Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has been granted use of the Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles.

Shepherd Neame Spitfire

Royal Warrants are awarded to companies which have regularly supplied goods or services for a minimum of five consecutive years to the Royal household.

The King first granted a Royal Warrant to the brewer in 1998, in his former role as the Prince of Wales, for Grant’s Morella Cherry Brandy. The drink dates back to 1774, and was originally produced by Thomas Grant and Sons in Dover before moving to Maidstone, where it lasted until the 1950s. Shepherd Neame bought the liqueur in 1988.

In 2014, the Prince of Wales gave permission for the Royal Warrant to be used on bottles of Shepherd Neame’s Spitfire Amber Ale.

“We have a long association with the Royal Family, and are incredibly proud to be among the first UK businesses to be awarded a Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III,” said Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame.

“As Britain’s oldest brewer, we take great pride in preserving the traditions of our long brewing heritage, creating quality products using the finest locally sourced ingredients, so it wonderful to have our efforts recognised with this special honour.”