Alright, my friend, grab a pint and settle in – we’re about to take a trip through the history of beer in the UK. Yes, you heard that right! This isn’t any ordinary pub crawl. We’re hitting the oldest breweries, where the air still smells faintly of hops, history, and perhaps a dodgy joke or two. So, let’s raise our glasses to beer brewers who bled hops into their work and made this Englishman’s dream of pints and pasties come true.
Let’s toast to the oldest breweries in the UK, where the tales are rich, and the ales even richer. I recently hopped (pun intended) across various locations, each more charming than the last. Let me take you through my favourite haunts.
1. Shepherd Neame Brewery
Location: Faversham, Kent
Year Established: 1698
First on the list is Shepherd Neame. It’s like stepping into a time machine with beer as your pilot. The place smells of malt and magic. I arrived at the brewery and was instantly greeted by staff who looked like they’ve brewed beer since before the Romans arrived (well, close enough). During the tour, I learned that this brewery is a family affair – their love for hops has spanned generations.
What You Can’t Miss:
Random Thought: Never trust a tour guide who doesn’t seem genuinely excited about beer. You end up wishing you spent that hour at the pub instead!
2. Adnams Brewery
Location: Southwold, Suffolk
Year Established: 1872
Now, if you want to combine gorgeous views with your ale, Adnams Brewery is top-notch. Situated near the beach, you’d almost forget you’re there for the beer. However, let’s be honest – the beer is the real reason.
Highlights:
Off-Topic Ramble: Speaking of scones, I once went to a fancy tea house and ordered Earl Grey. Only to be served the worst cup of tea ever. It tasted like someone used tea leaves that had been parked under a wet bus since last week. Lesson learned: read reviews first.
3. Theakston Brewery
Location: Masham, North Yorkshire
Year Established: 1827
Next, we’re heading up north to Theakston Brewery. This place feels more like a cozy cottage than a brewery, and you’ll find their Old Peculiar ale that will age like fine wine – er, beer.
Highlights:
Oh, and keep an eye out for the Masham sheep – they are adorable and even have a festival dedicated to them! Never thought I’d spend an afternoon discussing sheep at a brewery, but there we were.
4. Fuller’s Brewery
Location: London
Year Established: 1845
Now, if you fancy a bit of history alongside your pints, Fuller’s Brewery is right up your alley. Located in a prime spot in London, it’s a haven for beer lovers and history buffs alike. The tour takes you back through time, starting in their beautiful Victorian brewery.
What To Look Out For:
Each of these breweries has its eccentricities. At Shepherd Neame, for example, look for the crooked sign hanging outside that says “Prohibition”, a tribute to the brewery’s history. How cheeky is that?
Over at Adnams, don’t miss the scent of fresh sea air mingling with hops. If there’s a delicate breeze, you might spot a seagull eyeing your pint. Keep your guard up! They’re relentless little creatures.
And at Theakston, the warm atmosphere feels like a second home, complete with the warm Yorkshire accent that makes you feel like you’re at a family gathering.
Visiting the oldest breweries in the UK is like unearthing hidden treasures that tell tales of our nation’s history and, more importantly, our love affair with beer. Each pint poured is steeped in time, passion, and a sprinkle of cheekiness. From the tales told by the staff to the heartwarming tastes of traditional brews, there’s so much to appreciate.
So, whether you’re a beer expert or just someone looking for a fun, quirky experience, I highly recommend you grab a friend and go for a tour. Who knows, you might even make a new tradition out of it.
Have you ever visited an iconic brewery? What was your favourite tipple? Or did you have a slightly embarrassing mishap like I did (hello, spilled beer on someone’s shoes)? Let’s chat about your brewing adventures below! 🍻
