Shepherd Neame has announced plans to invest £15 million over three years in a modern brewery at its Faversham site, alongside continued investment across its pub estate.

The investment will secure the next generation of brewing in the town, with a smaller production facility designed to improve operational efficiency, enhance sustainability and support the development of its own beer brands.

The announcement comes as the company reports like-for-like retail sales growth of 6.4% for the 17 weeks to 24 October 2026. Like-for-like income in its tenanted estate increased by 1.1% to 26 September.

Writing on LinkedIn, Jonathan Neame, CEO of Shepherd Neame, said: “This is a significant moment for our business. It gives us the opportunity to modernise and evolve our operations while celebrating what makes us distinctive: our heritage, our beers, our pubs and our deep connection with our home town.”

Shepherd Neame’s pub investment programme is currently focused on London and will increasingly shift towards its coastal inns and hotels. The company plans to prioritise sites with the strongest development potential, selling outlets with more limited prospects and reinvesting the proceeds.

Neame added on LinkedIn: “Importantly, our pubs remain central to our future. We will continue our sustained investment programme across our estate, unlocking opportunities and ensuring our pubs continue to thrive at the heart of the communities they serve.”

A new brewing model

The new brewery will be housed within the existing Bottling Hall, which is due to close in mid-2027 before being adapted for production. Brewing will continue in its current location during construction, with completion targeted by the end of 2029.

The facility will use elements of the existing brewery infrastructure and continue drawing water from the site’s historic artesian well. The new operating model will combine in-house production with outsourced functions such as small packaging.

Shepherd Neame will maintain its full existing beer portfolio, including flagship brands Spitfire, Bishops Finger and Whitstable Bay, while focusing on its own beers and exiting large third-party contract brewing.

Its exclusive licence to brew and distribute Singha Lager will end in April 2027. The contract currently accounts for £10.3 million in revenue.

Creating a destination for Faversham

The brewery investment is expected to be funded through the sale of non-core property. Alongside the project, Shepherd Neame will bring forward a 10-year Development Vision for the retained historic heart of its town centre site.

The plans include brewing, offices, retail, a pub, hospitality and events space, an enhanced visitor experience and a new Brewery Square. The ambition is to create a home for the Shepherd Neame story that attracts visitors and supports Faversham’s wider hospitality economy.

Neame said on LinkedIn: “Above all, it represents a major commitment to brewing, to Faversham, and our belief in an exciting and sustainable future for the company.”

Established in 1698, Shepherd Neame is Britain’s oldest brewer. It employs around 1,600 people and operates 280 pubs, ranging from community locals and destination dining venues to inns and hotels.