If you enjoy reading please consider “buying me a pint”, this will help to cover my hosting and image hosting and help to ensure further trips can go ahead!
BUY ME A PINT
Local Beer Culture in Sevenoaks, Swanley, Tonbridge, and Tunbridge Wells
Swanley started out as a tiny farming village but expanded quickly when the railway came in the 19th century. Sevenoaks, which has roots going back to the 13th century, evolved into a market town and eventually became a commuter hotspot. Tonbridge grew up around a Norman castle built after the 1066 conquest, thriving thanks to river trade and industry. Tunbridge Wells became a trendy spa town in the 17th century after its chalybeate spring was discovered. All four towns in Kent have contributed to regional trade, transport, and social progress, combining their historical appeal with modern development and easy access to London.
The Cotton Mill Micro Pub in Swanley, which opened its doors in June 2018 thanks to Dave and Sasha Miller, turned an old restroom into a lively spot dedicated to local craft beers. Over in Sevenoaks, the South Park Tap made its debut in May 2023, featuring a welcoming vibe and unique décor in what used to be a café. In Tunbridge Wells, the Allkin Tap & Bottle opened in 2023, serving as a community-focused taproom for Allkin Brewery and promoting inclusivity. Meanwhile, Fuggles Beer Cafés, founded by Alex Greig, have been delighting customers in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge since 2013 and 2017, respectively, offering a fantastic range of British and European beers while blending the feel of a traditional pub with a café atmosphere.
The Cotton Mill
My first visit in Kent is to The Cotton Mill Micro Pub in Swanley. This boasts a fascinating backstory that showcases the community vibe and entrepreneurial spirit of its founders. Launched in June 2018, this pub was brought to life by Dave and Sasha Miller who turned an old public restroom into a lively micropub. This creative transformation not only breathed new life into a neglected space but also gave the town its fourth licensed venue.
The adventure of opening The Cotton Mill kicked off when Dave Miller stumbled upon the old toilet block listed as an office space. Seeing its potential, he and his partner worked with Sevenoaks Council to secure the location. With experience managing pubs in London, they rolled up their sleeves and invested money in renovations to create a friendly atmosphere focused on local craft beers.
Inside, the pub is both cosy and quirky, with comfy seating that promotes a welcoming vibe. The décor is filled with local memorabilia, adding to its unique charm. The layout encourages socialising without the distraction of TVs, allowing guests to enjoy board games and darts in a relaxed setting. Recently updated, the pub now features an expanded area, once the local cab office for extra seating, making it an ideal place for community events and intimate gatherings.
It was fantastic to meet and chat to Dave, Sasha and Clive today along with some of their regular customers and thanks so much for such a great warm welcome. On the bar a selection of 4 cask ales which are ever changing, alongside a local cider and a range of keg beers. Here I went with “British Bulldog” from Westerham Brewery Company. A delicious, tasty and easy drinking Best Bitter. Full of flavour and very smooth.
The South Park Tap
My first visit yesterday was to The South Park Tap . This is a cosy micropub in Sevenoaks that welcomed its first guests in May 2023. Before its transformation, the space was a café and sandwich shop. Nestled in the South Park residential area, it boasts easy access to amenities, schools, and transport options, making it a popular spot for families and commuters.
The pub showcases a charming green-tiled exterior that opens up to a beautifully decorated interior, featuring two separate drinking spaces and a quaint outdoor courtyard. The inside is outstanding, there so much to see including behind the bar, shelving has been made from barrels (7 of them to relate to Sevenoaks), with the bar front made from the rest of the barrel. A smaller seating area downstairs which leads out to a small smoking area.
A fantastic warm welcome from Katie when I arrived. On the bar a selection of 3 cask ales, alongside a range of local ciders and other options. My beer choice in here was “Traditional” from Larkins Brewery. A tasty and smooth Kentish style bitter. Some fantastic flavours coming through this beer.
Allkin Tap & Bottle
Onto Tunbridge Wells next. Here I started by visiting Allkin Tap & Bottle. This is a pub that embodies the community-driven spirit of its founders. Opened in 2023, it serves as a taproom for Allkin Brewery, which is based in Eridge, East Sussex, and evolved from the former Good Things Brewing Co. This change came about after a dramatic incident in July 2021 when lightning struck the brewery, leading to a community fundraising campaign that raised over £20,000 in just 48 hours. This incredible support paved the way for the new Allkin Brewery, which has since raised over £450,000 through crowdfunding to establish itself as a brewery focused on community values.
The name “Allkin” highlights the brewery’s dedication to inclusivity and community engagement. It stands for “All – Kin,” symbolising the unity of friends and community members rallying together to support local efforts.
Inside Allkin Tap & Bottle, the layout is long and narrow, creating a warm yet spacious atmosphere for customers. The seating includes benches and stools, making it perfect for both group hangouts and more private conversations.
On the bar a line up of 13 keg beers including 2 from their own brewery. I chose one of their own beers “Heavy Left Foot”. This is their 3rd beer. A great blend of Simcoe Cryo and Citra hops giving a fantastic clean and very easy drinking pale ale.
Fuggles Beer Cafe – Tunbridge Wells
Next up is Fuggles Beer Café, situated in Tunbridge Wells, which was founded in 2013 by Alex Greig in a former retail space. The café was envisioned to focus on offering top-notch British and European beers, along with a curated selection of wines and spirits. The name “Fuggles” pays homage to a well-known hop variety used in brewing classic English ales, highlighting the café’s dedication to beer culture.
The concept for Fuggles Beer Café stemmed from Greig’s love for craft beer and his aim to create a friendly space that merges the feel of a classic pub with the ambiance of a Belgian-style café. After obtaining a start-up loan through a government initiative, Greig revamped an old pound shop into a beloved local gathering place. He invested about £45,000 to establish a bar featuring a diverse assortment of beers, wines, and spirits. A great food selection including cheeses, meats and loaded hot dogs.
The interior boasts a modern yet cosy design that fuses elements of a traditional pub with a contemporary café vibe. It has a delightful old saloon feel, creating a warm and stylish atmosphere. The long, narrow space is lined with full-length windows at the front, letting in plenty of natural light. Meanwhile, the back area is darker and more private, perfect for those seeking a quieter setting reminiscent of classic pubs.
On the bar a great choice of 4 cask ales alongside 2 ciders and 16 keg lines. I decided to go with “Warm Shade” from Canterbury based Floc Brewery. A super hoppy, hazy and tasty New England pale ale brewed using Idaho 7 and Simcoe hops. Very sessionable and easy drinking.
Fuggles Beer Cafe – Tonbridge
Next up is Fuggles Beer Cafe in Tonbridge. This is a lively spot that opened in August 2017. It’s the second venue for the Fuggles brand, which started in Tunbridge Wells back in 2013, thanks to Alex Greig. Fuggles Beer Café focuses on providing a diverse selection of British and European beers, along with wines and spirits, blending the vibes of a pub, a Belgian-style café, and a bar. You’ll find it on the ground floor of what used to be a furniture store.
Inside, the café boasts a roomy layout with high ceilings, various seating arrangements, and a welcoming bar area that highlights an extensive drink menu. It’s gained a reputation for its laid-back ambiance, making it a perfect hangout for both casual drinkers and serious beer lovers. A food selection including cheese and meats, alongside loaded hot dogs.
On the bar a huge line up of 4 cask ales alongside 16 keg lines to choose from. Lots of choice in here and lots of different styles. My choice in here was “IPA” from The Hastings Project. This was brewed in collaboration with the Eel & Bear in Hastings (BLOG). This is a delicious American Pale Ale, brewed using a number of different hops and giving a great mouthfeel and finish.
Micropub Adventures 
1 Comment