Shepherd Neame has unveiled a partnership with Kent microbrewery Rockin’ Robin.
Rockin Robin, founded in 2011 by brewer Robin Smallbone at his home in Loose in Kent, has taken over the Duke of Edinburgh pub in Barming, near Maidstone, and renamed it Rockin Robin on the Green.
The venture, which is the first of its kind Shepherd Neame has taken on, will see Rockin Robin supply the majority of cask beer. Lagers, wines, spirts and minerals will all come from Shepherd Neame.
Smallbone approached Shepherd Neame about the prospect of taking on the Duke of Edinburgh site following the success of the Beer Barn, a small function area which it opened at its brewery two years ago.
Michelle Gordon, Rockin Robin’s sales manager and Smallbone’s partner of 11 years, said: “Lots of our drinkers wanted to come down to the farm to try our beer, so we decided to open the Beer Barn.
“It gave us the confidence to realise we can diversify, as we have so many supportive followers.”
Shepherd Neame’s director of retail and tenanted operations Nigel Bunting said: “We will be supplying lagers, wines, spirits and minerals, while the majority of cask beer will be supplied by Rockin Robin.
“It is the first time we have undertaken this type of collaboration, but we are excited to be working with an award-winning local microbrewery on this unique project.”
