The home of Bombus!

We love where we live and work. In the heart of the Garden of England, our Bombus Oast House sits in the middle of Brenley Farm. A beautiful plot tucked away just on the outskirts of the old market town of Faversham.

With so much history, activities, and events in our town, we think it's about time you all visited!

A (very) short history of Faversham

Nestled on the edge of the Swale, a strip of sea that leads into the Thames Estuary, Faversham has been a settlement since before the Roman invasion. It's tactical location on the Creek has made the town an important economical and strategic trading port for centuries.

In the 1500's Faversham was developed as a hub for producing explosives. Over many centuries, gunpowder factories were the source of the main income and industry for the town until an accident in the early 20th century led to its decline.

Within easy reach of the rest of Kent, known essentially for its production of hops, Faversham later developed into a hub of brewing activities. Shepherd Neame -self-proclaimed as Britain's Oldest Brewers- opened in 1698, although other smaller breweries had been operating long before this.

The town is now also home to a whole host of craft breweries such as Boutilliers, where their beers are " Brewed with love at The Hop Shed in Faversham, Kent "

Faversham Events (it's all about the beer...)

These days the town is a vibrant market town (with the oldest market in Kent!), filled with independent restaurants and shops. But really, there is no better time to visit than during the annual Hop Festival!

The Hop Festival

The festival started back in 1990 as a celebration of all things hoppy. It was designed to celebrate the process of beer making, the industry that supported the town. However now, it has grown into a world renowned...party? Food festival? Concert? It is impossible to classify the Faversham Hop Festival, as it truly has developed its own style and personality. There is nothing quite like it anywhere else.

The streets are packed with stalls selling food and artisanal crafts. Pubs throw open their doors wide for visitors to crawl their way through a wide variety of different brews, ciders, and special offers unique to each venue. Performers fill the air from small stages on every corner, with the crowds dressed in hop crowns and head dresses.

And did you know..? The hops that are grown around our Brenley Farm studio are actually sold at the Hop Festival itself!

And the best bit? It's free to enter the madness! This year the Hop Festival returns post-pandemic with a BANG. So why not visit us?

Faversham Hop Festival: September 3rd and 4th 2022.

The Literary Festival

If it's food for the brain and soul that you're looking for, the Annual Faversham Literary Festival might be more your thing. A week long event that hosts a whole schedule of programmes. Including well known authors, writing competitions, and local talent.

This year the event was held in February, and included conversations with Ian Sinclair, Bobbie Gillespie, and best selling author Joanne Harris.

Keep up to date on their website for details of their programme for 2023.

Places to eat in Faversham

Like any thriving market town in the South-East, Faversham has seen its food scene develop into one of the most interesting and diverse in the country. From small independent cafes, to pubs, and fine dining. There is something for all budgets and tastes in this little town. Here are our top picks.

The Albion

A little gem of a pub, The Albion Taverna sits along the banks of the creek and specialises in authentic and vibrant Mexican cuisine. It's seriously delicious, but be warned, the portions are super generous. So even though you'll be tempted by a first, second, and third course (the banoffee pie! OMG!)...you'll be hard pushed to fit it all in. And be sure to book - it's a popular spot anytime of the year.

Read's

Just on the edge of the city centre sits Read's. A fine dining restaurant situated in an old, beautiful, glamourous Georgian house. Certainly a stop for a special occasion, the food is top quality and mouth wateringly delicious. I can personally vouch for the souffle as being one of the most sinful things I've ever eaten. And if you're not quite ready to leave once the desserts have been cleared, you can retire to the living room for tea and petit fours.

Again, this is such a special venue that it's really important to book! And if you can get in a visit over the Christmas period this is when Read's really comes in to its own.

Nature and Faversham

If the weather's on your side there is plenty to do outside in Faversham. Certainly for dog lovers and nature explorers. The creek lends itself to pleasant strolls along the banks. While places like Brogdale Farm have tours of their apple orchards, events throughout the year like their apple blossom festival, and a couple of sweet independent shops and cafes.

Oare Marshes

Just to the north of Faversham is the Oare Nature Reserve. It's an important wetland reserve for a huge number of native bird species. Pop along one of their walking trails for a hearty circular walk, visit the hides to embrace your inner twitcher, and see some of the spectacular views over the marsh. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a lead. And owners are urged to take extra care during nesting seasons where the birds at at their most vulnerable.

Shopping and Visiting

The centre of Faversham hosts a market on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays every week. But it's not the only place worth visiting in town. The run of little streets around the centre of town hide away a host of independent shops well worth a visit.

Macknade Fine Food Hall

Looking for locally grown, luxury produce? How about a light bite, or a personal gift for someone special? Macknade's has it all. From their speciality deli counter, to their outdoor Food Village serving wood fired pizzas and other delights.

On the main road as you approach from the A2, Macknades is a favourite of ours at Bombus for special birthday lunches, Christmas treats, and meet ups with friends.

Brenley Farm Bed and Breakfast

We would be silly not to mention our own farm as the perfect place to stay when you visit Faversham. Because Bombus isn't the only thing that's special about where we are. We are sat in the middle of a real working Kent farm.

In the middle of this Kent farm growing hops, grapes, apples, pears and cereal crops, you will find a glorious Bed and Breakfast tucked away in the peaceful countryside. Popular for weddings (because yes, this farm is a wedding venue too!), if you're lucky you may even get to sample their Brenley Wine...we can certainly give it our personal seal of approval.

Want to know more?

There is all the information you could possibly hope to know about visiting the great town of Faversham on the Visit Kent website.