Brewery licensed as wedding venue

March 30, 2007: It's every beer-lover’s dream — getting married in a brewery. Now Britain's oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, is turning that dream into reality by offering wedding ceremonies and receptions at its brewery in Faversham, Kent.

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	l A bridge and groom kiss in front of the stained glass window at the Shepherd Neame brewery

Bookings are now being taken for weddings and other special occasions in its brewhouse and newly-refurbished visitor centre.

The brewhouse, which accommodates up to 90 guests, features a stunning stained glass window, depicting scenes of hop picking and brewing, as well as a beautiful wooden mash tun where Shepherd Neame’s hand-crafted brews begin.

The visitor centre has an attractive 15th century function room for up to 90 guests, with exposed beams, a superb octagonal crown post and magnificent beer bottle chandelier.

Couples can make the day special by arriving in a brewer’s horse drawn carriage, having photos in the Brewer’s Garden, and being showered with hops instead of confetti.

Shepherd Neame will create a menu using the finest locally-sourced food matched to their range of award-winning ales and wines. There is also the option to offer guests a tour of the brewery between the ceremony and reception.

Guests can drink a toast of bespoke celebration ale, brewed specially for the occasion, with a label featuring the date and the names of the happy couple. Extra bottles can be provided as gifts for friends and relatives who can’t make it to the ceremony, and as a treasured keepsake.

Shepherd Neame’s production and distribution director, Ian Dixon, said: “We’re delighted to be the first brewery in the country to host weddings and hope that couples will join us for their special day. Here they can enjoy a uniquely Kentish wedding at a historic location surrounded by hop fields and with the chance to savour one of our county’s finest products, beer.”

As well as weddings, the brewery also welcomes civil partnerships, baby-naming ceremonies and vow renewals.

For further details about functions at the brewery, visit www.shepherd-neame.co.uk, e-mail weddings@shepherd-neame.co.uk or telephone wedding co-ordinator Karen Baker on 01795 542285 or 07809 781436.