Are Hops Still Grown in Kent?

Yes, hops are still grown in Kent, England, but the industry today is a mere shadow of its 19th‑century peak. While the “Garden of England” once supplied the vast majority of the country’s hops, now only a small number of dedicated growers keep the tradition alive. Most of the output is snapped up by craft brewers who prize the unique aroma and character of Kentish hops.

A Brief History of Hop Growing in Kent

Kent has been the heart of English hop production for centuries. In the 1700s and 1800s, hop gardens (the fields where hops are grown on tall wires) covered huge areas of the county. By the 1870s, Kent alone boasted over 50,000 acres of hops. The annual hop harvest brought thousands of workers from London every September, turning the region into a bustling hub.

Hops were a cornerstone of the local economy. The weather, the soil, and generations of expertise made Kent ideal for growing Humulus lupulus. The hop flowers (called cones) were dried in distinctive oast houses, many of which still dot the countryside today.

How Many Hop Farms Are Still Active in Kent?

Today, the number of commercial hop growers in Kent is small. Estimates suggest fewer than 20 farms still grow hops for sale. Many of these are family‑run operations that have adapted to modern brewing demands.

The total acreage has dropped dramatically. Where tens of thousands of acres once grew, now the county has roughly 200–300 acres of hops. That’s less than 1% of the historical peak. Yet the quality remains high, and several farms have gained recognition for their craft.

Notable Kent hop farms still operating:

• Hukins Hops (near Maidstone) – one of the largest growers, supplying major breweries.
• Anthony B. B. Hops – known for traditional varieties like Goldings and Fuggles.
• Bough Beech Hops (Kent hop yard) – a smaller producer focusing on aroma hops.
• Shepherd Neame – the historic brewery still uses Kent‑grown hops in many of its ales.

What Hop Varieties Are Grown in Kent Today?

Growers in Kent focus on both traditional English varieties and newer, aroma‑rich strains that craft brewers love. Here are the most common ones:

Traditional varieties

1. East Kent Goldings – a classic, gentle aroma hop with a floral, slightly spicy note. It’s the most famous Kent hop.
2. Fuggles – earthy, mild, and woody. Used in many traditional bitters and milds.
3. Bramling Cross – a Kentucky‑bred (but long grown in Kent) hop with a blackcurrant character.

Modern aroma varieties

1. Jester – bred in the UK, with citrus and pine notes.
2. Endeavour – a recent release with a marmalade‑like aroma.
3. Godiva – named after the famous story, with a mild, fruity profile.

Craft breweries often use these hops in single‑hop pale ales to highlight the local terroir.

Why Did Kent’s Hop Industry Decline?

Several forces caused the steep decline from the early 1900s onward:

• Disease and pests – powdery mildew and hop aphid outbreaks devastated yields.
• World Wars – labour shortages and reduced demand hit hard. After WWII, many hop gardens were grubbed up.
• Shift to larger farms – small, scattered gardens were uneconomical compared to big mechanised operations in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
• Brewing consolidation – national breweries often sourced cheaper hops from abroad, especially from Germany, the US, and New Zealand.
• Changing tastes – lager became dominant, requiring different hop profiles than traditional English ales.

By the 1990s, only a handful of Kent growers remained.

Is There a Revival of Hop Growing in Kent?

Yes, a modest revival is underway. The craft beer boom has created demand for locally grown, flavour‑driven hops. Brewers want to tell stories about their ingredients, and “Kent‑grown” is a powerful label.

Signs of revival:

• Several new growers have planted small hop yards in the last decade.
• Farmers are trialling new disease‑resistant varieties to reduce chemical use.
• Hop festivals and farm tours are attracting visitors.
• Shepherd Neame and other Kent brewers invest in local hop contracts.

Still, the revival is small. Most UK hops now come from Herefordshire and Worcestershire, where the climate and soil are equally good and land is cheaper.

Where Can I See Hop Gardens in Kent?

If you want to see hop gardens in person, several farms welcome visitors. The best time is late August to early September when the hops are fully ripe and the cones are heavy.

• Hukins Hops – offers guided tours during harvest (by appointment).
• Biddenden Vineyards – while known for wine, they also have a small hop garden.
• The Hop Farm Family Park (in Paddock Wood) – a historical site with some display hop yards.
• Scotney Castle (National Trust) – has a restored hop garden and oast house.

Many local breweries, such as Shepherd Neame (Faversham) and Westerham Brewery, offer brewery tours that include stories about their hop sourcing.

Can I Grow Hops in My Kent Garden?

Absolutely. Kent’s climate and soil are still excellent for hops. Home gardeners can grow a few bines (the climbing stems) fairly easily.

What you need to start growing hops in Kent

A few considerations:

• Water regularly during dry spells, especially in July and August.
• Feed with a balanced fertiliser in spring and early summer.
• Watch for aphids and mildew – treat with organic sprays if needed.
• Harvest the cones when they feel papery and release a strong aroma. Dry them in a warm, airy place.

You can buy hop rhizomes online from specialist nurseries. A quick search for hop rhizomes for planting will turn up reliable suppliers.

For drying your harvest, a hop drying rack or mesh tray helps avoid mold. Consider a hop drying kit if you plan to brew your own beer.

What Challenges Do Kent Hop Growers Face Today?

Even with the revival, growers in Kent face real obstacles:

• Weather extremes – wet springs can cause downy mildew; hot summers can reduce cone development.
• Labour costs – harvesting hops is still partly manual, and wages are high.
• Land prices – Kent farmland is expensive, making expansion difficult.
• Competition – imports from the US and New Zealand are often cheaper and have consistent quality.
• Disease pressure – powdery mildew remains a constant threat, requiring careful spray programmes.

Growers respond by focusing on quality, choosing resistant varieties, and forming direct relationships with brewers.

How Does Kent Compare to Other English Hop Regions?

England’s main hop growing areas are Kent, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and East Sussex.

Herefordshire dominates because its soils are deep and fertile, and land costs are lower. However, Kent still holds the reputation and the iconic oast houses.

The Future of Hop Growing in Kent

Kent will never return to its Victorian glory, but hops are far from gone. The county’s remaining growers are shifting towards high‑quality, aromatic varieties that command premium prices. Craft brewers across the UK and beyond prize the delicate floral notes of East Kent Goldings.

Small new plot holders, micro‑brewery partnerships, and heritage conservation projects are keeping the tradition alive. If you visit Kent in late summer, you can still see hop bines twisting up strings in a handful of fields, with the familiar white‑cowled oast houses standing nearby. Yes, hops are still grown in Kent – not in the vast numbers of the past, but with a renewed purpose and a loyal following. For anyone interested in English beer, that’s good news.

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