About Us
Our story
Old Dairy Brewery moved to Station Yard Tenterden in 2014, originally boasting two units, one as the offices and coldstore (unit 3) and the other as the brewery, shop and conference room (unit 2, the Old Dairy you know today). Creating hundreds of beers over the years, mixture of traditional to the more experimental NEIPA's and stouts.
The industry has faced lots of challenges including Brexit and Covid which meant as a business we have had to adapt. Just before the Covid 19 outbreak we had been opening the taproom for just a few hours on a Friday evening as a taproom. It was getting busier and busier with Sean building tables out of pallets whilst guests were there just so the growing crowds had somewhere to sit. Then the shop and conference room had walls knocked down and converted into the 'snug' and the beginnings of the taproom. Sadly the outbreak meant shortly after the opening we had to close the doors. The business had to adapt again with doorstep deliveries, however, with no pubs open, the industry was in real danger.
After a rocky few years with Covid and Brexit creating the perfect storm; Old Dairy Brewery as a business went into administration during Christmas 2022. We were bought by an investment company with the aim to continue trading purely as a taproom and begin our journey as a music venue. We remain grateful to them as they funded the development of what we now name 'The Brewhouse', the former brewery space which is now the music venue space. Which between Sean, Laura and Paul (Sean's mate from school, and professional builder) as well as help from other friends; the brewery was transformed. Old Dairy Taproom, was born.
In May 2023 we opened the doors to the newly formed 'Brewhouse' space. After a cracking couple of years, the opportunity came up for our family to buy the business from the investment firm, so in March 2025 we bought the business to become a family owned Taproom. For Sean, who had worked at Old Dairy for over 10 years, it was a dream come true for it to become his. It's hard work, and not for the faint-hearted, but as a family we absolutely love it and will continue to grow and improve as and when we can.
Since 2023 the space has continued to evolve. We have our snug bar, where it all started. The 'snug' is a cosy, relaxed bar with fireplace and warm tones, perfect for Autumn and Winter. Where the Brewhouse space is an exciting and unique live music venue space. Outside we boast a stunning view over farmland and unrivalled sunsets. We truly cater to all the seasons and depending on time and day of your visit, Old Dairy has this unique ability to have a different feel to it.
A special little (big) place, with a beating heart, a wonderful team of staff, which is unapologetically raw and has it's own soul. Old Dairy is a special place.