BRITAIN’S OLDEST BREWER ACHIEVES DOUBLE GOLD AT GREAT BRITISH FOOD AWARDS

Two of Faversham-based brewer and pub operator Shepherd Neame’s brands have been recognised with Gold medals at the Great British Food Awards.

Double Stout (5.2%) and Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager (4.5%) both received accolades in the awards, which celebrate the very best of British artisanal produce in the food and drink industry, now in their 10th year. 
 
The judging panel comprised some of the most acclaimed chefs, food critics and influencers in the country, with the Beer and Lager category judged by English chef specialising in Italian cuisine, Theo Randall.

The judges said of Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager: “[A] lovely golden lager, smooth to drink with a citrussy, floral undertone. Perfectly refreshing on a summer's day.”  
  
On the Double Stout, Theo commented: “Gold Star - with delicious roast coffee flavours and softer chocolate notes, this velvety double stout goes down a treat.”
 
Shepherd Neame’s Director of Brewing Mike Unsworth said: “We are thrilled that two of our brands have received national acclaim in the Great British Food Awards. We have a fantastic team of brewers at Shepherd Neame and this is well-deserved recognition for their passion, knowledge and skill.” 
 
Double Stout, part of Shepherd Neame’s Classic Collection, is based on a recipe discovered in a coded brewers’ log unearthed in the brewery archives. Made with a blend of four different malts with a firm bitterness courtesy of local Kentish hop, this example of a classic double stout delivers a velvety-smooth palate of dry, burnt flavours - complemented by roast, cocoa and coffee notes. 
 
The Great British Food Awards accolades are the latest in a series of honours for Shepherd Neame’s beers, with other recent wins including a silver medal for India Pale Ale (6.1%) and bronze for Double Stout at the 2024 International Beer Challenge, and accolades at the World Beer Awards with 1698 and Bishops Finger named World’s Best Bitter in their categories (over 5.5% and 4.5-5.5%, respectively.

Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers are available from its online shop (https://snea.me/sn-shop) and brewery shop in Faversham. For more information visit: www.shepherdneame.co.uk