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.
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.
British Cider Week is brought to you by a collaboration of cider-makers, retailers and venues from across the United Kingdom.
Join us to celebrate the depth and diversity of British cider. The week will feature events from a wide range of producers, from new young startups to traditional producers with generations of heritage. There will be activity across the country; from the cider heartlands of the West Country, to the apple gardens of Kent, from country orchards to urban cider works.
For more information and to view planned events visit the British Cider Week website or contact info@britishciderweek.org.uk.
If you are UK cider-maker or cider retailer, you may submit your event here.
A week of cider celebration is going to be held in the first ever British Cider Week, running from 14th to 23rd April 2023.
Cider makers up and down the country will be taking part, from small micro-businesses to household names, from start-ups to those with many generations of heritage.
Martin Berkeley, founder of Pilton Cider, who is getting involved with the celebrations, says, “Spring is a fantastic time to be celebrating cider. When we’re all enjoying warmer weather, there’s no better time to enjoy the delights of this amazing drink.
“It’s the perfect opportunity for cider makers to come together and with one voice let the great British public know about the brilliant ciders that we produce in this country.”
The campaign will be encouraging consumers to explore the diversity of ciders produced in the UK and take part in the many events being organised by producers from the cider heartland of the West Country, the apple gardens of Kent, to urban cider works.
Mark Hopper, Public Affairs Director of the National Association of Cider Makers, endorsing the campaign, adds, “The cider industry has such a rich heritage. We have producers who span generations, as well as newer cider makers entering this exciting world for the first time.
“With such a diverse range of cider styles to explore, with our first British Cider Week we’re looking to encourage consumers to delve more into cider, perhaps by purchasing a pint in their local pub or restaurant, picking up a style they haven’t tried before with their weekly shop, or taking part in some of the events and activities that our producers are going to be organising throughout the week.”
Cider makers across the UK will be taking part in British Cider Week with many different events and activities such as tours, tastings and competitions. Producers participating include:
Pilton Cider, Sheppy’s Cider, Westons Cider, Thatchers Cider, Thistly Cross Cider, Ross Cider, Stones Cider, Olivers Cider and Perry, Somerset Cider Brandy, Little Pomona, Ross on Wye Cider and Greggs Pit Cider & Perry
Martin Berkeley continues, “This is a great opportunity for retailers and distributors, pubs and bars to showcase their cider range, perhaps by teaming up with their local producers to create some great consumer activities, such as cider festivals, special cider menus, or tastings.”
More information about events and those taking part can be found at https://britishciderweek.org.uk/
Anyone wishing to find out more can contact martin@piltoncider.com
