Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame is joining forces with one of Kent’s most iconic entertainment venues, becoming official drinks partner of the historic Margate Winter Gardens ahead of its reopening next year.

The seaside landmark is being extensively refurbished by fellow independent family business Westwood One Theatre Group, with Shepherd Neame set to supply its award-winning ales and lagers when the Winter Gardens reopens in 2027.

To celebrate the latest phase of the redevelopment, the Winter Gardens is hosting a Summer Weekender at The Green, off Fort Promenade, this weekend (Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23).

Saturday’s ‘all-day party’ will include DJs, saxophonists, food stalls and an Aperol Spritz pop-up bar, while Sunday will offer a programme of family entertainment including choirs, children’s entertainment, yoga classes, inflatables, balloon modelling and a toy and book area.

Shepherd Neame will be at the event on Sunday offering free merchandise and samples of the newest addition to its Whitstable Bay collection, Whitstable Bay 0.5% Pale Ale.

The Summer Weekender event will also give local residents the opportunity to meet the team behind the new Winter Gardens and find out more about the venue ahead of its official reopening.

The concert hall originally opened in 1911 and has welcomed some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles and Blur. It closed in 2022 following the Covid-19 pandemic before being acquired by Westwood One Theatre Group in November 2025.

The theatre group, which also owns The Granville Theatre in Ramsgate, has embarked on an extensive programme of works to restore the landmark venue and create a new destination for live entertainment.

The renovation includes a reconfiguration of bars and amenities, an exterior extension, blackout glass frontage, and rooftop bars.

The main hall’s capacity is increasing from 2,100 to 3,000, while a new 1,000-capacity performance space will provide a dedicated home for smaller shows and emerging artists.

The venue is scheduled to officially reopen in March 2027, when visitors will be able to enjoy Shepherd Neame’s award-winning ales and lagers alongside a programme of live music and entertainment.

Shepherd Neame Head of Brands Rose Davis said:

“We’re thrilled to partner with the iconic Margate Winter Gardens as official drinks supplier ahead of its reopening next year."

“The Winter Gardens has a long history of hosting world-famous artists, and we are proud to be part of this exciting new chapter for such an important Kent landmark.”

Westwood One Theatre Group Managing Director Zahra Tarjomani added:

“We have spent a lot of time getting to know the team behind Shepherd Neame and share their family-focused ethos and love for Kentish produce. We are very excited for this partnership and look forward to the magic it will bring.”

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