Posted: 5th March 2016
National Accolade for Shepherd Neame's Visitor Centre
Shepherd Neame’s Visitor Centre has been awarded a VisitEngland 'Best Told Story' Accolade.
The brewery has received the award in recognition of its innovative and effective tour, telling the brewery story in a way that captures the visitor’s imagination.
Shepherd Neame’s Visitor Centre is set in a beautifully-restored medieval hall house on the historic brewery site. From there, visitors join an 80 minute guided tour through the busy working brewery, to learn about the ancient art of brewing.
They see the traditional oak mash tuns; taste natural mineral water from the brewery’s well; try some malted barley and smell locally-grown Kentish hops.
The tour also includes a visit to the Old Brewery Store, housed in the old wines and spirits store, which features impressive displays of historic delivery vehicles, a recreated cooper’s workshop, bygone pub signs and a collection of hop picking memorabilia.
It ends back in the Visitor Centre with a tutored tasting of Shepherd Neame’s Kentish ales and speciality lagers, before visitors have the chance to visit the Brewery Shop and pick up a souvenir, gift or some of their favourite beer.
This is the latest in a string of awards in recent months for the Visitor Centre and its staff, which include a Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, Unsung Hero Award for Customer Service in the Beautiful South Tourism Awards, and a third Certificate of Excellence in a row from travel website TripAdvisor.
Visitor Centre manager Graham Hukins said:
We are delighted to receive this accolade. As Britain’s oldest brewer, we have a great story to tell, and this is fantastic recognition for the dedication and passion of our Visitor Centre team in ensuring that our visitors enjoy their experience with us.
To book a tour of Shepherd Neame or for more information about other special events, call 01795 542016 or visit the website.