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Shepherd Neame fan from Hythe plans to visit all Faversham brewery's Kent pubs in one year

A self-confessed 'super fan' of legendary Kent brewery Shepherd Neame plans to visit all its 190 pubs in the county in one year.

Jace Dempster, from Hythe, plans for score every boozer he visits out of 10 and has set a rule that he must down at least half of pint of the Faversham brewery's ale at each.

Jace Dempster has set himself the challenge of visiting all of Shepherd Neame's Kent pubs in a year. Picture: Andy Jones
Jace Dempster has set himself the challenge of visiting all of Shepherd Neame's Kent pubs in a year. Picture: Andy Jones

Starting out at the end of January, the 35-year-old managed to tick off eight in the Herne Bay area in one weekend, and has since visited a total of 35.

"I am very proud that we have Britain’s oldest brewer in our county and am a lover of Shepherd Neame beer," he said.

"Although I've always been an admirer of Shepherd Neame, it wasn't until I did the tour of the brewery in Faversham that I really became a true fan."

On most visits so far he has been accompanied by partner Vanessa, who has agreed to play the role of designated driver in exchange for lunch.

Their baby son Cody is also part of the quest, while daughter Issy, 12, has also joined in at weekends.

Izzy, Vanessa, Cody and Jace at the Kings Head in Hythe. Picture: Andy Jones
Izzy, Vanessa, Cody and Jace at the Kings Head in Hythe. Picture: Andy Jones

Mr Dempster said: "What is great about Shepherd Neame pubs is that there is such a variety. Some of them are really traditional, some are more contemporary, some more like restaurants, and all in a huge range of locations."

So far his favourite visit has been to the Bonny Cravat in Woodchurch, near Ashford, a traditional, family-friendly pub with two large bars and a dining area, plus a cellar tunnel thought to date back to the time of the Reformation.

"I loved the history and feel of the Bonny Cravat, all the tunnels underneath going to the church are amazing," he said.

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