Small Batch Brewery
Where tradition meets innovation
Situated within the main Shepherd Neame Brewery, the Small Batch Brewery represents a bold new chapter in our story as Britain’s oldest brewer.
It’s where tradition meets innovation, offering our team the opportunity to experiment with new styles, ingredients, and techniques to create fresh, exciting flavours in limited-edition releases.
A legacy of brewing excellence
Our brewing heritage officially dates to 1698, though records show beer was brewed on our site as early as 1573, when John Castlock leased the Abbey brewhouse. Brewing in Faversham is linked to the founding of the town’s Abbey in 1147, with evidence of hop use in the region dating back to around 900AD.
This deep historical connection is preserved through our Company archive, curated by our Brewery Archivist and Historian John Owen. His award-winning research chronicles the evolution of Shepherd Neame from its early days to the present.
Why the Small Batch Brewery?
The Small Batch Brewery was established to give our brewers the opportunity to innovate outside of our large-scale production. Whether it’s a New World XPA, a Belgian-style Saison, or a Session IPA, each brew is crafted with care and released in small, limited-edition quantities, allowing us to respond to emerging trends and customer curiosity.
This initiative also reconnects us with the spirit of medieval small beers, brewed in homes and farmhouses for everyday enjoyment. Our Small Batch creations echo this tradition, offering approachable, flavourful beers that celebrate both heritage and experimentation.
Connecting past and present
Every Small Batch release is a tribute to our brewing history. From the use of Kentish hops to the revival of historical styles, the brewery is a living link between centuries of craftsmanship and today’s vibrant beer culture.
It’s also a way for us to engage directly with our community, offering exclusive brews at our pubs and inviting feedback that shapes future creations.
Whether you're a seasoned craft beer enthusiast or just starting your journey into the beer world, our Small Batch offerings are your gateway to something exciting. These beers are approachable, refreshing, and full of character: perfect for discovering what makes independent brewing so special.
We release new brews regularly, which are available in select Shepherd Neame Managed pubs across Kent, London and the South East.
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What's brewing?
Table Beer
This pale golden ale pours with a full body that belies its 2.7% ABV - a deceptively sessionable delight.
XPA
With citrus and tropical notes, this hazy golden XPA delivers a complex, juicy, and refreshing flavour.
Gluten Free Pilsner
Gluten free with a brilliant, bright gold look and a refined, floral aroma, this pilsner is not to be missed.
Fresh Drop
A refreshing lager bursting with the vibrant aroma and flavour of juicy raspberries and mellow apricot.
Saison
A hazy pale ale brewed in the traditional farmhouse ale style using Lallemand's Belle Saison yeast strain.