Jun 5, 2025
June 2025: Pedalling To Pubs 2025 has officially begun as hospitality industry leaders hit the pavement for an epic 220km sponsored bike ride across the Lake District, all to raise vital funds for leading hospitality charities the LTC (Licensed Trade Charity) and Only A Pavement Away.
Setting out this morning (5th June), 60 industry leaders will cycle from Penrith to Cockermouth, to Carlisle and then back to Penrith, crossing the finish line on 7th of June. Currently in its third year, Pedalling To Pubs 2025 is already well underway to surpass last year’s incredible total, with fundraising having reached £85,000 and climbing. The funds raised are vital for allowing the charities to support even more people entering, currently employed in, or leaving the hospitality sector.
This year’s headline sponsor is Polaris Elements, with the ride also supported by Lucky Saint, and partners BII and Thatchers Cider.
Steve Alton, Lead Rider and CEO at the BII, said: “We’re thrilled to be involved in such a flagship fundraising event for our industry. At the BII we see firsthand the challenges that hospitality is facing, and Pedalling To Pubs is a reminder of how brilliant our industry is at coming together to support each other. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far, it makes all the aches and pains worth it!”
Chris Welham, CEO of the LTC, said: “It’s fantastic to be setting out in the Lake District for my second ride with Pedalling To Pubs. This is such a fantastic initiative, and I have been able to see firsthand the difference that this fundraising makes.
“The funds allow us to continue providing health and wellbeing support, practical advice and financial assistance for individuals currently or previously working in the licensed hospitality community. If you haven’t already, please do back one of the riders: it’s a mammoth cycle and your support will keep us going up those hills!”
Greg Mangham, Founder and CEO of Only A Pavement Away, said: “We’re so grateful to each one of the 60 industry leaders who are embarking on this incredible challenge. The remarkable funds raised reflects the hard work and dedication that everyone involved has invested into this year’s ride. The funds we receive from Pedalling To Pubs allow us to continue building brighter futures, giving those wanting to rebuild their lives a pathway into long term, stable employment within hospitality.”
To find out more or to donate, visit https://pedallingtopubs.org.uk/pedalling-2-pubs-2025/
About Pedalling To Pubs
Pedalling To Pubs is a charity bike ride with hospitality at its heart. Created in recognition and support of disadvantaged people from around the pub, brewery and wider hospitality sectors.
Pedalling To Pubs, in support of the LTC and Only A Pavement Away, is committed to helping these causes, as well as promoting higher visibility for positive change in the hospitality industry.
The money raised will be channelled into projects that support those in need, through the LTC and Only A Pavement Away. The cycling challenges have been created as a collaborative support effort by industry professionals, KAM and the BII, as well as The Licensed Trade Charity and Only A Pavement Away themselves.
About the LTC (Licensed Trade Charity)
Founded in 1793, the LTC helps those currently working, looking for work or previously employed in the licensed hospitality community to proactively build, manage, maintain and enhance their health and wellbeing.
LTC provides practical advice, financial assistance and health and wellbeing support through its website, 24-hour free helpline and Employee Assistance Programme, empowering people to build confidence, resilience and take action to live well. The Charity is also dedicated to helping people with their personal development and their work skills so they can thrive personally, professionally – and unleash their potential.
In 2024, LTC transformed the lives of over 40,000 people through its unrivalled network of experts and specialists providing free help and support.
The charity also runs three fully funded independent schools, providing education and learning support for many children from the sector.
Visit LTC to find out more.
About Only a Pavement Away
Only A Pavement Away was established by hospitality industry consultant, Greg Mangham and his wife Gill, on World Homeless Day, 10th October 2018, to support anyone facing, or at risk of homelessness, find employment in the hospitality sector. The charity acts as a vital bridge between forward-thinking employers and charity referral partners to help individuals reintegrate back into society. To date, the charity has placed 720 people into work, adding an approximate value of £30M to the economy through reduced government support, financial independence, and household expenditure.
Visit www.onlyapavementaway.co.uk for more information, and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
Jun 3, 2025
MPs gathered in the Houses of Parliament this week to mark World Cider Day, celebrating the rich tradition and growing innovation of British cider making. The event, hosted by the National Association of Cider Makers (NACM), brought together a large number of Members of Parliament to sample a wide array of ciders, from heritage styles to modern low and no-alcohol varieties.
The UK is the largest cider market in the world, with a category value of £3.09 billion annually. Cider making is not only a deeply rooted rural tradition but also a vital sector, contributing to the British economy through employment, tourism, farming and community development.
Ciders from across the country including Herefordshire, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and beyond were showcased. MPs were invited to taste a range of still, sparkling, and low-alcohol ciders, including bag-in-box formats, a key offering for the hospitality sector. The event highlighted the diversity, quality, and sustainability of modern British cider making.
World Cider Day is now celebrated worldwide from beach bars in Australia to bars in the US with cider makers in South Africa, Japan, Europe, and beyond joining the festivities.
Mark Hopper, Public Affairs Director of the NACM, said:
“The traditions of cider making go back centuries in Great Britain, with roots firmly planted in our rural communities. Cider is significantly important to the economy through employment and farming. We are thrilled that so many MPs came along to recognise the importance of cider and support our industry.”
Sarah Dyke MP, Member of Parliament for Glastonbury and Somerton, said:
“Cider is a proud part of our local heritage in Somerset and across the UK. Celebrating World Cider Day is not only a toast to tradition but a chance to honour the dedication and craftsmanship of British cider makers. I’m delighted to raise a glass in Parliament to recognise their vital contribution to our rural communities and economy.”
Apr 28, 2025
Blossomtime 2025 – Putley and Aylton join forces to celebrate their orchards, apples and cider
This special springtime opportunity to enjoy the local orchards, famed for their cider, dessert and culinary fruit, takes place over two days on Sunday 4th and Monday 5th May.
Blossomtime 2025 will see community organisers the Big Apple Association bring together four venues around Putley and Aylton. Starting with Putley Parish Hall, Court Farm Barn and Yew Tree Farm in Aylton and Putley’s Dragon Orchard will each offer a collection of different experiences.
Putley Parish Hall will be the welcome hub, where visitors can park, buy their entrance ticket (£5 for adults, children under 16 free, valid for one day at all four venues), and start guided walks around the orchards. It is also the centre for Blossomtime lunches and teas, provided in turn by Aylton Church, Munsley WI, Ledbury Young Farmers and Putley WI.
Court Farm Barn, Aylton will be the centre for arts, crafts, demonstrations, workshops and talks, including national and local speakers Steve Oram, Anna Stankiewicz, Jonathan Keyte and Will Masefield talking about the many reasons why orchards are so important to us and ways in which we can all support their future.
A stop at Yew Tree Farm will find local varieties of perry pears, and perry made from its own perry pears.
At Dragon Orchard, tastings drawn from over 140 entries to the 2025 Big Apple Cider and Perry Trials will be on offer, while seven different cider and perry makers will be selling their wares surrounded by music, poetry and entertainment in the orchard. Or just wander amongst the fruit trees, soaking up the sounds and scents of nature.
Visitors are encouraged to walk between the four venues – they are all within easy reach of each other – but for those who may need some assistance or just for the sheer fun of it, a tractor and passenger trailer will be available.
Full programme details are available at https://www.bigapple.org.uk/blossomtime/
Apr 28, 2025
British Cider Week will feature events from a wide range of producers, from new young startups to traditional producers with generations of heritage. There will be celebrations across the country; from the cider heartlands of the West Country, to the apple gardens of Kent, from country orchards to urban cider works.
View the events happening during British Cider Week.
Apr 11, 2025
A new destination taproom in the heart of ciderland is now open, offering locals and visitors the chance to enjoy a tipple (or a cuppa and cake) overlooking the orchards in the stunning Somerset countryside.
For those who wish to learn more about craft cider, their knowledgeable staff are on hand to share the stories and processes behind each cider or to help visitors find their perfect pint.
Coinciding with the start of this year’s British Cider Week, Harry’s Cider will mark the official opening of the taproom with a celebratory Pizza and Cider Night on Friday 25th April, complete with live music and wood fired pizzas.
Twenty years on from when Harry Fry made his first cider using left-over apples grown on the family farm, this latest venture aims to propel Harry’s Cider to further growth. The plan is for the new premises to create three full-time equivalent jobs and increase volume sales by 25% over the next three years.
The development has been supported by grants from the Farming Transformation Fund and the Somerset Rural England Prosperity Fund. It includes a new farm office and benefits from high-speed broadband and renewable technology.
Electric vehicle charging points are available for visitors to use during opening hours, powered by an array of roof-mounted solar panels that also help to power the heating and lighting within the new building. On a sunny day, the solar panels should generate sufficient power to export any surplus to the grid.
Over the coming months, a programme of relaxed social events is planned at the taproom, featuring collaborations with local food trucks and musicians at their monthly Pizza and Cider Nights and regular Cider Saturday events. On non-event days, the Harry’s Cider Shop and Taproom is open throughout the summer from 10am until 5pm, Monday to Thursday; 10am until 7pm on Fridays; and 10am until 5pm on Saturdays.
Cidermaker Toby Fry says: “This is a fantastic space where people can come and relax, take in the views, have a drink and a snack, and purchase our ciders to enjoy at home too. Overlooking the orchard, it’ll be perfect during blossom time and into later summer when you’ll be able to sit out and actually watch harvesting of the apples while sipping our award-winning cider.
“We’re supporting other local producers too so you’ll find drinks on tap from Cheddar Ales and Otter Brewery, coffee from a local roaster in Shepton Mallet, and a range of other tasty products too, each sourced wherever possible from within 40 miles.”
Explaining where the idea stemmed from to create a designated taproom and shop, he says: “During the Covid pandemic, when the hospitality venues were forced to close, we started opening for farm gate sales to retail customers six days a week instead of just one. This was successful so we’ve continued to do that ever since, selling cider directly and hosting more cider tours. Demand has continued to increase so now the new taproom and shop will allow us to welcome more people to the farm, all year round, as well as providing stability for the business and further opportunities for growth.”
Harry’s Cider is produced by Harry and his son Toby on their family farm in Long Sutton, South Somerset. Regular cider tours and tastings are held throughout the year at the farm, giving locals and tourists an opportunity to enjoy an orchard walk, learn about the cider-making process and sample some of their award-winning ciders.
More information about their events and cider tours can be found on the Harry’s Cider website.
Mar 19, 2025
Members of Parliament met with cider makers in the House of Commons this week to pledge their support to the Great British cider industry.
Sarah Dyke MP opened the event by saying “Since becoming an MP, I have enjoyed visiting cider makers and seeing the heart and soul that goes into making this quintessentially British drink. Cider makers play an important role in the south-west economy and as Members of Parliament we must do all we can to ensure the Great British cider industry flourishes and prospers in years to come.”
David Sheppy, chair of the NACM and 6th generation master cider maker, welcomed over 100 cider makers, MPs and those connected to the cider industry who gathered to celebrate the heritage and importance of the most traditional of British drinks. He explained that “Cider making is not just a business. It is the hub of family life, and the relationship between cider makers and apple growers is unique. However, the costs of doing business have escalated and the impacts have potential to be devastating.”
A raft of new, government led changes and a market that has been in decline means that Cider Makers have faced a difficult few years. The alcohol duty reforms introduced in 2023 changed excise duty structures for cider, adding complexity and costs. A further increase in Excise Duty came into effect in February. In addition, businesses are facing increases in NI and National Living Wage from April.
Whilst the cider industry recognises the importance of moving towards a circular economy, there are concerns that the approach to the Collection and Packaging Reforms is lacking coordination. Cost increases in producer recycling notes came into effect in January, EPR will be introduced in April resulting in cider makers receiving recharges for the cost of local recycling. The deposit return scheme due in 2027 will require new labels for all ciders and added costs to operate. The combined effect of these will see significant price increases for consumers and further complexity in red tape for cider makers.
Changes to farming were raised as a major concern for all in the room, with inheritance tax and sustainable farming initiatives highlighted as creating uncertainty for current and future generations of farmers and cider makers.
David concluded that despite the challenges, there was a feeling of optimism in the room and called for recognition for the industry in the Spring Statement. “The next generation of cider makers will need to see a UK that recognises the importance of cider making as a significant economic contributor. They will need a government that recognises the potential for cider growth both in the UK and as an important part of the UK export story. They will hope for a government that values the centuries of heritage unique to the UK of cider makers.”
