Shepherd Neame installs more electric car charging points

12-Jun-2023 - Last updated on 12-Jun-2023 at 09:56 GMT

Right thing to do: Shepherd Neame installs three more electric charging points in its pub car parks across the South East

Independent family brewer and operator Shepherd Neame has announced the installment of new electric car rapid charging points at an additional three pubs in the South East.

Three rapid charging points have been installed at The Singleton Barn in Hoxton Close, Ashford while new points have also gone live at The Ship and Trades in Chatham Maritime and at The Woolpack in Banstead, Surrey.

Shepherd Neame has also planned to have more charging points live and ready to use at The Blue Anchor in Beacon Road, Crowborough, in the near future.

The installations bring the number of Shepherd Neame sites with electric charging facilities to five, after The Wharf at Galleon Boulevard, Dartford was the first to get two rapid charging points in November 2021, followed by the Camden Arms in Pembury High Street.

Environmentally friendly travel

Shepherd Neame added the points at The Wharf had been used more than 1,000 times already this year, while The Camden Arms was estimated to have been used hundreds of times so far in 2023.

An electric charging station was also installed for use by team members at the pubco’s Faversham-based Brewery in July last year.

The multiple site operator and brewer also announced plans to install electric charging points at The Spitfire in Kings Hill were in the pipeline while The Marine Hotel at Tankerton, is expected to have its electric charging stations installed and available later this summer.

Shepherd Neame commercial estates manager John Barnes said: “As a company, we are committed to doing the right thing for our environment, and our investment in electric charging points across our estate is part of that strategy.

“These new stations help put more of our pubs on the map when it comes to using environmentally friendly travel.

Great response

“We have been delighted with the success of the points so far, and we look forward to welcoming more drivers during the coming months and years, to take the opportunity to charge their cars while also refreshing themselves in our pubs.”

The charging stations are being installed and operated by Osprey Charging, which has a UK-wide rapid charging network for electric vehicles, powered by 100% renewable energy.

Drivers don’t need an account or an app and there are no connection fees, it is pay-as-you-go with contactless card payment. Charge points also accept electric vehicle roaming cards and fleet solutions.

Moreover, all sites chosen have large car parks so that the charging points are easily accessed.

Shepherd Neame managing director (pubs) Jonathon Swaine said: “We have had a great response since the charging stations opened. It’s great to have that extra facility there to offer our customers.”