Kent’s fertile soil and temperate climate have nurtured hops for centuries, earning it the “Garden of England” moniker. In fact, legend has it that the first English hop garden sprouted near Canterbury in 1520, kickstarting a love affair with this essential beer ingredient.
Before diving into the contemporary craft scene, a visit to Scotney Castle and its historic hop farm is a must. This charming 14th-century castle, nestled amidst picturesque gardens, boasts the only working hop farm in the National Trust. Step back in time and experience the rich tradition of hop picking, a once-vital part of Kent’s agricultural heritage. Imagine families coming down from bustling London each year to enjoy the countryside air and lend a hand in the harvest.
Today, the legacy of Kent hops lives on in our vibrant craft beer scene. From cosy pubs pouring cask ales to modern taprooms showcasing the latest brewing wizardry, the town offers a tapestry of flavours for every palate. So, grab your trusty glass and prepare to embark on a beery adventure through this hoppy haven!
The best craft beer & real ale pubs in Royal Tunbridge Wells
The Pantiles Tap
This traditional pub in the heart of The Pantiles is ‘serious about brilliant beer’. Expect a warm welcome, roaring fires, and a carefully curated selection of cask ales and craft beers, always including a local tipple with six new cask ales and eight new kegs beers introduced weekly.
Visit Tunbridge Wells’ Micro-Breweries
There are breweries catering to every palate and thirst for adventure in Tunbridge Wells!
Traditionalists will find solace at Fonthill Brewery, where time-honoured brewing methods yield classic cask ales and bitters like their signature “Good Morning Captain.” The cosy taproom, housed in the converted stables, is the perfect spot to savour a pint and soak up the friendly atmosphere. Fonthill pride themselves on selling ultra local, low carbon beer brewed weekly just a few metres away. Can you get any fresher than that?
For those seeking a more contemporary twist, Pig & Porter delivers. This award-winning microbrewery is renowned for its experimental spirit, crafting a diverse range of IPAs, saisons, and porters that push the boundaries of flavour. The brewery is only open on selected dates throughout the year but widely available at pubs in Royal Tunbridge Wells.
And no Tunbridge Wells brewery tour is complete without a visit to Cellar Head near Lamberhurst. This family-run gem prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients to create fresh, flavourful beers. Their taproom, housed in a former bakery, is a lively hub for beer lovers, offering brewery tours, live music, and a rotating selection of cask ales and keg beers. Having special relationships with local hop farmers, Cellar Head also produce limited, small batch beers from time to time using exceptionally rare or trial hops, usually less than 300 bottles or even just a single cask. When they’re gone, they’re gone!
So, whether you’re a seasoned hop-head or a curious newcomer, Tunbridge Wells has a brewery waiting to tantalise your taste buds. Grab your friends, raise a glass, and embark on your own beery adventure.
More craft beer to explore around Tunbridge Wells.
This is just the beginning of your hoppy adventure in Tunbridge Wells. With pubs like Ragged Trousers, Sussex Arms, and Sankey’s offering their own unique charm and brews, every sip promises a new discovery. Do not miss the annual Real Ale & Cider festival at the Spa Valley Railway, sample from 100’s of beers & real ale while being surrounded by steam train. A truly unique experience! And for those willing to venture a little further, The Halfway House in Brenchley and Larkins Ale House in Cranbrook are well worth the trip.
So, raise a glass to Tunbridge Wells, where the spirit of the Garden of England meets the passion of the craft beer revolution. Remember, responsible drinking is always encouraged. Cheers to hoppy adventures and unforgettable flavours!
