East India Arms

02/06/2026

Shepherd Neame was proud to be among the sponsors for the Rotary Charity Dragon Boat Challenge in Chatham Maritime for the first time – and a team from our nearby pub, The Ship & Trades, also took part.

The team joined 35 others for the challenge, sporting Iron Wharf t-shirts for their first foray into racing. They also raised almost £20,000 for a series of charities through raffles and other fundraising activities in the lead-up to the event.

Held on the waterfront next to the pub, the challenge coincided with the Medway Food and Drink Festival.

General Manager Chris Abnett said: “The team had a great time and we had the support of regulars and our fellow team members from The Millers Arms and The The Royal Hotel.

“We look forward to next year and hope to beat 16th place!”

The race itself, which is organised by the Medway Sunlight Rotary Club, raises funds for a variety of Rotary charities and has raised more than £100,000 over the past 10 years.

Bill Parkinson from the club said: “The day went really well – a very hot day, but no-one capsized!

“We do not have a final figure for our fundraising yet, but it is not all about fundraising – we are supporting the local community, letting people see what Rotary is about and above all having fun – and I think that we achieved all of those in abundance!”

Well done to everyone who took part 💪

01/06/2026

✈️ Please fasten your seatbelts, we’re about to land at stop #4 of the Sheps Burger World Tour 2026...

The Seoul-ful Smash

Our South Korean-inspired sharing tray for 2 features a buttermilk chicken burger with gochujang mayo & Napa slaw, a smash beef burger with sesame bulgogi glazed onions & kimchi slaw, sticky chicken wings, and kimchi loaded fries

Bold flavours, sweet heat, on a tray built for sharing

Available from 1st June – 30th June

Boarding is now open. Who’s coming with us? View participating pubs via the link in our bio

31/05/2026

Raise a glass — our new cocktail menu has arrived!

To celebrate, we’re treating you to a complimentary Provence Paloma Spritz*

Created with Fever‑Tree and Bacardi, this refreshing blend of White Grape & Apricot Soda, English Garden Rosé, St‑Germain Elderflower Liqueur and Patrón Tequila is the perfect start to summer.

Our menu is filled with seasonal favourites, from the Tropical Spritz to Rosé Sangria and the ever‑loved Passion Fruit Martini.

Join us this summer and sip something unforgettable.

Sign up here to receive yours: snea.me/summerdrinks26

31/05/2026

We're giving away two pairs of tickets to the East Bridge Concert Orchestra’s Sea Symphony concert this summer 🎟️

The concert, sponsored by Shepherd Neame and directed by Benedict Preece, will see the orchestra and soloists perform Ralph Vaughn Williams’ celebrated works at the University of Kent’s Colyer-Fergusson Hall in Canterbury on Sunday, July 12 at 6pm.

To be entered into our prize draw for tickets, please email [email protected] by Friday, June 12.

Find out more here: https://thegulbenkian.co.uk/events/eastbridge-chorale-ralph-vaughan-williams-a-sea-symphony/

29/05/2026

Have you tried Fresh Dawn yet? 🍑☀️🍺

Bursting with juicy raspberry notes and smooth apricot flavours, our limited-edition fruit lager is brewed to deliver a perfectly balanced pint that’s light, crisp, and exceptionally refreshing. 💧

Made for sunny beer gardens, long weekends, and summer evenings with friends. ☀️

Available now in selected Shepherd Neame pubs.

Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried it yet!

28/05/2026

Final boarding call for El Grande Fuego… departing 31st May 🌶️✈️🍔

Burger lovers, this is your last chance to take a trip to Mexico on the Sheps Burger World Tour before El Grande Fuego leaves the menu for good.

Turn up the heat with a juicy pork burger topped with lime crema, jalapeño relish and crackling, or dive into a smoky beef burger stacked with cheese, chipotle mayo and chilli jam. Served with loaded nachos, stuffed jalapeños & fresh corn salsa on the side.

Grab your tray, collect your stamps, and spice things up before this destination closeson 31st May!🔥

Find out more & participating pubs: https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/sheps-world-burger-tour

27/05/2026

Make the most of the sunshine while it’s here ☀️🍻

Whether it’s a crisp pint in a beer garden, dinner al fresco with friends, or golden hour drinks overlooking the coast, now’s the time to make the most of those long summer evenings while they’re here.

Good company, fresh air, and your favourite pub - British summertime was made for moments like these! 🏖️

27/05/2026

We are cheering on The Wharf Pub Supervisor Michaela Hill as she prepares to represent England in the FIFG FootGolf World Championship in Acapulco, Mexico, this week 🏆

Michaela, who has worked at The Wharf since 2024, is currently ranked among the top three players on the England FootGolf Tour. She recently helped the England squad secure victory at the Four Nations tournament in Wales and competed in the Jansen Cup in 2022 in Florida.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, FootGolf combines the rules and format of golf with football. In Michaela's words: “It’s basically golf, but you kick a football and the holes are bigger!”

Michaela will be competing against players from all over the world in the Individual category while in Mexico. We wish her the best of luck for the tournament! 🤞

26/05/2026

We held our annual Pub Awards last week with hundreds from across London and the South East gathering to celebrate exceptional achievements in our estate of 286 pubs.

With a total of 16 awards presented, The Spitfire at Kings Hill took the top spot, being named Pub of the Year.

Other awards included Tenanted Pub of the Year which went to The Coastguard in St Margaret’s Bay and Managed Business of the Year going to The Duke of Wellington in Belgravia.

Best Accommodation Offer went to The Woolpack Inn Chilham, with Best Wine Offer being collected by The Sportsman and Best Beer Offer going to The Mackland Arms in Rainham.

The Heart of the Community Award was presented to Tim and Lacey Stowell of The Market Inn, Faversham for a series of community fundraising efforts while individual awards also went to Josh Lane of The George Hotel, who won Apprentice of the Year and Aura Bodian of The White Horse & Bower who received New Manager of the Year.

Our Chief Executive, Jonathan Neame, said: "“These awards are a great opportunity to recognise and thank our team members and licensees for their incredible dedication and hard work in delivering exceptional experiences for our customers. Their commitment to their communities is at the heart of everything we do.”

You can see all the awards here: https://snea.me/pub-awards-2026

Congratulations to all our winners and a huge thank you to all our pub teams for everything they do! 🎉

26/05/2026

It’s half term, so why not treat your kids to a meal from our Little Shepherds menu? 😋

Our tasty menu offers classic favourites, such as fish and chips, cheese and tomato pizza and juicy beef burgers, and it comes with an A4 activity sheet to keep the little ones busy.

Prices start from just £8 for a main course, plus a donation from every two-course meal goes to our Charity of the Year, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex.

The menu is available across our managed pubs and hotels. Find out more here: https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/little-shepherds

24/05/2026

Celebrate National Wine Day with a glass of English Garden 🍷💐

Crafted with Kent-grown grapes from Balfour Winery’s Hush Heath Estate, our White and Rosé wines are made for sunny afternoons and Bank Holiday toasts.

So if you’re making the most of the long weekend, pop into the pub and raise a glass with us this National Wine Day 🍇

23/05/2026

Meet Fresh Dawn! 🍑☀️🍺

Our limited-edition fruit lager is back for summer - now with a fresh new name, fresh new look, and an even more refreshing recipe.

Bursting with juicy raspberry and mellow apricot flavours, Fresh Dawn balances bright fruitiness with a light malt character for a crisp, refreshing finish. Best enjoyed in the sunshine this bank holiday weekend. ☀️

Available in selected Shepherd Neame pubs!

22/05/2026

The bank holiday weekend is almost here and, with temperatures set to soar, it couldn’t have come at a better time ☀️

Our charming pub gardens are the perfect place to sit back with a cold pint, share some seasonal light bites with friends and soak up the sunny vibes 🍻

Find out more about some of our stunning Shepherd Neame beer gardens here: https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/pub-gardens

20/05/2026

Last orders before the Bank Holiday 🍻

Stock up on your favourite Shepherd Neame beers, lagers and gifts before the long weekend begins.

Order from our online shop by 12pm tomorrow for shipping before the weekend 📦

Shop now: shop.shepherdneame.co.uk/

17/05/2026

Last orders before the long weekend 🍻

From classic ales to refreshing lagers and perfect gift options, we’ve got everything you need to make your bank holiday celebrations extra special.

Don’t miss out! Order by noon, Thursday 21 May for delivery in time to celebrate.

Order here: https://shop.shepherdneame.co.uk/

16/05/2026

A classic never goes out of style…

Have you tried an Old Fashioned before? Rich, smooth, and built around whisky - it’s a true staple for a reason, and what better day to try it than World Whiskey Day.

You’ll find it on our cocktail menu, ready and waiting for your next visit.

So, are you sticking with a classic or trying something new?

15/05/2026

We are delighted to be among the sponsors for this weekend’s Faversham Festival of Transport 🚘

This year’s event takes place tomorrow (Saturday, May 16) and Sunday, May 17 in the town centre and features a huge display of classic cars, buses, steam engines and iconic motors from TV and film.

There’s also live music, market stalls, food and drink, exhibitions, children’s entertainment and, on Sunday, a collection of vintage Shepherd Neame vehicles will be on display.

To find out more, visit the festival’s page.

We hope to see you there!

15/05/2026

A huge congratulations to Will Arnold of The Restoration and James Dench of Bucks Head who have raised more than £14,500 for our Charity of the Year, Air Ambulance Charity Kent Surrey Sussex.

The pair, who hosted the fundraiser at Knole Park Golf Club in Sevenoaks on May 7, brought together 15 teams to compete for this year’s Sheps Spirit Cup.

The day also involved a raffle and silent auction with fabulous prizes, such as an overnight stay at a Shepherd Neame hotel, a Brewery tour and tasting, and a Caribbean holiday house, kindly donated by one of the regulars at The Restoration.

There was also an additional competition held on the 14th hole to raise money for Rochester Cathedral Music & Wellbeing For Children & Young People in honour of James’ late mother, Vivienne Dench.

Well done to everyone involved for organising such a fantastic event and raising an incredible amount of money for charity! 🎉

13/05/2026

Today we’re at The Spitfire, Kings Hill for our 2026 Summer Showcase!
We’re thrilled to have our Executive Chef, Gareth Finney, here to introduce our Shepherd Neame dining experiences.
Get ready for fresh flavours, seasonal favourites, and a taste of what’s to come this summer. ☀️🍴

12/05/2026

We know our pubs are more than just places to eat and drink - they’re places to connect, share stories and feel part of a community.

That’s why supporting mental health and tackling loneliness is so important to us. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re proud to highlight a brilliant initiative making a real difference.

Empty Chairs is a community-led campaign that creates welcoming pub spaces where no one has to sit alone. Across London and the South East, we encourage hosts to make use of our spaces and simply save a seat at the table.

One of our fantastic tenants, The Blue Anchor, is already taking part, helping to create those all-important moments of connection in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. Join them on Friday, 22 May at 7 pm.

Pull up a chair and join the conversation. 💙

👉 emptychairs.org.uk/get-involved/

07/05/2026

Asparagus season has begun - and we’re celebrating across our pubs 🌱

Enjoy asparagus specials at selected pubs across our estate, showcasing some of the very best British produce spring has to offer.

All of our asparagus comes from fellow independent Kent family firm . Hand-cut early each morning and immediately chilled for freshness, it’s packed with flavour, quality and goodness.

Rich in vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants, it’s a true seasonal treat - and the perfect excuse to enjoy our limited-time spring dishes.

Find out more about our seasonal asparagus dishes here - http://shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/food/seasonal

02/05/2026

The Rochester Sweeps Festival is back for the Bank Holiday weekend 🎉 - and two of our pubs are right at the heart of the celebrations.

Expect a lively mix of Morris dancers, folk music, street performers and market stalls filling the streets around Rochester Castle and the High Street, starting today and running to Bank Holiday Monday.

A warm welcome is guaranteed at The Royal Crown, just a short stroll from the main stage near the castle, or soak up the atmosphere at the historic The Two Brewers on the High Street.

Join us for a fantastic weekend of music, tradition and great pub hospitality 🍻

Find out more at https://www.medway.gov.uk/sweepsfestival

01/05/2026

Meet the new perfect partner for your pint!

We have collaborated with fellow independent business, Kent Crisps, to launch a bold new crisp flavour showcasing our very own Iron Wharf Stout.

The new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps pair savoury notes of brisket with the roasted malt character of our dark, ruby-tinted nitro stout.

Iron Wharf takes its name from Faversham’s historic wharf where thousands of vessels were once crafted and launched, and the new product also celebrates Kent’s maritime heritage, with HMS Cavalier - located at Historic Dockyard Chatham - featured on the front of the packet.

To mark the collaboration, an official launch took place onboard HMS Gannet at Historic Dockyard Chatham this week, where invited guests from across the food, drink and hospitality sectors, alongside several Naval veterans, gathered to celebrate the coming together of three iconic Kent brands.

Shepherd Neame Chief Executive, Jonathan Neame, said: “At Shepherd Neame, we’re passionate about creating beers that reflect both our heritage and our spirit of innovation, so collaborating with Kent Crisps on this new flavour has been a natural fit.

“Iron Wharf Stout was inspired by Faversham’s shipbuilding past, and it’s been exciting to see its rich, roasted character brought to life in a completely new way.

“This partnership is a great example of how local producers can come together to create something distinctive that celebrates the very best of Kent.”

Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps are available now in selected Shepherd Neame pubs. Find out more here: https://bit.ly/4tbkrL3

01/05/2026

Calling all burger lovers, The gate for your flight to Mexico is now open… passports at the ready ✈️🍔

This month on the Sheps Burger World Tour, we’re bringing bold heat and big flavour.

A juicy pork burger with lime crema, jalapeño relish & crackling, Plus a smoky beef burger stacked with cheese, chipotle mayo & chilli jam. Served with loaded nachos, stuffed jalapeños & fresh corn salsa on the side.

Grab your tray, collect your stamps, and spice things up 🌶️

This month we’re giving you the chance to visit twice to make up for missed stamps or get ahead of the game 🛂

Book your table now and don’t miss your boarding call!

Click the link for more information and participating pubs https://www.shepherdneame.co.uk/pubs/sheps-world-burger-tour

01/05/2026

Looking forward to the Bank Holiday weekend? Join us at one of our coastal pubs for seaside views and relaxed dining. There’s no better place to be than by the sea ☀️🌊

Head to our pub finder to choose your perfect spot: pubs.shepherdneame.co.uk

13/01/2026

Forget the winter blues and those gloomy rainy days! 🌧️ Dive into the warmth of a cozy pub where a refreshing pint of Singha awaits! 🍻 Let’s toast to sunshine, good vibes, and holidays just around the corner. The best cure for those winter woes is laughter with friends and a cold drink in hand. Join us for some fun times while dreaming of sunnier days ahead! ☀️🥳

15/12/2025

03/12/2025

‘Tis the season to be jolly at East India Arms! 🎄✨ Our bar is all decked out with festive decorations, and our amazing team is rocking their Christmas jumpers—just check out the knitwear game! We’ve got our delicious Christmas Ale (Cask & Bot) in stock, ready to warm you up from the inside out. So, gather your mates and join us for a pint or two as we spread holiday cheer. Let’s make this December one to remember—filled with laughter, good vibes, and lots of cheer! Cheers to the holidays! 🍻🎉 Ale -Neame

28/10/2025

As the days become shorter, autumn is awakening. This can only mean one thing: Shepherd Neame favourite Late Red is back. Proving to be very popular, join us for a pint.
Complex and full-flavoured, this seasonal ale forges the perfect balance between rich, dark malt flavours and a citrussy hop finish. It blends pale ale malt and gently-kilned crystal malt with UK Cascade and Goldings hops. To enhance its taste and aroma, the beer is triple-hopped, with a late copper addition of Goldings and Kentish Cascade, giving hints of toffee, tropical fruit and a peppery finish.

06/10/2025

🍺 🍷 Many congratulations to The Steel Yard at All Hallows Lane (Overall Winner), Forge Bar on Cornhill (Runner Up), 1 Lombard Street (Best Safety Initiative) and East India Arms on Fenchurch Street (Best Community Contribution), who have taken home their winners’ gongs from the Safety Thirst Awards. 🎉🏆

The awards are given to licensed cafes, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants, and events venues across the Square Mile that have signed up to the City of London Corporation’s scheme.

A record 78 licensed venues in the Square Mile - the highest figure ever - were accredited for this year’s awards. The awards promote high standards in reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, while helping to ensure a safe and pleasant environment for people to socialise in. 🍽️ 🧉

‘Safety Thirst’ supports Destination City, the City Corporation’s growth strategy for the Square Mile. Attracting businesses, workers, and visitors will ensure the City of London continues to play a leading role in driving London’s and UK’s economy.

15/09/2025

The East India Arms in Fenchurch Street, London has won the Best Community Contribution award at the City of London Safety Thirst Awards.

The award recognised the pub’s contribution to both the City in Bloom, a horticultural initiative to improve London's environment run by The Worshipful Company of Gardeners, and the Community Toilet Scheme, which allows the public to use toilets in participating sites during their opening hours.

Bob Benton, Manager at the East India Arms, who received the award from John Fletcher, Deputy Chairman, City of London Corporation Licensing Committee (pictured above), said: “‘I have had the pleasure of running the East India Arms for 20 years and it gave me enormous pride to win the Safety Thirst Best Community Contribution Award.

“We are an historic beacon in the ever-growing Eastern Cluster of the City of London. With the support of Shepherd Neame and a great team working with me we thrive on serving a great range of beers to workers, tourists and the local community.”

The Safety Thirst scheme is a City of London Corporation initiative, run in partnership with City of London Police and the London Fire Brigade, to promote safety and good practices in licensed venues within the Square Mile.

15/09/2025

Celebrate Cask Ale Week starting September 18th at the East India Arms - Shepherd Neame! We're thrilled to bring back our seasonal favourite, Late Red Cask Ale. This full-flavored brew perfectly balances rich dark malts with a refreshing citrussy hop finish. Crafted with a blend of pale ale malt and crystal malt, it features UK Cascade and Goldings hops for an elevated taste. Don't miss out on this crimson-copper autumn delight available from today! Cheers!

01/09/2025

Autumn is creeping in, but your dream holiday is still calling! 🍂🇹🇭 Join us for a crisp pint of Singha, keep that receipt, and you could WIN a trip to Thailand! 🌴 It's the perfect way to brighten up those cooler days. Cheers to adventure and making memories! Don’t miss out on this fab chance—let’s make it a win-win! 🥳🍻 -neeame

18/08/2025

We are keeping things cool this summer with our latest limited edition cask ale, Coast Drifter Cold IPA.

Coast Drifter (3.8%) is the first Cold IPA - a pale ale that has been fermented at a colder temperature than usual – created by our brewing team.

It boasts a delicate malt base and fruity hop forward aroma and flavour, thanks to its Saaz, Centennial and Amarillo hops. The colder brewing process better captures the hops’ citrus notes with hints of floral and spice, delivering a refreshing, easy drinking IPA.

08/08/2025

FIVE OF OUR BEERS WIN BRITISH BOTTLERS' INSTITUTE AWARDS.
We are delighted to reveal that five of our beers have received awards at this year’s national drinks industry awards from the British Bottlers’ Institute (BBI).

Our 1698 (6.5%) and Spitfire Amber Ale (4.2%) received gold for taste, topping the Ale 6.0-7.4% and 4.0-4.4% categories.

Shepherd Neame’s India Pale Ale (6.1%) was awarded a silver medal in the IPA 5.5-7.4% category.

Two others received Diplomas – Singha (4.8%), the original Thai beer, which we began importing in 2019 before brewing under license for the UK market in 2022, while Whitstable Bay Pale Ale (4%) received a Diploma for its fresh new eye-catching packaging design which was officially unveiled last month.

05/08/2025

Celebrate the holidays with a refreshing pint of Singha in hand! Gather your friends, indulge in good vibes, and make unforgettable memories. Cheers to holiday fun! 🍻

16/07/2025

Get ready for summer sips! ☀️ Whitstable Bay is sporting a fresh new look to complement our refreshing Cask Ale. Perfectly chilled and bursting with flavor, it’s the champion pint you need on a hot day! 🍻 Come toast to sunny adventures in the City!