Swale

Campaign for Real Ale

Campaign for Real Ale

Locale

CAMRA’s LocAle initiative promotes pubs stocking locally brewed real ale in order to reduce the number of ‘beer miles’ from brewery to pub cellar in response to growing consumer demand for quality local produce.

About LocAle

About LocAle Launched in 2007 by CAMRA’s Nottingham branch, CAMRA branches around the country now award accreditation to pubs that regularly stock at least one real ale. The pub can then advertise their participation by posting the window sticker in their pubs.
Some of the benefits of stocking locally produced real ale in local pubs include:

  • pubs can attract more visitors through their doors, including tourists seeking out distinctive local products.
  • consumers can enjoy greater beer choice and diversity.
  • brewers are supported with increased sales, creating more local jobs.
  • more money is generated and spent locally, increasing the resilience of the local economy.

We give a guideline definition of ‘local’ as a brewery within a 30 mile radius of the pub, but CAMRA branches can choose what distance they use. After all, local means something very different in central London, than in the Scottish highlands!

If you know of any pubs in our branch area that stock local ales, or if any of the ones listed below no longer stock any on a regular basis, please visit our contacts page to let us know.

  • Faversham
    • Elephant 31 The Mall Faversham ME13 8JN Telephone(01795) 590157

      Close to Faversham railway station; two-roomed traditional pub with a function room at the back which has been the subject of some serious renovation and tastefully extended. The Landlord, a former member of the 'Senior Service' hence the numerous wall pictures, prides himself on serving a range of real ale; occasionally including a beer allowed to mature in the cellar. The pub has received numerous CAMRA awards consistently over the years. The Elephant hosts local clubs and occasional live music. A walled garden at the back and a log fire mean this is a good pub to visit at any time of the year. Fine hanging Pub Sign now after many years restored to its rightful place. Local CAMRA branch Pub of the Year 2023.

    • Shipwrights Arms Hollowshore Faversham ME13 7TU Telephone(01795) 590088

      Remote 300-year-old family-run free house with a jolly welcoming old style host, young and old, a good pub to relax in after a 45-minute walk across the marshes from Faversham. The wooden-clad building’s interior reflects its nautical heritage, with many associated ornaments and pictures on display or tucked into nooks and crannies. It is popular with walkers off the Saxon Shore Way and boat owners from the adjacent boatyard. The large garden at the rear is open Spring-Autumn, with outside seating out front all seasons. In severe winter weather telephone to check opening times as hours may vary. Dog-friendly. Always check website or Facebook page for up-to-date hours and times for food before making the journey.

  • Lower Halstow
    • Three Tuns The Street Lower Halstow ME9 7DY Telephone(01795) 842840

      True family village pub with friendly, cheerful atmosphere and lively conversation. A range of mainly local Kentish ales and a local cider on handpump. Further local cider is served straight from the barrel. Kent Curious Brew craft lager is available on keg. It does a quirky range of bar snacks, has an award for best pub chips, and a local reputation for excellent food. Events are held throughout the year including a beer and music festival in the summer (see website). A function room, games room, log fires, sofa seating, brick walls and beams add character. It has a large garden with stream side decking. Food hours shown are for Bar and garden tables; a restaurant menu is also available. Swale CAMRA branch Pub of the Year 2022 and 2024.

  • Lynsted
    • Black Lion The Street Lynsted ME9 0RJ Telephone(01795) 521229

      Welcoming free house with two Goacher's beers available plus occasional guest ales. A true village local offering ales well known for their quality, open fires, meals prepared on the premises and with large lawned gardens. A function room is available on the first floor for up to approximately 45 people. Homely atmosphere and usually good conversation add to the atmosphere. The pub is a brisk 30 minutes walk from Teynham railway station.

  • Queenborough
    • Admiral's Arm West Street Queenborough ME11 5AD Telephone(01795) 668598

      A three room micropub which opened on Trafalgar day 21st October 2016. Four real ales sold through handpumps, along with a large range of 12 or more ciders/perries on gravity dispense, all from a temperature-controlled room. Ale can be served on gravity dispense from the cellar an extensive range of gins and pub snacks from an extensive menu. The décor is mainly lifeboat and nautical themed. Kent CAMRA regional & branch 2019 Pub of the Year.

  • Sittingbourne
    • Paper Mill 2 Charlotte Street Sittingbourne ME10 2JN Telephone07927 073584

      Micropub located close to Sittingbourne station. One room with wooden bench seating set around breweriana adorned walls and solid woodblock tables. The emphasis here is on beer and conversation. Warm welcome and a community focus make the Paper Mill a popular to meet. Beer and cider kept in temperature controlled stillage room with viewing windows located at the rear. The friendly hosts regularly host meet the brewer events, and source a good range of interesting national beers. Provides paper lists of keg and canned beers available. LOCAL CAMRA BRANCH PUB OF THE YEAR 2015, 2016 and 2017. Highly Commended 2018 and 2019.

  • Stalisfield Green
    • Plough Inn Stalisfield Road Stalisfield Green ME13 0HY Telephone(01795) 890256

      Historic multi-roomed pub in an attractive setting on the North Downs. Beers are from Kent's microbreweries such as Kent, and Goacher's and Musket from Maidstone feature on a rotating basis, along with local cider. The extensive and interesting menu offers locally sourced produce. The pub has a large family-friendly garden. The 660 bus from Faversham (not Sundays) is infrequent, but may be of use and stops outside the pub.