A cherished small-town brewery will be closing its doors after eight hoppy years supplying wacky beers, ales and ciders to Kent pubs.

Boutilliers brewery in Faversham had earned a reputation for its unique brews such as the imperial raspberry brown stout and a pale ale named "Pomona Island - I am warning you with peace and love".

Co-manager Rich Bennett announced the news on the company's Facebook page yesterday.

“It is with heavy heart that I have to announce that Boutilliers brewery has appointed insolvency practitioners to oversee the closure of the brewery,” wrote Mr Bennett.

“It's been a rollercoaster six years with many ups and obviously some big downs, but the time is up for us.

“Thank you if you've ever bought and enjoyed our beer, and I hope we've made some good memories.”

The news was met with disappointment by patrons and beer-lovers.

“Oh what sad news,” commented one user.

“Thank you for everything you have done for the community and beer.

"You have been so amazing.”

Another added: "Some of the best beers I ever tasted were by you guys.”

Mr Bennett confirmed Boutilliers’ associated Ashford bar, Low Key Taproom, run by Drew Harris, will remain open but gave no indication about how the brewery itself has gone bust.

Efforts to get hold of him for further details on his plans were unsuccessful.