Shepherd Neame is among local businesses featured in the newly-released Faversham Monopoly game

Britain’s oldest brewer Shepherd Neame, which has been based in the Kent market town for more than 350 years, is among local businesses and landmarks to feature on the board, replacing the game’s red ‘Fleet Street’ property with its location of ‘Court Street’.

And customers at Shepherd Neame’s nine pubs in the town can enjoy playing the game while enjoying a drink as each one will have a copy.

This week, drinkers at The Bear Inn in Market Place were treated to the first game, while the following pubs will also have copies for customers to use: The Sun Inn in West Street; The Limes and The Railway Hotel in Preston Street; The Bull in Tanners Street; The Market Inn in East Street, The Three Tuns in Tanners Street, The Anchor in Abbey Street, and The Albion Taverna in Front Brents.

Since sales of the board game were launched online in the summer, pre-orders have more than passed go, with less than 500 of the limited edition run of 2,500 still available.

Besides having a copy in each of its Faversham pubs, Shepherd Neame also has a limited number of copies for sale in its Visitor Centre shop in Court Street – the perfect Christmas present for a loved one with a fondness for Faversham!

The Faversham version of the beloved game has been created with involvement of the local community in deciding what’s on the board through competitions, events and the chance to nominate roads to feature.

Five pounds from every game sold will be donated to Faversham charities and community groups.

Shepherd Neame Chief Executive, Jonathan Neame, said: “We are delighted to be among the local businesses featured on the Faversham Monopoly board – the sale of which is benefitting the local community.

“As Britain’s oldest brewer, we are pleased to be teaming up with another well-known company – Monopoly – to put Faversham’s stamp on such a well-loved board game – and in time for Christmas too. We look forward to seeing our customers at our Faversham pubs enjoying a game, accompanied by a Shepherd Neame beer or two!”

Liz Jeffery, from local agency Shore Way Marketing who masterminded the project, said: “We have been overwhelmed by interest in Faversham Monopoly, not only from businesses and community groups who have embraced the initiative, but also from members of the public who love the idea of a Faversham version of the Monopoly game. This project has been so many years in the making, I can’t believe it’s finally here.”

Faversham Monopoly is being produced under licence to Hasbro. A limited number of games are available from selected outlets in the town, including Shepherd Neame’s Visitor Centre shop, priced £35. For more information visit https://shorewaymarketing.co.uk/faversham-monopoly/