The Flagship Brewery was first brought to the Historic Dockyard at Chatham in 1995 where it established a five-barrel kit brewing up to 100 firkins a week.

In 2003 the brewery went into receivership and was bought and renamed the Nelson Brewing Company to fall in line with the most famous naval hero of all time 'Admiral Horatio Nelson' and that his flagship 'The Victory' was built here in Chatham Dockyard.

In July 2006 the brewery was purchased by current owner Piers Macdonald. Piers now has over 25 years’ experience in the brewing industry and is passionate to keep the traditions of Kent brewing alive but has also expanded into the Craft Beer world. Using ingredients from Local and National suppliers combined with the expertise and dedication of his brewing staff, Piers plans to build on the brewery's already growing reputation as the provider of some of the tastiest ales on the market.

Now brewing from a seven-and-a-half-barrel kit we regularly have over a dozen ales of various strengths and taste available. All the ales are nautically themed to gel with the surroundings in which it is brewed and the brewery is sure to have a beer to suit all!

The proprietor of the Nelson Brewery since 2006 passed away in June 2023. Shortly after, brewing ceased and the brewery's assets were sold in September 2023.

Note - beers brewed by Flagship Brewery prior to the 2003 purchase and renaming are separately listed.