Post-war

1947 - 1989

Harry Neame died in 1947 and nine years later, Jasper Neame's eldest son Robert (known as Bobby) joined the company.

In 1958 Shepherd Neame produced one of its most distinctive beers, Bishops Finger. The strong, typically Kentish ale was named, according to folklore, after a signpost that pointed the way to Thomas Becket's tomb.

Laurie’s son, Colin Neame joined the company in 1959, working in production before being appointed production director in 1961. He utilised many labour-saving techniques to make improvements in the bottling plant and keg plant, and also introduced the brewery’s biochemical laboratory, in addition to overseeing the brewery farm.

Upon Jasper's death, aged 56, in 1961, Laurence became the sole Managing Director.

In 1968 Shepherd Neame demonstrated the innovation for which it has become renowned when it became the first regional brewer of lager in the UK with Hürlimann, eventually coming to own the popular brand.

Laurie died in 1970, and in 1971 Colin was appointed Managing Director, remaining with the company until 1984. Bobby became Chairman, a position he held for 35 years.

In 1972, Laurie’s second son Stuart also joined the company as Assistant Company Secretary and, two years later, installed its first computer system. In 1985, he was appointed as Vice Chairman, a position he held until leaving the company in 2003.

By the end of the 1980s the Shepherd Neame brewery had acquired 65 pubs in total and reported an eightfold increase in profits.