Curious Brewery

Updated September 16, 2025

Description

Curious Brewery is one of those places I always catch myself eager to tell anyone about after a visit. Tucked right in the lively town of Ashford, Kent, this modern brewery is a spark for creativity in the world of British beer. If you’re a traveler with even a slight interest in what makes a place unique, it’s a real find—the Curious Brewery doesn’t settle for the expected, and in my opinion, is refreshingly unapologetic about it.

Founded in 2011 in what’s sometimes called the Garden of England, Curious Brewery has pushed the boundaries of British brewing, carving out a reputation for being not just bold, but perhaps a bit audacious. Their approach is all about embracing the unknown—obviously, the name gives a hint. I remember my first visit; seeing actual brewers at work while nursing a frosty Curious Brew Lager, I could nearly smell the attention to detail. You can really taste that curiosity in every sip, whether it’s their award-winning beers or their crisp, refreshing ciders.

The vibe here is warm and genuine; for a brewery with contemporary architecture and sleek lines, there’s none of that cold, industrial chill. The on-site restaurant, perched elegantly above the brewing floor, blends modern British dining with a real sense of spectacle. Whether you’re popping in for a quick pint, sharing a meal with friends, or dragging your skeptical dad along for a brewery tour, it’s surprisingly comfortable—kind of like the local pub, if your local pub had award-winning IPA and a chef who knew their way around both fish and chips and wild mushroom risotto.

I’ve watched people come through the front doors looking a bit unsure, only to leave in stellar moods, talking about which beer surprised them most. The staff seem to thrive on making both seasoned craft beer fans and total newbies feel at home. On more than one occasion, I’ve overheard lively debates at the bar—what’s the best Curious Brew creation? The Curious IPA with its crisp hops? The playful Curious Apple Cider? Honestly, there might not be a wrong answer.

This place isn’t just about beer, either. The brewery takes accessibility seriously, making sure everyone can get involved. The place is open and bright, with wheelchair accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating, catering to all sorts of visitors. It’s a proper mix—families, pairs out on a date, or solo travelers keen for a local pint. Social inclusivity here isn’t lip service; from their LGBTQ+ friendly policies to being a genuine transgender safe space, it feels sincere instead of tokenistic, and I can say that’s not always the case elsewhere.

Curious Brewery hosts regular tours and guided tastings—a fantastic choice for travelers curious (no pun intended, well, maybe a little) about what’s behind the glass. You’ll see all the shiny, high-tech equipment, learn a bit about why Kent water or local hops matter, and get hands-on with sampling. And unlike some tours that drone on, guides here keep things lively and easy to follow.

If you adore taking little souvenirs back home, the brewery store is stocked generously. You’ll find bottles you can’t easily get beyond Ashford, think limited-run seasonal ales or their collaborations with the likes of Wild Beer Co. And even if you left your wallet in the car, window shopping’s loads of fun thanks to their vibrant bottle art and curious (there we go again) beer descriptions.

On the whole, Curious Brewery is a pleasure for anyone open to a modern, local, and slightly daring brewery experience. At heart, it’s a place where passion meets hospitality, making it a quietly unmissable Kent attraction for any traveler with an appetite for discovery.

Key Features

• On-site Brewery Tours and Tastings: Year-round, guided experiences walking you through the brewing process, ending with a tasting session where you can try their latest beer and cider offerings.
• Contemporary Restaurant with Brewery Views: Dine on seasonal dishes while looking down onto all the bustle and clatter of brewing in action. Honestly, the setting alone is worth the reservation.
• Inclusive and Accessible: Fully accessible for wheelchair users, and actively LGBTQ+ friendly—an open, welcoming environment for every visitor.
• Craft Beer and Cider Range: Sip creatively brewed lagers, IPAs, pale ales, guest beers (sometimes from Wild Beer Co.), and their crowd favourite, Curious Apple Cider.
• Bar and Store On-site: Sample flights at the bar or pop into the brewery shop for bespoke gifts, limited edition bottles, and branded goodies—ideal for bringing something unique home.
• Modern Payments Accepted: Hassle-free transactions, including contactless mobile payments, credit, and debit cards—so you can focus on what really matters… your next pint.
• Central Ashford Location: Super close to Ashford International train station, making it easy to fit into a Kent road trip, or even a short hop from London or Dover.
• Dining, Drinking, and Relaxing: Equally suited for a sociable meal, after-work drinks, or a lazy Sunday session. It’s easy to slip into “Kent pace” here, if you get my drift.
• Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff: Expect lots of recommendations, tasting notes, and good banter—whether you’re a beer nerd or completely new to craft brewing.
• Flexible Bookings: You can usually book a table in advance for meals and tours, which is handy for planning a group trip or a romantic detour on your Kent itinerary.

Best Time to Visit

Okay, here’s some advice straight from countless pints and platefuls of my own: the best time to swing by Curious Brewery really depends on what sort of atmosphere you fancy. But if I had to play favorites, late spring into early autumn is a joy. There’s something about sipping a pale ale on the outdoor terrace, the scent of hops in the air, and the Kentish sun showing off. The beer garden comes alive, while inside, the big glass windows fill the place with golden light, making those pints extra photogenic.

If you visit on weekends or during events like the classic “Kent Green Hop Beer” festivals, you can expect a bit of a buzz. There might be new releases or rare cask ales on tap, and locals mixing happily with travelers—I’ve sat at tables where hearty debates on IPA versus lager spill over into actual tastings. For a quieter, more leisurely vibe, afternoons midweek are perfect. In winter, the brewery becomes a snug retreat with heartier seasonal specials, mulled cider, and a very British sense of comfort. Just keep in mind, holidays and Friday evenings are usually much busier, so if you hate crowds, plan accordingly.

Frankly, there’s rarely a “bad” time to visit, though if you want to join a brewery tour or tasting, booking ahead is often wise, especially in the peak summer or festive periods. On a rainy Kent afternoon, few places make you feel more welcome; grab a table by the window with a pale ale and let the world go by for a while.

How to Get There

Curious Brewery is brilliantly located for both local and far-flung travelers. If you’re based in Ashford, it’s an easy stroll from the train station—less than ten minutes on foot from Ashford International Railway Station, actually. Which, in my opinion, beats sorting out parking in the centre. But, if you’re driving, they’ve got accessible parking and plenty of spaces to go around.

For visitors coming from London, trains from St Pancras get you to Ashford in around 40 minutes. From Dover, it’s another painless train ride—making it simple to include the brewery on a wider UK or Kent trip, maybe after visiting the nearby medieval castle or heading to one of Kent’s famous seaside towns. International travelers arriving via the Eurostar also find it a breeze, as Ashford International is a main stop and just a stone’s throw from Curious Brewery’s front doors. If you’re tackling Kent by bus, the main Ashford town services all lead close enough to make the walk easy (even after a pint or two).

Cycling more your pace? There are racks outside, and the local area is surprisingly cycle-friendly. However you get there, once you step inside, the real journey begins—and sometimes, I have to remind myself that my return train ticket is only good for today.

Tips for Visiting

Right, so a few honest tips if you’re planning to visit Curious Brewery—tricks of the trade from a fellow traveler who likes a pint and a good story:

• Book ahead for tours and dining. Weekend tables in the restaurant are in demand, especially for group bookings or Sunday lunch. Online and phone reservations are your friends. The same goes for brewery tours if you want to peek behind the curtain.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The staff seriously know their stuff. Curious about what makes that IPA taste like white wine or where the hops are grown? Ask away! You might even score an off-menu taster.
• Try the limited editions. A personal favorite? The collab brews (sometimes with Wild Beer Co) or offbeat seasonal ciders are often here today, gone tomorrow, so don’t hesitate too long.
• Accessibility is a breeze. The whole site is wheelchair friendly—including parking, restrooms, and seating. No awkward entrances or surprise stairs. If you have any concerns, call ahead—they actually listen!
• Mix your drinks responsibly. The beer and cider flights are fantastic for sampling different tastes, but they do pack a punch—especially compared to standard lagers or pale blonde ales. And if you drove, trains home in Ashford are wonderfully frequent.
• Pair the food with the drinks. The kitchen team builds the menu with pairing in mind, so don’t just stick to safe choices. I still dream about the beer-battered fish and chips and the mushroom risotto with a splash of house ale.
• Bring home a souvenir. The brewery shop is perfect for gifts or keepsakes. Limited edition bottles, glassware, and quirky beer mats are far more unique than something from a service station.
• Stay curious outside the brewery. If you fancy staying the night in Ashford, try a local guesthouse or boutique hotel. You’re also minutes from some of Kent’s quirkiest castles and coastline—stretch your visit if you can!
• Every crowd’s welcome. From solo visitors to big birthday groups, all sorts gather here. The brewery really does foster a friendly, open-minded crowd—there’s nothing stuffy about it.

In a nutshell? Curious Brewery isn’t just a quick photo op; it’s a genuinely good reason to get off the main tourist path, explore the flourishing craft beer scene of Kent, and taste what modern British brewing is all about. If you’re planning your visit to Ashford or just passing by, make this creative, bold, and always-welcoming brewery part of your United Kingdom adventure. You might, like me, end up telling your own stories long after the beer’s gone.

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