Iron Pier is a local brewery based in Northfleet, founded by James Hayward and Charlie Venner in March 2017 and opened in January 2018. The first brewery in Gravesend for over 80 years, the brand name ‘Iron Pier’ takes its inspiration from the oldest Cast Iron Pier in the UK, which is located on Gravesend Riverside. This local connection is also apparent in naming some of their featured ales such as Rosherville Red and Perry St Pale. The brewery’s can label designs were created by local artist Duncan Grant, taking inspiration from local landscape and architecture especially in relation to the River Thames.
James has been in commercial brewing for ten years, initially with Cave Man Brewery in the pub cellar at the George & Dragon pub in Swanscombe. Charlie also started a micro pub: ‘The Compass’ seven years ago. This invaluable experience is now the basis behind the Iron Pier brand. James and Charlie both take great satisfaction in the brewing process and selling their own produce to their valued customers. Both said “We are passionate and motivated about what we do in every aspect”.
Where do you source your hops and barley from?
“Our Bitter uses 100% Hukins hops which come from their farm near Biddenden in Kent and our IPA’s hops come from the new world such as Australia, New Zealand etc”.
What’s your personal favourite you have crafted?
Charlie, Rosherville Red and James, Meunier Saison. The Meunier initially wasn’t up to the Iron Pier standard. However James noticed a change from a dark pink to a rose colour as the beer ran off the grape stems. He re-tasted the beer and it was fantastic. This really does show how you can experiment with the brewing process. The microbes on the grape skins ultimately give the flavour for the ale.
James and Charlie’s ultimate brewing passion is barrel aged beer. They have a total of 24 different barrels upstairs with beer in which include Cognac, Rum, Stout, Whisky and Port. All of which will be available over the next 12 months.
Bursting with beers to inspire, the brewery offers a variety of ales, aiming to fulfil most taste buds including bitters, Porters, IPA’s and sours. The taproom also stocks locally sourced ciders from Dudda’s Tun ciders from Doddington, a wide range of gins and wine now available from Emma and Andrew Nielsen of Le Grappin in Beune, France.
A true delight for real ale drinkers. Iron Pier continues to build and promote its reputation as a small local business providing their craft to the community. The brewery also supplies a variety of pubs and bars throughout London and the South East. Iron Pier also offers a range of events throughout the year, including new beer launches, beer festivals and various seasonal parties.
View our December’s festive beverage menu here.. which is updated monthly, so keep a look out for whats on offer in the New Year.
In June 2020, the business then expanded it’s on site tap room to accommodate an enclosed permanent outdoor area, with heaters for those chilly winter evenings for the benefit of their customers comfort and enjoyment.
With everything form heritage recipes to modern craft beer there is something to suit all tastes and they look forward to welcoming customers from far and wide. You can either book a table online on ironpier.beer or you just pop in!
The Iron Pier Brewery & Taproom
Unit 6 & 7, May Avenue, Northfleet, DA11 8RU
Taproom Opening Hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 17.00 – 22.00
Thursday 17.00 – 22.00
Friday 17.00 – 22.00
Saturday 12.00 – 22.00
Sunday 12.00 – 1800
Telephone: 01474 569460
Email: beer@ironpier.beer
