Local Sourcing

We use local suppliers wherever possible across our business. Up to 90% of seasonal fruit and vegetables on our menus are British, with 75% of seasonal fruit and vegetables from 20 farms in Kent and East Sussex. We only use British free-range eggs, under the Yes Chef quality scheme, and all milk and cream is sourced within Kent.

The core of our cheese is British, including artisan cheeses from three suppliers in Kent. Beef, lamb and pork is UK-sourced where possible and, when in season, we only use UK game.

We offer plant-based dishes on every menu and our chefs only use British-harvested rapeseed oil in cooking.

We source our burger buns from Margate-based bread supplier Speciality Bread, and the majority of our fish comes from Kent supplier Chapmans.

Our focus on local produce has resulted in a reduction of food miles, complemented by the introduction of new lower carbon menu choices such as plant-based burgers.

A total of 98% of the malt supply for our beers is sourced in the UK and 80% of our hops are sourced in Kent. We are passionate about championing home grown wines, including from our Kentish homeland, as we have built successful partnerships with the Gusbourne, Balfour and Simpson Estates.

We are also working with Kent partners on our spirits offer, including the Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham, Anno Distillery in Marden, and the Pleasant Land Distillery near Ashford.

We source our premium range of teas from Britain’s oldest tea merchant, Twinings, and these are 100% ethically sourced.

We launched our own Creekside Coffee in July 2023, teaming up with Greenhithe-based supplier John Street Beverage to create an exclusive Arabica coffee blend using Rainforest Alliance-certified beans, packed in recyclable bags.

We source our still and sparkling bottled water and sparkling pressés locally from Kingsdown, based in Upper Walmer.

The company is committed to environmental and ethical sustainability and has achieved carbon neutral status.

Shepherd Neame’s is accredited by, among others, the BRC (British Retail Consortium) Global Standard for Food Safety and FEMAS (Feed Materials Assurance Scheme).

We hold Soil Association organic accreditation for our award-winning Whitstable Bay Organic Ale, and are the only brewer in the UK to have Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status for our beers, aimed at highlighting regional and traditional food and drink whose authenticity and origin can be guaranteed.

Our beers with PGI status are Spitfire Amber Kentish Ale, Master Brew Kentish Ale, Bishops Finger Kentish Strong Ale, and 1698 Bottle Conditioned Kentish Strong Ale.