About
A traditional micropub in the heart of Sittingbourne
The Paper Mill
Award-winning micropub where quality ales meet authentic community spirit. Learn about our location, history, and the welcoming atmosphere that sets us apart.
About Us
The Paper Mill is a charming, award-winning micropub nestled in the heart of Sittingbourne, conveniently located at the intersection of Charlotte Street and Church Street. Just a few minutes' walk from the new Morrisons supermarket and a brief 8-minute stroll from the railway station, we offer an authentic ale house experience in a welcoming setting.
Having proudly earned recognition as Swale Pub of the Year on multiple occasions - most recently in 2025 - we continue to focus on what matters most: quality drinks, great conversation, and a strong sense of community.
As a true micropub, we embrace the simplicity and intimacy that comes with our single-room setting. Our focus is on quality over quantity, specializing in carefully selected real ales, craft beers, and predominantly local ciders. For those seeking variety, we also offer a curated collection of premium gins, vodkas, and rums. And of course, we always ensure our designated drivers have excellent non-alcoholic options available.
The Micropub Experience
What sets us apart from traditional pubs is our unique, simplified approach to service. You won't find fruit machines, jukeboxes, TVs, or pool tables here. Instead, we offer something more valuable: a warm, welcoming atmosphere perfect for conversation and community.
Our service style is refreshingly different - there's no traditional bar counter. Instead, you'll find our daily selection of ales clearly displayed on the wall, complete with prices and tasting notes. Simply choose your drink, place your order with our friendly staff, and make yourself comfortable. We'll bring your carefully poured drink directly to you.
For those seeking fresh air, we provide a spacious covered outdoor seating area. This smoke and vape-free space ensures everyone can enjoy their drinks in comfort, whatever the weather.
Our Local Heritage
The Paper Making Legacy
Our name pays homage to Sittingbourne's rich paper-making heritage, which began in 1708 when Peter Archer established himself as a Paper Maker. By 1769, Sittingbourne Mill was operational, and under Edward Smith's ownership by 1820, it had grown significantly. A pivotal moment came in 1863 when Edward Lloyd, owner of the Daily Chronicle, acquired the site.
Lloyd revolutionized the production process by utilizing pulped straw from local farmers and esparto grass imported from Algeria and Southern Spain, offering a cost-effective alternative to the increasingly expensive cotton rag. This innovation helped drive the mill's success.
Industrial Evolution
The early 1900s saw significant developments. In 1904, Lloyd constructed a wharf on Milton Creek's tidal inlet and established a horse-drawn tramway to transport materials. This eventually evolved into the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway. By 1912, Sittingbourne Paper Mill had achieved global recognition as the world's largest newsprint producer, employing 1,200 people and operating 17 machines to produce over 2,000 tonnes weekly.
The mill's legacy continued to grow when Lloyd's son expanded operations in 1924, building a new factory at Kemsley along with a model village for workers. Following his death in 1936, the Lloyd group merged with Sir William Berry's interests to form the Bowater-Lloyd Group.
A New Chapter
After both plants were acquired by Metsa Serla in 1998, paper production continued until the decision was made to close the Sittingbourne Mill in October 2006. The final reel was produced on January 23, 2007, marking the end of nearly 300 years of paper-making history in Sittingbourne. Today, The Paper Mill micropub, located near the historic mill site, celebrates this important part of our town's heritage while creating a welcoming space for the community to gather and enjoy quality ales.
Find Us
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The Paper Mill Micropub, Sittingbourne
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By Car
Limited street parking is available near the pub. There's also a public car park on Mill Street, just a 2-minute walk away.
By Public Transport
We're an 8-minute walk from Sittingbourne Station, and just a few minutes from the new Morrisons supermarket.
Accessibility
If you have any specific accessibility needs, please feel free to contact us in advance. We’ll always do our very best to accommodate you and make your visit as comfortable as possible.