Britain’s Oldest Brewer, Shepherd Neame, Sets Sail on a Refreshing New Look for its Whitstable Bay Collection

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame has unveiled a fresh new look for its award-winning Whitstable Bay collection of beers.

Named after the Kentish coastal town of Whitstable, near Shepherd Neame’s historic brewery in Faversham, the range was first launched more than a decade ago.

The new eye-catching hand-drawn illustration offers a dynamic reimagining of the brand’s design, which was last refreshed back in 2019.

It still has at its heart the brewer’s much-loved landmark Whitstable pub The Old Neptune, nestled against the shoreline. A beacon of history and community, it stands proudly on the beach while a graceful sailing barge and classic Whitstable yawl glide across the waters – each a symbol of the town’s rich maritime heritage.

A bright new colour scheme has been introduced as a nod to Whitstable’s colourful beach huts, along with contemporary patterns including blue and white stripes reminiscent of seaside deckchairs.

The new-look range consists of Whitstable Bay Pale Ale, available on draught and keg, in 440ml can and 500ml bottle, and Whitstable Bay Lager, available on keg and in 330ml bottle.

Brewed with aromatic Challenger and Styrian Goldings hops, Whitstable Bay Pale Ale is perfectly balanced with fresh pine notes and a touch of sweet malt for a crisp, thirst-quenching ale.

Whitstable Bay Lager combines Challenger, Centennial and Saaz hops with Lager and Crystal malts to create a pale, refreshing lager with spicy overtones and the scent of fresh flowers.

In addition to introducing the new design on the pump clip, keg lens and bottle label, stylish new glassware has been created featuring elements of the new design including the blue stripes.

Shepherd Neame’s Director of Marketing and Communications, Kathryn Tye, said: “We are delighted to unveil a refreshing new look for our popular Whitstable Bay collection.

“We are confident that this contemporary design development really brings the brand story to life, and will encourage current drinkers to rediscover Whitstable Bay while inviting new drinkers to set sail with our award-winning collection.”

Shepherd Neame partnered with global creative partner, Thirst, to deliver the new look for the beer.

Matt Burns, Executive Creative Director & Co-Founder at Thirst, said: "Whitstable Bay has such a strong sense of place, and we wanted to capture the dynamism, energy and freshness through this modernised redesign.

“We’re proud to continue our partnership with Shepherd Neame - this redesign is just the latest step in building something special together."

This is the fourth brand launch from Britain’s oldest brewer this year, following the successful rebrand of its popular First Drop Session IPA (4.3%), alongside two new permanent beers for drinkers to enjoy: Iron Wharf Stout (4%) and Creekside Juicy IPA (4%).

For more information about Shepherd Neame’s award-winning range of beers visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk/beer 

ENDS

Note to editors

Whitstable Bay Pale Ale is available in cask (3.9% ABV), 440ml can, 500ml bottle and keg (4% ABV). Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager is available in keg and 330ml bottle (4.5% ABV).

About Shepherd Neame

Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes the Bear Island and Whitstable Bay collections. It also brews international lagers under licence including premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and 289 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.

Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content on third party websites.

For further information please contact Senior Communications Officer Angela Cole on 01795 542142 or email acole@shepherdneame.co.uk or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk

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