GOLDEN ACCOLADE FOR BRITAIN’S OLDEST BREWER

Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame has received a Golden Award in recognition of its commitment to brewing excellence and innovation from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
 
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations throughout 2021, CAMRA is recognising people and businesses that have made a significant contribution to its campaign for better beer.
 
Nominations for the Golden Awards were made by CAMRA members and locals. More than 80 breweries were submitted, which was then whittled down to 18 awardees including Shepherd Neame.
 
The independent family brewer has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes Five Grain Lager, the Bear Island Collection and the Whitstable Bay Collection. Shepherd Neame also brews international lagers under licence including Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and is the sole UK distributor for premium Thai lager Singha and Truly hard seltzer. It boasts an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.
 
Chief Executive Jonathan Neame said: “We are delighted that our independent Faversham brewery has been recognised with a CAMRA Golden Award. Our team members are committed to quality and innovation, with a passion for brewing the best beers. Throughout the challenges of the last year our team members and licensees have shown great resilience and spirit; to have our brewery recognised in this way is a great accolade.”
 
CAMRA’s Awards Director Gary Timmins said: “I am delighted to be celebrating these breweries and cider makers today with CAMRA Golden Awards. These awards reflect the dedication and legacies of these businesses over the last 50 years, and the impact they have had on our campaign and on British brewing and cider production. CAMRA’s 50th year comes on the heels of an incredibly difficult time for the industry after 18 months of lockdowns and restrictions. I hope all involved with these businesses, both present and past, will take this award as appreciation for all the hard work involved in producing pints of great quality over the decades. Winners have been chosen for their successes in standing the test of time; they are breweries or cider and perry producers that have gone above and beyond in delivering excellence or innovation over the years. I applaud them for their dedication and for being industry stalwarts.”
 
For more information visit https://camra.org.uk/50-years/