NATIONAL ACCLAIM FOR BRITAIN’S OLDEST BREWER

Three of Faversham-based brewer Shepherd Neame’s brands have been Highly Commended in this year’s Great British Food Awards, with accolades for Bear Island East Coast Pale Ale (4.8%), 1698 (6.5%) and Orchard View cider (4.5%)

It is the eighth year of the awards, launched to celebrate the very best of British artisanal produce in the food and drink industry.

The judging panel comprises some of the most acclaimed chefs, food critics and influencers in the country, with the Beer and Lager category judged by chef and restaurant owner Jacob Kennedy, and the Cider category judged by Charles Stein, Director of Rick Stein, the hotel and restaurant group owned by the eponymous English celebrity chef. 

Explaining his decision to award Orchard View as Highly Commended, Charles Stein said: “This cider is a total delight. It has a wonderful straw colour in the glass, with aromas of green apples and cut grass, and a real depth of the flavour. Super refreshing.”

It is the latest in a series of honours for Shepherd Neame’s beers, with other recent wins including Bear Island Triple Hopped Lager (4.6%) receiving gold at the World Beer Awards, and Whitstable Bay Pale Ale (4%), Christmas Ale (7%) and the original Thai lager Singha (5%) awarded gold at the British Bottlers’ Institute Awards. 

Shepherd Neame’s Head Brewer Mike Unsworth said: “We are delighted that three 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.”

Shepherd Neame’s award-winning beers and cider are available from its online shop and brewery shop in Faversham. For more information visit: www.shepherdneame.co.uk