour ends with a tutored tasting session, where guests can sample Shepherd Neame’s range of Kentish ales and international lagers brewed under licence.

After a guided tour, groups can choose to enjoy a freshly prepared lunch or afternoon tea made with locally-sourced ingredients. There is a choice of menus and all dietary requirements can be catered for.

Shepherd Neame has teamed up with other leading attractions such as the award-winning Brogdale Farm, home of the National Fruit Collection, so groups can enjoy full day excursions in and around Faversham. Other attractions include Farming World, Belmont House and Gardens – a beautiful Georgian manor, Mount Ephraim Gardens and guided walking tours of Faversham.

Groups looking for a night out with a difference can enjoy a seasonal Beer and Food Evening, where each course is carefully matched with an ale or lager that complements the flavours of the food. The four-course beer dinner is served in the magnificent 15th century function room, and guests will have the chance to learn about the unique characteristics of different beers in a special tutored tasting. The evening includes a guided tour of the brewery.

Two-course Ale Samplers’ Suppers are also available, which are more informal and served in the Visitor Centre bar. They also include a guided evening tour of the brewery.

Special events take place in Faversham throughout the year, such as the Classic Car & Motorcycle Show in May and the Hop Festival in September. Packages can be arranged for groups interested in brewery tours or riding the Spitfire Steam Train, which is specially commissioned for the events.

Faversham is a 40 minute drive from the M25, located just off junction 6 of the M2. There is ample car parking in the town and free parking for coaches. The town also benefits from high-speed rail services from London, with journey times of just over an hour.

Special discounts are available for large groups and the group organiser goes free.

Shepherd Neame was named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2010 at Tourism South East’s Beautiful South Awards.

For more information visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk, call the Visitor Centre on 01795 542016 or email tours@shepherdneame.co.uk.

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.

A former MP’s visit to an historic Shepherd Neame hotel is to be broadcast on BBC Two later this month.

Michael Portillo and his TV crew stayed at the Royal Hotel on Deal seafront last year while filming an episode of Great British Railway Journeys.

The series, which started on January 3, follows Mr Portillo’s journeys across the length and breadth of Britain, using Victorian railway enthusiast George Bradshaw’s guidebook.

His two-night stay at the Royal Hotel - where Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton paid frequent visits while the British fleet guarded the Kent coast against Napoleonic invasion in 1801 – was part of his filming of a journey from Sandwich to Folkestone.

It will be screened on January 27 at 6.30pm.

Royal Hotel manager Joice Wisdom said: “It was great to have Michael staying here. He filmed around the hotel and we were delighted that he enjoyed a pint of Spitfire.”

A lucky licensee is planning a dream holiday after winning the top prize in a Spitfire Ale competition.

Jonathan Quinn, who runs the George & Dragon in Ilfracombe, Devon won £2,000 worth of Thomas Cook vouchers after one of his Spitfire casks was entered into a prize draw in the Evacuate with Spitfire competition run throughout Punch Tavern pubs.

The delighted licensee said: “I was overwhelmed! I’ve never won anything like this before. We are hoping to have a family holiday in Gran Canaria.”

His regulars are devoted to the distinctive Kentish ale and its accompanying brand of cheeky humour.

He said: “Spitfire is my biggest selling real ale. I’ve stocked it for five years now and my regulars love it. They especially love the tongue-in-cheek posters.”

Evacuate with Spitfire saw six lucky customers from across the country each scoop £500 worth of vouchers after they received a scratch card with their pint. They were entered into the prize draw after inputting details from the card into the Spitfire website.

The six consumer winners are Tom Hannah of Whitley Bay, Raymond Richardson of Langport, Iain Munro of Redhill, Keith Richardson of Norwich, Gordon Hadgett of Burton-on-Trent and Jeremy Rowe of Cornwall.

Shepherd Neame sales and marketing director Graeme Craig said: “Congratulations to all the winners. It is great to see Spitfire’s wide-ranging appeal and I hope they all enjoy their holidays.”
 

Shepherd Neame is helping a pub in Ashford to cultivate even closer ties with the community by opening up its land to allotment holders.

The idea means that the disused field behind the Plough Inn’s children’s play area could soon be filled with keen gardeners.

Licensee Sally Duncan, who runs the Brabourne Lees pub with her daughter Bonnie, said: “As locals, we are delighted. We cook fresh produce in our kitchen and while we will have our own allotment, we are also hoping that the locals with sell us some of their vegetables. We aim to put up the name of the allotment holder and their produce on our blackboards when we use their ingredients.”

This marks the second time Shepherd Neame has made land available for such a useful community purpose following the launch of an identical scheme at the Harrow in Knockholt earlier this year.

Sue Wood, parish council clerk, said: “We were approached by a couple of residents who said they would like to have some allotments in the village. We approached Shepherd Neame and were delighted that they immediately came back to say they were happy to do it. We now have a five-year lease, with the option of another five years and a further 10 after that.”

She added: “We have had one public meeting attended by about 40 people and already 22 people have signed up for an allotment.”

It is hoped that work will start on preparing the land soon.

Sue said: “There is talk of setting up an allotment society and those who have had allotments are offering their skills to those who haven’t. It is a fabulous community project.”

Notes:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Kent brewer Shepherd Neame is commemorating its part in Britain’s heritage on a unique historical timeline displayed at the Museum of London.

The museum’s newly-opened £20 million Galleries of Modern London cover the period from 1666, the year of the Great Fire, to 2012, the year of the Olympic Games.

Families, companies and trusts that have supported the project have been invited to choose a year that is important to them and to have their own special historical event recorded on a timeline running throughout the galleries.

Shepherd Neame has chosen the year 1698, the year the brewery was founded by Captain Richard Marsh, and that year’s entry bears the legend: "Britain's Oldest Brewer is established in Faversham and has supplied fine ale in Kent and London ever since".

Admission is free to the Museum of London, which is at London Wall, near St Paul’s Cathedral.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “As Britain’s oldest brewer, we are proud of the role the company has played in the nation’s story and we are delighted to support this worthwhile project. We value our heritage and have created a detailed, richly-illustrated timeline of our own history on Shepherd Neame’s recently-relaunched website.”
 

One of Kent’s most popular boutique hotels has enjoyed a £270,000 refurbishment.

Shepherd Neame has invested in the restaurant, accommodation and bar at The George in Cranbrook as part of a two-stage refurbishment.

The work started last year and centred on the Cranbrook bar. It included building a walk-through to the also refurbished brassiere. The bar’s layout was redesigned and the exterior redecorated.

More recently, eight of the hotel’s traditionally-styled bathrooms have received new fixtures and fittings and the kitchen has also been redesigned.

Manager Martin Lyall explained: “All three areas – accommodation, food and bar– have received attention and as a result, we are trading very well.

“The redesign of the kitchen was in response to an increase in demand for food and the bar’s alteration has made a huge difference.”

The George is among Shepherd Neame’s most historic pubs. The first reference to it can be found as far back as 1300 and Queen Elizabeth I stayed there in 1573. The refurbishment has been sympathetic to its historical origins while giving it a new lease of life.

The hotel’s brasserie holds an AA rosette and is listed in both The Good Food Guide and Alistair Sawday’s Special Places to Stay: Pubs and Inns of England and Wales.

Martin, who received the Managed Business of the Year accolade at the Shepherd Neame Pub Awards earlier in the year, said: “Our commitment to sourcing the best local produce from trusted providers means our menu changes daily and features fish from that day’s catch, fruit and vegetables that have just been picked and meat at its best.”

He added: “The new look is pleasing on the eye and has gone down well with customers. It has helped us to increase the already high level of service.”

Shepherd Neame retail director Nigel Bunting said: “We are very pleased with the popularity of the George Hotel and we are delighted that we have been able to boost its appeal even further with these refurbishments.”
 

Beat the winter blues with a short break at one of Shepherd Neame’s hotels and inns in beautiful Kent, with great shopping destinations and breathtaking sea views and country walks. From 1 January to 31 March enjoy two nights for the price of one*, subject to availability. Featured pubs and hotels in the offer include:

The New Flying Horse, Wye
Located on the Pilgrim’s Way, this 17th century posting house is the ideal location from which to enjoy long country walks on the North Downs. Warm up in front of the crackling log fire in the main bar, complete with oak beams and gleaming brasses, and then enjoy a delicious meal in the charming restaurant. Nine newly refurbished bedrooms all have en-suite facilities, with some located in the converted coach-house.

Millers Arms, Canterbury
Situated in the shadow of Canterbury Cathedral and by the riverside, this 1826-built inn is an excellent location for exploring the historic and vibrant city centre. Just a few minutes walk from the cobbled lanes, independent shops and high street stores; the Millers Arms is perfect for a weekend’s shopping. There are plenty of outstanding attractions including the Canterbury Tales, historic river tours and of course the chance to see inside the magnificent cathedral. In the evening enjoy traditional pub food in the cosy restaurant then sit back and reflect on the day’s adventures in one of the relaxing bars.

The Royal Hotel, Deal
This 18th century building, once frequented by Nelson and Lady Hamilton, backs directly onto the beach and is close to the world renowned Royal St George golf course. Steeped in history, this hotel offers fantastic sea views from its charming bar area, and with three castles within a 15 minute drive, is perfect for delving into Kent’s rich heritage.

The Sun, Faversham
This traditional ale house is situated in the conservation area of Faversham, in one of the town’s oldest streets. With a wealth of old beams and a huge inglenook fireplace, for centuries it was the meeting place for the local gentry. Faversham is fast becoming a destination for foodies as gastro-tourists discover it is the perfect place to try the Garden of England’s finest local fare. Shepherd Neame brewery is just a stone’s throw away, and a tour and tutored tasting makes for a unique day out with the chance to sample some fine Kentish ales.

*Offer valid for The Conningbrook Hotel, Ashford, The Dog & Bear Hotel, Lenham, The Marine Hotel, Whitstable, The Millers Arms, Canterbury, The New Flying Horse, Wye, The Royal Hotel, Deal, The Ship & Trades, Chatham Maritime and The Sun Inn, Faversham. Dates exclude Valentine’s weekend.

Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Shepherd Neame has been recognised for supply chain improvements at the Manufacturer of the Year Awards 2010, winning the Supply Chain and Logistics category.

The brewer was awarded for transforming its supply chain and logistics capability; encompassing the whole business process from raw materials procurement to customer delivery. The programme of changes at Shepherd Neame has increased capacity, reduced costs, improved product availability and helped it meet higher demand and expectations from its customers.

Shepherd Neame fought-off strong competition from global manufacturing companies including Jaguar Cars & Land Rover, McBrides, Joy Mining and Catalent Pharma Solutions to scoop the prestigious award.

Founded over ten years ago, the awards recognise and reward excellence achieved in all sectors of the industry and highlight the diversity and strength of UK manufacturing.

Production and distribution director Tom Falcon said: “We have worked hard to implement changes and practices across the supply chain that were previously unfamiliar to the organisation. Everyone has played their role in ensuring that production of our beer, warehousing and distribution runs as efficiently as possible. This is worthy recognition for a huge team effort.”

Earlier this year, Shepherd Neame also won at the Process Excellences Awards for Best Improvement Project and more recently was a finalist at the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Awards for supply chain innovation.

Notes to editors:
Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content of external websites.
 

Swiss-style lager Hürlimann is giving away a festive present every day in the run-up to Christmas.

Twenty-four lucky winners will be rewarded with an extra present this year after registering on Hürlimann’s Facebook page. Fans will be linked to an online advent calendar where they need only answer a simple question to stand a chance of winning the prize of the day.

Prizes include DVD box sets, a Blu-Ray DVD player, iTunes vouchers, computer games, Top Man / Top Shop vouchers, a DAB radio and much more.

To add to the excitement a special, secret gift awaits the Christmas Eve winner.

The distinctive full-bodied beer – brewed by Shepherd Neame – has long been popular thanks to its refreshing taste and unmistakable hop character.

Shepherd Neame sales and marketing director Graeme Craig said: “Hürlimann is a beer that embodies good taste and social interaction, which is why we are using a social network to give consumers some early Christmas presents.”

The digital giveaway is the strategic new media innovation by Shepherd Neame. It closely follows the launch of a new website as well as a Facebook page and Twitter feed.
 

A football team from The Aviator pub in Sheerness has shed its kit in support of a national cancer charity.

The players dispensed with most of their clothes for a 2011 calendar to be sold in aid of Macmillan Nurses. One shot saw them bare all, though each player’s modesty was tastefully preserved thanks to judicially placed sporting equipment.

Sheppey photographers Charly Bowman and Natalie Barker of NCB Photography worked for free on the calendar, which should be available from December.

As the team’s goalkeeper, pub manager Phil Chislett posed for a close-up.

He said: “I took my top off first to encourage the others as some of the lads were a bit shy. But it was good fun and it was all in a good cause. It will be sold at the pub and through our Facebook page from December for £5.99.”

He added: “I’m not sure which month I might represent yet. It may be August as I had a beach hat on and a Hawaiian lei.”

The calendar was the idea of assistant pub manager and football manager Matt Boosey, who has a friend battling cancer.

He said: “We would like to thank Charly and Natalie and Chris Friday of Island Printers for producing the calendars.”

The Aviator has long been known for its community spirit. During the World Cup earlier this year, the pub’s regulars helped collect 150 football shirts, which in February will be sent to children at a Kenyan school.
Phil, a member of the local rotary, said: “We really try to make The Aviator a community pub and put it at the centre of things. It’s ideal for families. We have just had a new children’s play area installed – it includes a climbing frame in the shape of a bi-plane.”
 

A popular village pub has celebrated its £18,000 refurbishment from brewers Shepherd Neame with the launch of a lunchtime menu.

Licensee John McGowan and his partner Roz Kane are marking the official launch of the new look at the Five Bells in Seal with a cheese and wine evening on December 2.

Roz said: “Shepherd Neame has done us proud. Everyone loves the refurbishment. There is now a log burning stove, oak floor, newly painted walls and the bar now has mirrors with shelving so that we can display bottles of wine - yet the pub retains the look of a traditional inn.”

The refurbishment has inspired John and Roz to start the lunchtime service.

Roz said: “We serve good pub food, such as shepherds pie, sausages and mash, ploughman’s lunches and sandwiches. We also have a couple of specials’ boards.”

It’s a service regulars appreciate, especially as the Five Bells is now the only pub in the village.

Roz added: “We are a real community pub and we have always wanted to do lunches as we recognized there was a gap. We serve lunch from 12pm to 3pm and on weekends we serve a traditional English breakfast from 10am to 12pm.”

Tickets for the cheese and wine evening are £5 and are available from the Five Bells on 01732 763207.
 

Classic British dishes are making a triumphant return at a popular pub carvery after a visit from the chef spearheading the future of food at Shepherd Neame pubs.

Simon Howlett is on a mission to show pub chefs just how flavoursome, affordable and versatile fresh, local produce can be – and his first port of call was the Tudor Rose pub carvery in Borden.

Simon, Shepherd Neame’s new head development chef, has helped reinforce the Tudor Rose’s reputation for serving great British food where locally-sourced, fresh produce and an expanded menu are attracting enthusiastic diners. So much so that the carvery, a popular staple of the weekend, is set to expand across the week in the new year.

The pub now offers an even greater choice after Simon - who brings his many years experience of working in hotels, pubs and restaurants to the new role - joined forces with managers Sarah and Karl Phillips and their chef Nigel Meakin to refine the carvery offer and to introduce a daily roast.

Simon said: “People are definitely rediscovering great British food and the carvery is once again growing in popularity. Diners are finding comfort in traditional favourites.”

Simon’s role will see him develop dishes, liaise with pub chefs over ingredients, style and presentation, nurture culinary skills and standardise best food practice throughout Shepherd Neame’s 360-plus pub estate.

Simon’s work at the pub carvery was among his first jobs and thanks to his input the pub’s carvery is better than ever.

He added: “There is now a greater choice of starters, including a vegetarian option and for the main meal, we have increased the choice of meats to four – beef, ham, turkey and pork. We are using seasonal ingredients and a selection of potatoes. It is a premium offer – greater choice and all freshly prepared.

“We have also introduced the option of a roast, freshly prepared, every day, which in turn is complemented by an extensive modern British menu.”

Manager Sarah said: “The carvery attracts so many regulars. People like the choice and the quality. Classic dishes are really coming back.

“At the moment, we run it on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm and on Sundays from 12pm to 5.30pm, but we intend to expand the days in the new year.”
 

A team of rugby playing “bishops” has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

Essex Bishops XV, the official veterans team for Essex County RFU, play most Sundays in a bid to raise cash for a range of local and national charities.

The Bishops, so-called because of Shepherd Neame’s support through their distinctive Kentish ale Bishop’s Finger, have donated £3,500 to charity for the 2009 and 2010 seasons - £1,750 each. The team, led by captain Richard Austin, raised money at every game through a combination of the players’ subs and selling equipment.

Shepherd Neame supports the team by supplying polo shirts and Bishop’s Finger.

In 2009, the Essex Bishops donated £500 to the Everyman Cancer Charity; £250 to the Cumbrian Flood Disaster; and £1,000 to the Aaron Williams Trust, a charity in support of rugby player Aaron who was paralysed following an accident.

For 2010, the team has raised £250 for the Essex Wooden Spoon; £1,000 to the England Deaf Charitable Trust for Children; and £500 to Romford RFC in aid of seven-year-old mini-rugby section player Alex Field who in is need of £50,000 to pay for a vital brain operation in California.

Richard Austin said: “I want to say a big thank you to all who have taken part in both this and last seasons’ games and in particular, to our vice-captain Christy McCann.”

Shepherd Neame’s head of free-on sales, Giles Hilton said: “We would like to congratulate the Essex Bishops on their fantastic fund-raising work. We are proud to be associated with such a successful team.”

The photo shows, left to right, Richard Austin; the Bishop of Barking, Rt Revd David Hawkins; and Giles Hilton of Shepherd Neame
 

A Herne Bay pub has returned to its maritime roots thanks to a refurbishment by brewers Shepherd Neame.

The Divers Arms boasts a new look – one that reflects its nautical heritage and proximity to the sea.

Visitors are now greeted by the sea-blue exterior before passing into the welcoming bar with its wood paneled ceiling and walls, hawser-decorated bar and with plenty of maritime artefacts on view, many of them of local origin.

The £70,000 refurbishment returns the historic pub – allegedly built on the bounty of a 19th century diver – to its seafaring past as a homely and welcoming fisherman’s real ale house.

The distinctive memorabilia on show includes an antique brass diver’s helmet, weighted diver’s shoes and the antiquated but vital oxygen pump supply system. A ship’s capstan has been transformed into a table and several cork life-belts decorate the pub.

Shepherd Neame has also restored the pub’s attractive wall niches depicting maritime scenes.

A smoking gazebo has been added outside.

As well as the nautical theme, Shepherd Neame’s own heritage is also represented by historic beer labels and bottles.

Shepherd Neame’s property and tenanted trade director, George Barnes said: “Visitors to the Divers Arms will find much to interest them thanks to its extensive maritime memorabilia. The pub has returned to its community roots, reflecting Herne Bay’s association with the sea and the warm welcome typical of such a hospitable seaside inn.”

Enjoy mulled beer on a yuletide brewery tour, tuck into a four-course festive feast or host a private party in Shepherd Neame’s 15th century function room.

Throughout December visitors to Shepherd Neame can enjoy special yuletide brewery tours, where they’ll have the chance to try hot spiced beer, a common winter drink in the 16th and 17th century. The mulled beer will be made using Bishops Finger Strong Kentish Ale and served alongside warm mince pies, the perfect way to get in the festive mood.

The brewery will also be hosting special Christmas Beer and Food Evenings on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 December, where four seasonal courses are matched with Shepherd Neame ales and lagers that complement the flavours of the food. The evenings will include a tour of the brewery and a fun-filled beer quiz.

The brewery’s charming 15th century function room boasts its own beer chandelier with seating for up to 90 guests, which can be hired for private Christmas parties.

Guests will have exclusive use of the bar area and there’s space for a DJ or live band. There are a range of catering options available from two courses suppers to extravagant feasts, freshly prepared with locally-sourced produce.

While you are there, pick up some Christmas gifts from the brewery shop and choose from luxurious beer and food hampers, brewery tour gift certificates and heart-warming Christmas Ale. Gifts can also be purchased from the new online shop www.shepherdneame.co.uk/shop.

Shepherd Neame was recently named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2010.

 Shepherd Neame brewery has won Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the Beautiful South Awards and picked up Silver in the Flavour of the South East category.

The awards are organised by Tourism South East and celebrate the best in quality, innovation and service at tourism businesses across the region.

The brewery competed with a record number of entrants to scoop the award for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year which recognised its outstanding customer service, good presentation of information, accessibility and innovative marketing that has brought in new and repeat visitors.

The brewery also won Silver in the Flavour of the South East category, which recognises tourism businesses that produce distinctive regional food and drink or feature locally-grown products and offer an excellent visitor experience. Shepherd Neame was acknowledged for the provenance of its distinctively hoppy beers and the quality of its Visitor Centre and guided brewery tours.

The results were announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 21 October at Mercedes-Benz World in Surrey. Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins was delighted: “We are proud to have been recognised for our hard work and are constantly looking for ways to improve the experience for our customers. This is a great boost for the team especially when competing in such a large region.”

Shepherd Neame will now go on to represent the Beautiful South at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in April 2011.

For more information about Christmas tours and events at the brewery, and to book tickets online, visit the new website www.shepherdneame.co.uk.

The new licensees at the White Horse in Boughton entertained two very discerning guests in only their second month at the pub – drinks critic Oz Clarke and Mock the Week comedian Hugh Dennis.

The TV duo stayed at the pub for two nights as they filmed in the area for their upcoming BBC programme Oz and Hugh Raise the Bar, in which they tour the UK, discovering authentic locally-produced drinks, drinking traditions and customs.
Paul and Tara Birks, who have been at the White Horse for just eight weeks, provided Oz, Hugh and their team with evening meals and were delighted when they complimented their cask ale.

Tara said: “They ate with us and Oz commented on the Late Red, saying it was the best Shepherd Neame beer he had tasted.”
During the visit, the pair created medieval cocktails in a field by the pub and sold perry at a local cider festival.
Tara added: “The White Horse is a lovely pub with a nice, friendly local crowd. We have made a busy start and plan to further develop our restaurant to take advantage of the area’s excellent local and seasonal produce.”
The ancient coaching inn is mentioned in The Canterbury Tales, and has 13 boutique en suite rooms, a welcoming restaurant and a patio courtyard surrounded by extensive gardens.
A few miles from the cathedral city of Canterbury, Boughton is surrounded by orchards and hop gardens, offering delightful country walks.

Reggae star Tippi Irie is to perform at the Railway Telegraph in Forest Hill at the end of the month in what is expected to be the first in a series of major music performances.

Licensee Pamela Adamson is hoping October 30’s performance by the renowned reggae singer and DJ will trigger a series of gigs by a variety of stars.

She said: “We already have a reputation as a music venue thanks to our Friday and Saturday night music events and we have found that people come from quite a wide area for them.

“The vision I have for the pub is to that we became well known for good music and entertainment. We want to stage not just reggae but soul Rn’B and other styles towards the end of each month to suit a wide range of people and age groups.”

Tippi Irie emerged from Saxon Sound International – the travelling sound system– and has been at the forefront of reggae dance hall scene for the past 25 years. He scored a Top 40 hit in the 1980s with Hello, Darling and performed on the Black Eye Peas’ track Hey, Mama.

Entry for the 21s and over gig is £5.

For more information contact The Railway Telegraph on 020 8699 6644.
 

Spitfire Premium Kentish Ale is sponsoring madcap film Jackboots on Whitehall, an irreverent take on World War II that features an impressive cast of Hollywood stars.

Jackboots on Whitehall is Team America meets Inglourious Basterds and features ground-breaking puppetry voiced by Ewan McGregor, Rosamund Pike, Timothy Spall and Richard E. Grant.

The epic action adventure follows a group of heroic villagers led by Chris (Ewan McGregor), a young farmhand, and his sweetheart Daisy (Rosamund Pike) as they rescue Churchill (Timothy Spall) from capture, and fight against the Nazi invasion of England.

Spitfire marketing manager Mark Miller said: “Jackboots on Whitehall captures the irreverent tongue-in-cheek humour of Spitfire Ale, and has generated a fantastic buzz.
This partnership is a first for the brand and comes as part of a significant push to broaden its appeal to consumers and licensees.”

Spitfire Ale was originally brewed to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain, and its risqué advertising campaign has made it a firm favourite with beer lovers.

Shepherd Neame’s new website is now live, giving customers, licensees and prospective tenants easy access to more information in a hugely-enhanced online experience.

The look and functionality of the site has been dramatically changed to improve useability and to make it much easier to navigate its hundreds of pages.

The site has many interactive features, including convenient online shopping, optimised search facilities, online accommodation booking and bespoke marketing tools for licensees.

All the pages have a distinctive new look which combines original artwork, clear design and striking animations.

Finding the right pub or hotel to visit has never been easier, using a dedicated search engine with 10 different categories. Fields include food, accommodation, function facilities, outdoor areas, live music, Sky Sports, real fires and history. The pubs pages are linked to individual websites, one for each pub, which have their own web addresses.

A comprehensive recruitment section includes all the detailed information a prospective manager or tenant needs to know about the qualities required to run a pub, including application procedures, qualifications, training and investment.

Full details of brewery tours, special events, gift certificates and short breaks can be browsed at leisure with the opportunity to check availability and prices before booking online.

The site has an attractive new online shop, which is customer-friendly and easy to use. The fresh design is easier to browse, to search for products and to make purchases.

Browsers can now learn how beer is made by viewing a stylish animation of the brewing process, using original images created as linocuts for the project by Faversham artist Hugh Ribbans. There is also a richly-illustrated timeline of the history of Britain’s oldest brewer.

The site has comprehensive details of all the beers and lagers brewed by Shepherd Neame, both cask and bottled, complemented by tasting notes from beer writer Ben McFarland.

There is also an introduction to the huge selection of wines and spirits that make up the company’s broad portfolio, including exclusive wines from small growers and independent wineries around the world.

Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame said: “This new website is a huge improvement to our internet presence. It will significantly enhance online engagement with consumers, trade customers and licensees. This site will give both the brewery and our licensees the competitive edge in the online marketplace.”
 

Todd’s the Wine Company is adding two distinctive wines from South Africa to its carefully-selected portfolio this winter.

Matumi is an exclusive brand made for Shepherd Neame’s wine company by the Lourensford Estate http://www.lourensford.co.za/.

Established in 1700, Lourensford is steeped in history and heritage but boasts an ultra-modern winery utilising technology unique in the Southern Hemisphere. The magnificent soils and diverse micro-climates create the ideal terroir for world-beating wines.

Todd’s customers and Shepherd Neame licensees now have exclusive access to two new wines – a red and a white.

Matumi Chenin Blanc 2010, from vineyards overlooking Cape Town and False Bay, is produced from bush vines where low yields ensure superb concentrated fruit. The aromas and flavours of peach and pear abound in this dry elegant and rounded wine

Matumi Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 is made with hand-picked grapes and the wine is aged in French oak which, with refined soft tannins, results in a wine with an abundance of blackcurrant fruit, just a hint of violet, and a smooth, lasting finish.

Todd’s the Wine Company offers an exclusive range of unique and premium wines from across the globe. Its collection includes quality wines that consistently ‘over deliver’ at their competitive price points and come from well-chosen wine-maker partners.

The company currently works in France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Chile and South Africa, delivering unique own brands to customers in the on trade.

Todd’s wines and spirits manager Michael Prior said: “We as a business are committed to working wherever possible with small vineyards and independent wineries so we can manage the quality from vineyard to bottle.”

After a year on tour around the UK, the Asahi Rising Stars Cocktail Competition reached its grand final in a glitzy evening at the Park Plaza Riverbank London in October.

The nationwide competition was open to aspiring mixologists under the age of 30, with a first prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan.

Three regional winners from heats at Cheltenham, Manchester and Earl’s Court plus the best runner-up contested the final in front of an enthusiastic crowd, entertained by comedian Patrick Kielty, who hosted the event.

More than 500 specially-invited guests enjoyed complimentary Asahi and cocktails, canapés by Yo! Sushi, and music from new Los Angeles girl band Beach Girl 5 and DJ Dan Williams, of Jade Jagger’s Jezebel Sound System.

Former Destiny’s Child singer and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Michelle Williams joined Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame on stage to present the first prize to Charlene Holt of Manchester bar Apotecha.

Charlene’s cocktail turned up the heat with a show-stopping drink marrying chillies, wasabi, lychee liqueur, dragon fruit and gin, presented in spectacular style by pouring flaming spirit down two Asahi bottles expertly-balanced on cocktail glasses.

Other celebrated guests included Vanessa White from The Saturdays, and TV presenters Zoe Salmon and Jenni Falconer.
 

Shepherd Neame, the Kent-based brewer and pub operator, today announces results for the 52 weeks ended 26 June 2010.

- total beer volume up 4.8%

- own beer volume up 3.8% to 233,000 BBs

- strong performance from Spitfire, Bishop’s Finger and Asahi Super Dry

- average income per tenanted pub up 1.3%

- 2009 pub purchases performing well

- all bottling now undertaken in-house

- improved capacity utilisation

- lower unit costs of production

- continuing growth in beer volume – up 0.6%

- like-for-like retail sales – up 3.5%

A Shepherd Neame pub has been used as the setting for the filming of a DVD celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Campaign for Real Ale.

Camra co-founder Michael Hardman, MBE, relaxed in his local, The Hatch in Redhill, while being interviewed for the DVD.

Licensee Roy Peacock said: “He drank the Delta ale, which is one of Shepherd Neame’s pilot ales – and he came in the following evening to have some more. We took over in October last year and Michael was one of the first customers to come in.”

Michael Hardman, who was awarded an MBE last year for services to the brewing industry, founded Camra - originally the Campaign for the Revitalisation of Ale - with his colleagues Jim Makin, Bill Mellor and Graham Lees in 1971. He also created the publication, What’s Brewing and the Good Beer Guide and helped found the British Guild of Beer Writers.

The DVD, the work of producer David Rust, centres on the history of Camra, its work and its aims. The three fellow founding members will also be featured.

It is hoped that the DVD will be available to buy through Camra next year.

More than 100 people gathered at the Sportsman pub in Seasalter to mark the last battle fought on the British mainland.

The gathering of former and current members of the London Irish Rifles was joined by army and air force cadets, wartime hero and Colditz survivor Major General Corran Purdon and the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Pat Todd for a parade and ceremony.

Phil Harris, licensee and chef at the popular Shepherd Neame pub, was on hand to accept the plaque which commemorates what has become known as The Battle of Graveney Marsh.

It was September 27, 1940 when members of the London Irish Rifles fought a short battle with the crew of a downed German bomber close to the pub, where they would eventually take their foe for a pint after capturing them with no loss of life on either side.

The event – which saw one of the British soldiers throw an explosive charge from the plane, meaning it was retrieved intact – was organized by Dickie Bird of the Royal British Legion and the London Irish Rifles Association.

Nigel Wilkinson, the association’s vice-chairman, said: “For a long time I thought to myself that this is really quite an historic event. It was the last action fought on British soil against invaders.”

The commemoration could signal a change in some historians’ view of the last battle fought in Britain, previously credited to the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

The ceremony involved a parade, inspected by Major General Purdon who is the association’s president and was followed by a reception at the Royal British Legion headquarters in Whitstable.

Shepherd Neame’s property and tenanted trade director, George Barnes said: “The Battle of Graveney Marsh was a significant event and we are very pleased that visitors to The Sportsman will gain even more from their experience by knowing its unique place in history.”

Five Shepherd Neame pubs have made it into the prestigious, Good Food Guide 2011.

The renowned guide, which prides itself on uncovering hidden gems throughout the UK, has included the five as examples of where to find an excellent dining experience.

They are:

• Dove Inn, Dargate, Shepherd Neame Pub Restaurant of the Year winner. “Care goes into the sourcing of ingredients and compact menus allow [chef] Phillip MacGregor leeway to produce some good food.”
• The Fitzwalter Arms, Goodnestone. “It remains very much a local…although the blackboard menu gives notice that the food here is a cut above the norm for a boozer.”
• The Granville, Lower Hardres. “The homemade focaccia is not to be missed, but leave room for a pudding such as the flourless chocolate cake.”
• The Three Mariners, Oare. “The kitchen knows how to put an enticing yet straightforward selection of dishes together and the place seems to fill up most nights with an enthusiastic crowd.”
• The Sportsman, Seasalter. “Stephen and Phil Harris have created something remarkable here – a stellar destination that dispenses with fine dining trappings…but delivers extraordinary food….”.

The guide, which has been reviewing the UK’s best restaurants since 1951, is made up of reader feedback and anonymous inspections.

Shepherd Neame’s property and tenanted trade director, George Barnes said: “We are very proud that the pubs have been included in the guide. They should be congratulated on producing such high standards and high levels of customer satisfaction’.”

The Good Food Guide 2011 is published by Which? Ltd.
 

Will The Pope take the opportunity to slip into a London pub and sample the cask version of one of his favourite British ales during his visit?

Last year, celebrity priest Father Michael Seed let slip that Pope Benedict was rather partial to a drop of British ale.

The revelation appeared in the Daily Mail’s Ephraim Hardcastle column, which reported that the British cleric regularly sends English beer mats to the Vatican as Easter or Christmas gifts.

Fr Michael went on to reveal that Pope Benedict XVI has a “fondness” for Spitfire, the Kentish ale brewed at Faversham by Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame.

It’s an unexpected choice for a Pope born in Germany as Spitfire advertising is famous for its tongue-in-cheek, Dad’s Army-style wartime humour. Aside from the fun, Spitfire raises large amounts of money for service charities and this September the beer is running a campaign to raise £100,000 to help the RAFBF and Help for Heroes.

Spitfire marketing manager Mark Miller said: “The Pope is not the first German to down a Spitfire but certainly the most famous. We are delighted that His Holiness enjoys the unique taste of Spitfire and what better time to try the cask version than during the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain? We would also encourage him to sample another of Shepherd Neame’s fine Kentish ales – Bishops Finger!”