Shepherd Neame

What Shepherd Neame does

Shepherd Neame is Britain's oldest brewer, founded in 1698 and headquartered at its Faversham, Kent brewery, where it produces a portfolio of heritage ales (Spitfire Amber Ale, Bishops Finger, Master Brew), contemporary beers (Whitstable Bay, Bear Island, First Drop Session IPA), seasonal lines (Christmas Ale, Late Red), low-alcohol SKUs, and distributed international brands (Singha since 2019, Hürlimann). Production relies on chalk-filtered artesian well water drawn from beneath the site, a 15-barrel Small Batch brewery for limited editions (running since October 2023), and the monthly Cask Club programme. Bishops Finger holds an EU Protected Geographical Indication.

The company operates a vertically integrated brewery and hospitality model organised into three units: Managed Pubs and Hotels (~300 venues across London and the South East), Tenancy and Licensed Properties, and Brewing & Brands. It serves general pub-goers, premium-dining seekers, families, sports fans and tourists through its on-trade estate, and reaches trade customers and supermarkets through wholesale distribution (since March 2024 outsourced to GXO across the South East heartland, with a Thurrock-based transit team serving Greater London). Direct-to-consumer revenue comes from its e-commerce shop, brewery tours (from £25 per person / £275 per private group), gift cards, and Todd's The Wine Company supply partnership.

Shepherd Neame is an independent, family-owned private limited company (registered in England, company number 138256), with no parent company and no disclosed institutional investment. The chief executive is Jonathan Neame. FY2025 revenue (year ending 30 June 2025) was £164.3m, generated across roughly 1,528 employees as of December 2025. Pricing varies by venue; direct hotel bookings carry a 10–15% discount, and brewery tours are priced per individual or per group. Revenue mechanics are split between managed-pub and tenanted-pub rent/revenue share, brewing wholesale to trade and supermarkets, and ancillary streams (tours, online shop, gift cards, dining experiences, wine/spirit distribution).

Name

Shepherd Neame

Legal name

Shepherd Neame Limited

Website

https://shepherdneame.co.uk

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Shepherd Neame is Britain's oldest brewer (founded 1698), an independent family-owned brewery and hospitality group based in Faversham, Kent, operating an estate of approximately 300 managed and tenanted pubs, hotels and inns across London and the South East alongside wholesale beer distribution and direct-to-consumer sales.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

NAICS

Breweries (31212)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082)

akta.pro primary industry

Beer Brewing & Brands (CRADAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Regional & National Breweries (THAFALAD), Beer Retail (Bottle Shops & Beer Merchants) (CRANABAC)

Keywords

• Traditional cask ales
• Pub retail estate
• Heritage brewing
• Hospitality and inns
• Tenanted licensed pubs

Headquarters

HQ city

Kent

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Revenue model

1. Managed Pubs and Hotels: Shepherd Neame operates around 300 managed pubs, hotels and inns throughout London and the South East. Revenue is generated from food sales, drink sales (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails), accommodation (hotel rooms), and experiences (afternoon tea, dining experiences). Direct booking offers 10% off, with 15% off for advance bookings.
2. Brewing and Brands: Shepherd Neame brews an award-winning range of classic and contemporary ales and lagers at its Faversham brewery. Revenue comes from selling its own branded beers (Spitfire, Bishops Finger, Master Brew, Whitstable Bay, Bear Island, etc.) through its managed pub estate, to trade customers (other pubs), and via supermarkets and the online shop. The company also distributes Singha lager (Boon Rawd Brewery, Thailand's original Thai beer) in the UK since July 2019 under a distribution agreement.
3. Tenancy and Licensed Properties: Shepherd Neame also operates a tenanted/licensed pub model, offering traditional Tenancy Agreements and a Tenancy Partnership Agreement. Tenants run their own pub with support from Shepherd Neame, paying rent or a share of revenue. The company is seeking new licensees for properties including The Railway Hotel in Faversham.
4. Online Shop and Merchandise: Direct-to-consumer e-commerce sales of beers, ciders, branded merchandise and gifts delivered to customers' doors. The online shop enables customers to buy cases, curated collections, or build their own selection.
5. Brewery Tours and Experiences: Revenue from selling tickets to award-winning brewery tours (individual tours at £25/person, private group tours from £275), evening tours with ale sampler's supper, beer and food matching dinners, and the brewery shop selling products in person.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Shepherd Neame is Britain's oldest brewer (established 1698), an independent family-owned brewery headquartered in Faversham, Kent. The company brews and distributes a portfolio of cask ales, lagers, ciders and bottled beers under brands including Spitfire, Bishops Finger, Master Brew, Whitstable Bay, and Bear Island. It also operates an estate of approximately 300 managed and tenanted pubs, hotels and inns across London and the South East of England, distributes international brands such as Singha and Hürlimann, and runs brewery tours, dining experiences and an online shop.

Product overview

Shepherd Neame is Britain's oldest brewer (established 1698), operating as an independent family business in Faversham, Kent. The company offers a diverse portfolio of over 30 beer and cider brands alongside an estate of approximately 300 pubs, hotels and inns across London and the South East. The core beer portfolio includes heritage ales (Spitfire Amber Ale, Bishops Finger, Master Brew), contemporary ranges (Whitstable Bay, Bear Island, First Drop Session IPA), seasonal offerings (Christmas Ale, Late Red), and distributed international brands (Singha, Hürlimann). The pub estate provides accommodation, dining experiences (including premium Beef Wellington and Seafood Tower experiences), brewery tours, and food services. Supporting offerings include gift cards, afternoon tea, and Todd's The Wine Company spirits selection. The company also operates a Small Batch brewery for limited-edition beers and a Cask Club programme for monthly limited-edition cask ales.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Spitfire: Beer brand including Spitfire Amber Ale and Spitfire Lager, first brewed in 1990 to mark 50th anniversary of the Battle of Britain
• Bishops Finger
• First Drop
• Iron Wharf
• Whitstable Bay
• Bear Island
• Master Brew
• Small Batch
• Cask Club
• Todd's The Wine Company
• Grants Morella Cherry Brandy
• Hürlimann
• Singha
• Christmas Ale
• 1698
• India Pale Ale
• Double Stout
• Orchard View
• Five Grain Lager
• Hat-Trick Hero
• Late Red

Quantifiable outcome

• London pub sales surged 11.2% in H2 2025 (M25 region) vs 1.4% outside London
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and secondary.

• FoodaricoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2026Shepherd Neame entered a new partnership with fellow Kent-based business Foodari for the supply of fresh, sustainably sourced fruit and vegetables to Shepherd Neame's estate of managed pubs and hotels across London and the South East. Foodari is a Royal Warrant holder (King Charles III) for the supply of fruit and vegetables to the Royal Household. The partnership supports seasonal, freshly prepared menus while reducing food miles and championing regional growers. Both companies share values around quality, sustainability and supporting local communities. Officially launched June 2026 during peak strawberry season at Newlands Farm in Teynham.
• LTA (Lawn Tennis Association)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2026Shepherd Neame entered a landmark three-year partnership as Official Beer Partner and Supplier for three major British tournaments: the HSBC Championships, Lexus Eastbourne Open, and Lexus Nottingham Open — part of the LTA's 2026 grass court tennis season. The partnership includes experiential activations, exclusive product offerings, and hospitality programmes designed to enhance the spectator experience at these summer tennis events.
• The Railway Hotel LicenseesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 June 2026Shepherd Neame seeks new tenants/licensees for The Railway Hotel in Faversham following an extensive refurbishment. Prospective operators can choose between a traditional Tenancy Agreement or Shepherd Neame's Tenancy Partnership Agreement with enhanced support including business reviews, marketing support, central purchasing, technology packages and accounting support.
• Sussex CricketcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2026Sussex Cricket agreed a multi-year pouring rights partnership with Shepherd Neame — described as the most lucrative such deal in the cricket club's history. The agreement includes investment in new bar infrastructure at Hove, installation of several new bars ahead of the 2026 season, and the launch of an exclusive 4% lager named Sea End. Both organisations described the collaboration as a strategic fit to enhance the matchday experience and support Sussex Cricket's ambitions to develop Hove into a leading sports and entertainment venue.
• GXO LogisticscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 March 2024Shepherd Neame launched a new partnership with logistics company GXO in March 2024 for the distribution of beer, wines, spirits and minerals. The dedicated GXO team delivers to pubs throughout Shepherd Neame's south-east heartland, with support for Greater London provided by a new transit team in Thurrock. This investment is aimed at enabling superior customer service and improved stock control accuracy.
• Boon Rawd Brewery (Singha)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2019Shepherd Neame has distributed Singha beer (Thailand's first and official premium lager, produced by Boon Rawd Brewery since 1933) in the UK since July 2019. Like Shepherd Neame, Boon Rawd is an independent family-run business sharing commitments to quality and service. Singha is a light golden lager with a traditional 100% malt recipe, full-bodied and rounded with a crisp finish. Distributed as both draught and packaged products.
• Sheppy's CidercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrchard View cider is created in partnership with Sheppy's, representing the best in British brewing and cider making. The cider uses finest dessert, culinary and cider apple varieties including Falstaff and Dabinett, artfully blended to produce a refreshing, well-balanced cider suitable for vegans and gluten free consumers.
• Kent CricketcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerShepherd Neame has been a long-time sponsor of Kent Cricket. The Club's Canterbury headquarters is named The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence, after Shepherd Neame's Spitfire beer brand — a prominent naming rights sponsorship that connects the Kent Cricket brand with Shepherd Neame's heritage.
• Bromley FCsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerEFL League Two team Bromley FC with a pouring rights partnership with Shepherd Neame. Shepherd Neame supplies beer and associated products to the football club.
• Millwall FCsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerEFL Championship team Millwall FC with a pouring rights partnership with Shepherd Neame.
• Leyton OrientsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerEFL League One club Leyton Orient with a pouring rights partnership with Shepherd Neame.
• Maidstone United FCsecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerShepherd Neame is a principal sponsor of Maidstone United FC, supporting the non-league football club.
• Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS)coreOthersKSS is Shepherd Neame's chosen 'Sheps Giving' charity of the year. KSS is the local air ambulance charity for Kent, Surrey and Sussex, bringing specialised doctors and paramedics to emergency scenes 24/7, 365 days a year. Shepherd Neame pledged to raise £30,000 through its Little Shepherds kids' menu programme (July 2024 – December 2025), with 50p donated per two-course Meal Deal sold. Also partnered with Pennies digital charity box for micro-donations.
• Pennies (Digital Charity Box)minorOthersShepherd Neame partnered with Pennies, the digital charity box, to boost funds for KSS. Customers at selected pubs and hotels are invited to make a 25 pence donation when spending over £25 and paying by card. 90% goes to KSS and 10% to Pennies.
• Kent CrispsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShepherd Neame partners with fellow independent producer Kent Crisps to bring a taste of Kent to its pubs.
• Chapman's of SevenoaksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFor more than 10 years, the majority of fish on Shepherd Neame menus has come from Chapman's of Sevenoaks.
• Clock House FarmminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShepherd Neame has worked with soft fruit supplier Clock House Farm for more than 25 years. Produce is used across menus including in the Little Shepherds kids' menu.
• Cheesemakers of CanterburyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBased a few miles from the Faversham Brewery, Cheesemakers of Canterbury supply Shepherd Neame pubs with artisan cheeses.
• Kingcott DairyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Kingcotts produce award-winning Kentish Blue cheese and milk on their farm in the heart of Kent, supplied to Shepherd Neame pubs.
• Laslett and SonsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaslett and Sons grow a wide variety of fruit and vegetables all year round on Little Weddington Farm, supplying Shepherd Neame pubs.
• Creekside Coffee / John Street BeverageminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerShepherd Neame teamed up with fellow Kent independent family business John Street Beverage (Creekside Coffee) to supply coffee to its pubs.
• Todd's The Wine CompanyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTodd's The Wine Company of Shepherd Neame supplies wines from around the world to Shepherd Neame pubs. Family owned and independent properties and growers are preferred partners, with many relationships spanning over 35 years. Sourcing includes English wines from Kent and Sussex, European wines from France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Georgia, and New World wines from Uruguay, Chile, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and California.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Mitchells & Butlers: Large listed UK pub and restaurant operator (~1,700 sites, brands including All Bar One, Toby Carvery, Harvester, Sizzling Pubs). Doesn't brew at scale but is a directly comparable managed pubco model operating at materially larger scale than Shepherd Neame.

Direct peers

• Marston's: Listed UK brewer and pub operator with ~1,500 pubs, inns, hotels and restaurants. Owns brewing brands including Marston's Pedigree, Banks's, Ringwood, Jennings and Wainwright, sharing Shepherd Neame's combination of regional cask ale heritage and a managed pub estate.
• St Austell Brewery: Family-owned South West brewer (est. 1851) with a managed pub and hotel estate, brewing flagship Tribute ale. Direct analogue for a family brewer combining regional cask ale production with a managed/tenanted estate.
• Greene King: UK brewer and pub operator founded in 1799, owned by CK Asset Holdings. Operates a large managed and tenanted pub estate (~2,600 sites) alongside brewing (IPA, Abbot Ale, Old Speckled Hen), making it the closest large-scale UK analogue to Shepherd Neame's integrated brewing-and-pubco model.
• Wadworth Brewery: Wiltshire-based independent family brewer (est. 1875) operating 200+ tenanted and managed pubs alongside brands such as 6X and Horizon. Closely comparable on family ownership, regional cask ale focus and integrated pub estate.
• Timothy Taylor: Independent Yorkshire family brewer (est. 1858) of Landlord and other cask ales, supplying both its own small pub estate and trade customers. Comparable on family ownership, cask ale specialism and PGI/award-recognised heritage.
• Charles Wells (now Bedford-based Wells & Co.): Independent family brewer (est. 1876) of Eagle, Bombardier and Young's range, with a tenanted and managed pub estate. Comparable on family-owned brewing-hospitality integration, though with a wider national footprint.
• Adnams Brewery: Independent family brewer and hospitality group (est. 1872) based in Southwold, Suffolk. Combines brewing with hotels, pubs and inns in East Anglia — a comparable regional, family-owned brewing-hospitality model, albeit at smaller scale.
• Fuller, Smith & Turner's Griffin Brewery: London-based family brewer (est. 1845) operating Fuller, Smith & Turner's managed pub estate alongside brands like London Pride and ESB. Comparable in scale, regionality, cask ale heritage and family ownership profile.
• Robinson's Brewery: Independent family brewer (est. 1838) based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, with a managed and tenanted pub estate across the North West and North Wales. Comparable on family ownership, regional scale and integrated pub/brewery model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/shepherdneame
• YouTubeyoutube.com/shepherdneame
• Facebookfacebook.com/shepherdneame
• Instagraminstagram.com/shepherdneame
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shepherd-neame-ltd

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shepherd Neame