The President of Kent brewers Shepherd Neame Robert Neame, has passed away.
The Morning Advertiser report is here:
I’m not a particular fan of Shepherd’s Neame beer or indeed of the Tory Party of which Neame was a representative.
I’m posting this because he is an interesting example of what was once known as the Beerage- those in brewing with links to the Conservative Party.
The Morning Advertiser report underlines that he was a formidable figure.
Starting with a brewing apprenticeship at some of Europe’s leading breweries he then became a central figure in the family firm.
But not only that,
He also found time to be Tory leader of Kent County Council for a while and have a key role at Kent Country Cricket Club.
He was also the report indicates the man responsible for the development and naming of one of Shepherd Neame’s best known beers- Spitfire. Proceeds went to the RAF Benevolent Fund although the point of sale material was sometimes criticised for its jingoistic character.
In terms of brewing specifically he was one of those who sat on the Monopolies Commission inquiry that led to the Beer Orders and the introduction of guest ales into some pubs.
With the sale of Greene King to a Hong Kong based property company and Fullers brewery to Asahi this year the historic links between the Tory Party and brewing are rather less than they were but Robert Neame is a reminder of the importance they once had.
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