is collected and converted into biofuel. Its Water Recovery Plant, installed in 2014, allows the waste water that results from brewing and cleaning to be recycled, rather than sending it to the drain. Along with the Three Tuns Brewery in Shropshire, Shepherd Neame claims to the oldest brewery in Great Britain. Three Tuns was licensed in 1642, 56 years earlier than Shepherd Neame. However, there is evidence that brewing has taken place on the Shepherd Neame site since at least 1573, over a century before the establishment of the current brewery. Brewing and product range The brewery uses chalk-filtered mineral water from the brewery's own artesian well, deep below the brewery, and 93% of the hops used in its beers are grown in Kent. In 2016, its 100-year-old solid oak mash tuns were renovated, with each piece of Burmese teak reshaped around the new stainless steel mash tuns. As well as beer, it also brews international lagers, under licence, including Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and is the sole UK distributor for premium Thai lager Singha. It is also the sole distributor for Angry Orchard Crisp Apple cider, and collaborates with Somerset’s oldest family cider maker Sheppy’s to produce Orchard View Apple Cider. Various Shepherd Neame beers are widely available in UK supermarkets, with Bishop's Finger and Spitfire being the most easily found. Pubs The brewery has 303 pubs and hotels throughout London and South East England, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline. The brewery's own brands are typically given prominence in terms of frontage with extensive branding. All fonts and pumps bear the distinctive logos and branding, glasses are branded and bar runners that advertise the house beers are commonplace. See also Ivo Neame References Sources "Bottle of Britain Campaign" (1997–2005) External links RateBeer Quaffale 1698 establishments in England Breweries in England British Royal Warrant holders Companies based in Kent Buildings and structures in Faversham Tourist attractions in Kent