In 2017, a community brainstorming supper sparked an idea to create a unique Hop Farm in and around Deal in Kent, made up of gardens, allotments and other spaces. Initially, the project was under the umbrella of ‘Deal With It’ – a local environmental group. However, it has now become an independent project known as The Deal Hop Farm.

As we begin our seventh season, we’re thrilled to have over 250 sites growing Prima Donna hops, involving more than 400 people. This makes us one of the largest ‘farms’ in the country. We’re proud to be partnered with Time and Tide Brewing, located in Eastry, Near Deal. We gift our hops to them, and they, in turn, use them to produce several fabulous varieties of beer, which are available year-round in local pubs, cafes, outlets, and even record shops! Over our first five seasons, our hops have been used in 17 different beers, producing a remarkable 95k pints.

Our project has not only enabled the production of local beers, but it has also fostered a fantastic community spirit. Several hundred local people actively harvest the hops in September, and this tradition has continued despite the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Deal Hop Farm is a shining example of how hops can bring local growers, breweries, and pubs together. We’re a friendly group of like-minded individuals who work together to grow, harvest, learn, and have fun with hops. Together, we produce some quality local beers that we all enjoy drinking!