Curious by Nature: Why Curious Brewery is One of Kent’s Must-Visit Destinations
…a modern celebration of craftsmanship, culinary excellence, and creative flair, all under one stylish roof.
Tucked just a stone’s throw from Ashford International Station, Curious Brewery has become one of Kent’s most exciting destination venues — a modern celebration of craftsmanship, culinary excellence, and creative flair, all under one stylish roof.
The Curious journey began in the vineyards. Born from the minds behind Chapel Down, one of England’s leading winemakers, Curious started with a bold question: what if Brewing could be approached with the same reverence and precision as winemaking? That thinking led to the creation of beers and ciders that are anything but ordinary — sophisticated, food-friendly, and always with a nod to their winemaking roots.
At the heart of Curious Brewery’s range is Curious Brew, a lager re-fermented with Champagne yeast for a refined, dry finish that lifts it far beyond the expected. There’s also Curious Session IPA, a nod to the triumvirate of Champagne grapes that bursts with tropical hop aromas; and Curious Apple, a clean, crisp cider made from 100% fully pressed English apples and fermented with Bacchus wine yeast. Each is brewed with character, complexity, and a winemaker’s attention to detail.
In 2019, that philosophy found its permanent home with the opening of the state-of-the-art Curious Brewery in Ashford. The striking black steel-and-glass building stands on the site of a former girls' school tragically bombed in March 1943. Remarkably, all 300 pupils were saved that day by their teacher, Miss Adams, whose courage is now honoured in the name of the brewhouse — a touching tribute to local history and quiet heroism.
The brewery was built from the ground up to produce world-class lagers sustainably. Nothing goes to waste: spent grain and yeast from the brewing process are sent to local farms for animal feed — and in a true farm-to-fork circle, many of those same farmers supply meat to the Curious restaurant. It’s just one example of how environmental responsibility and community partnerships are built into everything Curious does.
The on-site restaurant and taproom offers a vibrant, beer-friendly menu of seasonal dishes, served in a relaxed yet refined space overlooking the Brewery operations. From beer-battered fish and chips to lighter seafood and plant-based plates, the food pairs perfectly with the full drinks range.
For those wanting to go deeper, guided tours and tutored tastings give guests a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process — and a chance to sample the range in style.
Can’t make it to Ashford just yet? The full range is available via the Curious Brewery website, with Curious Brew now available in cans, and Curious Apple Cider following in time for summer — perfect for enjoying a taste of Kent wherever you are.
Whether you're a foodie, a beer lover, or just up for something different, Curious Brewery is well worth the detour.
INSTA: @curiousbrewery
INFO: curiousbrewery.com
