Breweries & Distilleries

Breweries in South East England

During the 15th century, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire have been among the main hop-growing counties in the country.  A survey in  the year 1577 showed there was at least one pub for every 187 people in the UK.  Today there are around 120 breweries and 25 gin distilleries in South East England,  this number continually grows with the development of mircobreweries and mircodistilleries.  These produce craft beers and craft gins and are often independantly owned and typically produce small amounts of beer, gin or other alcoholic beverages at a time. 

The South East is home to some of the best independent breweries in England.  Some offer the chance to take a tour, or to enjoy there products at local associated pubs, others have their own tap rooms, with the smaller ones, only selling online or to walk up customers.  

Tours are also available at The Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham, Surrey, The Windsor and Eton Brewery, Windsor and The Hook Norton Brewery.  The Hook Norton Brewery is situated in the beautiful Cotswold's, Oxfordshire, with a museum and active brewery, that is still powered by a steam engine.  It is the finest example of a Victorian Tower Brewery.

Other breweries in England located in the South East include Ringwood Brewery, New Forest Cider, Oakleaf Brewing Company and the Southwick Brewhouse, which are all located in Hampshire; Rebellion Beer Company and the Chiltern Brewery both in Buckinghamshire; and The Wychwood Brewery in Oxfordshire.

New mirco breweries that have popped up across the South East, include Southsea Brewing Company which can be found inside the historic walls of Southsea Castle.  Pop in to pick up one of their small batch of brews or head to its pub 'The Brewers Tap' within the town. Try the Triple FFF Brewery in Alton and enjoy its outside space, or Fallen Acorn Brewing Gosport or the Flack Manor Brewery, Test Valley.  

Distilleries in South East England

Discover the delights of South East’s distilleries, whether you just want to take a tour and discover how gin is made, or take part in a masterclass, there are a host of exciting venues for you to experience.

Based at Laverstoke Mill in rural Hampshire, just 15 miles from Winchester and 10 miles from Basingstoke, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is home to every drop of Bombay Sapphire Gin produced around the world.  Set in a conservation area, the site is home to over 1000 years of history.  Offering both virtual and in person tours and tastings and gin masterclasses, you can choose to enjoy from home or as part of a visit.

Founded in the spring of 2014, and licenced later that year, Silent Pool Distillers was set up with the vision of creating hand-crafted, premium spirits with uncompromising quality. Located in the beautiful Surrey Hills, near Guildford, you can enjoy distillery tours, artisan tasting days and walking tours all whilst delving into the history and processes behind the gin making.  They have also recently created a unique Hever Castle blend to sell exclusively on the estate..

Visit the only distillery licensed on the Isle of Wight - Isle of Wight Distillery, home to Mermaid Gin, Mermaid Salt Vodka, and rum. Take a tour or visit the Mermaid Bar (outside terrace available) located on the outskirts of Ryde in the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside. 

Smaller distilleries in and around the region include Brighton Gin, Brighton, Test Valley Gin, Wessex Spirits and River Test Distillery, Test Valley.

So next time you’re longing for a tipple or you want to try a new taste or experience, why don't you try a 'Made in the South East' locally brewed or distilled product and show your support for the independent producers of South East England!

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