The establishment of Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham, Kent, in 1698 marks the beginning of what is often referred to as Britain's oldest brewer. The brewery has its roots in a long-standing tradition of hop-growing and brewing in Kent, and it has played a vital role in the local economy. Shepherd Neame continues to produce a variety of beers, maintaining its historical legacy while adapting to modern brewing practices.

The establishment of Shepherd Neame Brewery in 1698 connects English regional identity with local song culture, influencing the themes of rural life in 18th and 19th-century poetry. Poets such as William Cowper often celebrated the pastoral and comic elements of rural existence, reflecting the cultural significance of local brewing traditions.