History of the Whitstable Brewery

James Green first became interested iin the possibility of setting up an in-house brewery several years ago, after a visit to the United States, where there is a thriving microbrewery industry. When Barrie Green then happened to read in a national newspaper that the Swale Brewery was up for sale, it seemed like an opportunity that was too good to miss.

The tiny swale brewery at Grafty Green, in the heart of the Kent countryside, was purchased at the end of 2002 from John Davidson, a longtime enthusiast of real ale who had turned professional brewer. He had been producing an average of 200 casks a week and was supplying top London restaurants such as The Ivy and Le Caprice.

Renamed the Whitstable Brewery and partly relocated to the East Quay. With a former Shepherd Neame employee Rafik Abidi brought in to run it the brewery began producing products such as Kentish Lager, IPA, Oyster Stout and many more.

The Whitstable Brewery is now blooming and is always a familiar face at the Faversham Hop Festival, Whitstable Beer Festival and Canterbury Beer Festival.

Apart from the novelty value of being able to offer our own beers in the restaurants, it means that we are now, to an even greater extent, self-sufficient." says James, adding with a smile: "All we need now is our own vineyard!"

- James Green; Director