About Our Wedding & Events Venue in Tonbridge, Kent | Shires Oast

A Historic Venue with Heart in the Kent Countryside

Set within the iconic Hop Farm Estate in Paddock Wood, Shires Oast is a lovingly restored Grade II listed oast house that blends rustic charm with modern hospitality. Family-owned and locally run, the venue was created to offer couples and corporate clients something truly personal, where every celebration feels unique and every guest is made to feel at home.

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Our Story

Shires Oast opened its doors in 2024 as the next chapter in a long family tradition of hospitality and event expertise. The family behind the Kent Wedding Centre had already supported hundreds of couples in planning their perfect day, and Shires Oast was born to bring that same experience to life within a venue of their own.

Our heritage reaches back generations. From our grandfather’s renowned London restaurants to today’s thriving Kent-based wedding and event businesses, our journey has always been about creating memorable experiences. Together with our sister companies, we offer a complete event ecosystem:

Oast Bridal – a luxury bridal boutique offering gowns, accessories, and styling consultations in the heart of Kent.
Powder Mill Productions – our in-house creative team providing professional sound, lighting, and AV solutions for weddings and corporate events.
Hilltop Ceilidh Band – our talented live band, bringing fun, energy, and ceilidh-style entertainment to celebrations across the UK.

Each brand complements the other, ensuring that couples and clients have access to every service they could need, all coordinated by a single experienced team.

Our Values & Vision

At Shires Oast, we believe in flexibility, authenticity, and care. Every couple or organiser deserves the freedom to design an event that reflects their own story. We never insist on standard packages or fixed menus, preferring to collaborate and create something that suits each client perfectly.

Our goal is simple: to become Kent’s most loved countryside venue by delivering memorable experiences in a setting that celebrates local character and community. From sustainable practices to ongoing garden improvements, we are continuously enhancing the venue to ensure it remains as beautiful and welcoming as the day it opened.

Meet the Team Behind the Experience

Every event at Shires Oast is supported by a dedicated coordinator who guides clients from first enquiry to the final dance. The team is led by James and Jennifer, who are known for their calm professionalism, quick communication, and genuine enthusiasm. They are the same friendly faces praised time and again in reviews for their attention to detail and personal touch.

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What Makes Shires Oast Different

No two events here are ever the same. Our venue includes:

• A stunning banqueting suite with original beams and views up into the historic oasts.
• The Shires Inn, a rustic pub-style space perfect for welcome drinks or relaxed celebrations.
• A large country garden with two licensed outdoor ceremony locations and a charming indoor option for all seasons.
• In-house AV facilities and full corporate hospitality support.
• Access to the Kent Wedding Centre opposite, where clients can find trusted suppliers under one roof, from dresses and décor to entertainment and photography.

We also offer flexible extras such as glamping, garden games, photobooths, musicians, and marquee hire, allowing every occasion to be customised completely.

Our Guests’ Words

Continuing the Tradition

We are constantly developing the space, from refurbishing the garden and gazebo to upgrading our bar areas and newly installed built-in photobooths. These improvements ensure every visit to Shires Oast offers something fresh while maintaining the warmth and heritage that define the venue.

Visit Shires Oast & Discover More

Whether you are planning a countryside wedding or a professional event, Shires Oast offers flexibility, personality, and the comfort of a family-run venue. Book a private viewing to explore the barn, gardens, and ceremony spaces, or learn more about our wedding venue in Tonbridge and corporate event hire in Tonbridge.

📍 Shires Oast, The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Kent TN12 6QF
📞 01622 234707
✉️ info@shiresoast.co.uk