Apr 21, 2026
Family cider maker, Thatchers, is set to invigorate the Low & No cider fixture with the launch of Thatchers Blood Orange 0.0%, a vibrant, mouthwatering, alcohol free, juicy cider, crafted with the sweetest dessert apples and bursting with blood orange flavour.
Made with the same care and attention that has defined Thatchers for 122 years, the new 0.0% recipe has been crafted by their expert cidermakers to deliver the depth of flavour and satisfying taste drinkers expect from the original Thatchers Blood Orange, but with none of the alcohol.
Martin Thatcher, fourth generation cider maker at Thatchers, said: “Packed with sweet, juicy flavour, Thatchers Blood Orange 0.0% will delight the taste buds and quench the thirst of fruit cider fans looking to moderate. We’ve used all the expertise gained from 122 years of cider making at Myrtle Farm to create a satisfying alcohol‑free cider that stays true to the Thatchers Blood Orange people know and love.”
The exciting innovation brings together contemporary flavour, trusted provenance and Thatchers’ sustainable, craft‑led cidermaking that is guaranteed to excite tastebuds.
Mar 3, 2026
Members of Parliament and British Cider Makers gathered in February for an evening reception at the Houses of Parliament, celebrating our nation’s great tradition of cider making.
As a sector, UK Cidermaking contributes £2.7 billion to the economy and supports more than 65,000 jobs. Over 15,000 acres of British land is cultivated specifically for cider production, playing a vital role in biodiversity, landscape management, and ensuring long-term environmental stewardship.
Hosted by Sarah Dyke MP, Member of Parliament for Glastonbury and Somerton, the event also provided an important moment to reflect on the significant challenges currently facing the industry.
Martin Thatcher, Chair of the National Association of Cider Makers and Managing Director of Thatchers Cider used the occasion to urge political leaders to listen to British cider makers and support a sustainable future for the sector.
He said: “Cider makers are not just producers; we are farmers and hospitality workers too. Our annual wassail held last month- a cherished tradition where communities come together to bless the orchards for a prosperous harvest – reminded us of the importance of caring for today’s resources to ensure tomorrow’s prosperity.
“The administrative burden created by new taxes and policies including EPR, DRS, changes to inheritance tax, business rates, national insurance rises and on-going duty rises, are all placing significant pressure on our industry. These challenges extend to our supply chain, affecting our suppliers and customers.
“With the Government’s ambition for economic growth, our goals are aligned. We ask policymakers to listen to the cider industry, understand its needs and take meaningful action. By working together, we can create the right conditions for long‑term success.”
Sarah Dyke MP, Member of Parliament for Glastonbury and Somerton, said: “Cider is a proud part of our heritage in Somerset and across the UK. Events like this, when the industry can come together to honour the dedication and craftsmanship of British cider makers are such wonderful occasions. I’m delighted to raise a glass in Parliament to recognise their vital contribution to our rural communities and economy.”
Mark Hopper, Public Affairs Director of the National Association of Cider Makers commented: “The cider industry plays a crucial role in the UK economy. Over 98% of apple cider consumed in Britain is made here, supporting national supply chains and local jobs. That’s why it’s so important to bring MPs together to recognise the significance of British cider and its place both in the domestic economy and the global market. We’re delighted that so many parliamentarians joined us to show their support for the industry.”
Jan 22, 2026
Thatchers Cider is set to giveaway 500 apple trees to 50 groups across the country, helping them sow the seeds of their own thriving community orchards.
Thatchers Cider is looking for 50 community groups who are doing wonderful things in their local area that would benefit from planting, growing and tending to their own orchard.
Now in its sixth year, the Thatchers Community Orchard Project has already given away over 2,000 trees and plans to give away 500 more this year, offering groups the chance to transform their outdoor areas.
Thatchers is looking for groups and charities making a difference in their communities, both in rural villages and bustling urban neighbourhoods. Whether you’re growing fruit and veg for those in need, supporting people with limited access to green spaces, using nature to boost mental health, or simply want to bring more trees into your neighbourhood, this is your chance to get involved.
Selected groups will receive ten carefully chosen apple trees, from varieties like Bramley, Scrumptious, Dabinett, and Katy, plus all the essentials for planting and care. They will also receive a commemorative plaque to mark the establishment of the orchard. Thatchers’ experts have picked the apple varieties for their delicious flavours, as well as being easy growing and needing minimal upkeep.
Martin Thatcher said: “We believe orchards are special places that have the power to give communities a place to come together, to learn, to share, to connect with nature and reflect on the world around them, all while contributing to biodiversity and creating new habitats for wildlife.
“At Thatchers’ home on Myrtle Farm we’re surrounded by 550 acres of orchards. Spending time in them is something we are lucky enough to enjoy, and we want to share that with others. If you think you and your community could benefit from planting, growing and tending to a small orchard, we’d love to hear from you.”
The Thatcher family has been making cider at Myrtle Farm in Somerset using traditional methods for four generations. They’re passionate about what they do, and that’s why they don’t just grow 8 types of apple, they grow 458. Turning those juicy apples into a refreshing pint of cider is a craft they’ve spent 121 years perfecting. It’s their dedicated attention to detail that delivers the perfect pint of Thatchers, every time.
They’ve used their expertise and knowledge of apple varieties to create ciders with individual character and great taste, such as Thatchers Gold, Thatchers Haze and Thatchers Katy – a single variety cider made using just the delicious Katy apple which many of the community groups will receive.
Applications are now open and will run until 8am on 2 February 2026. Head to the Thatchers Cider website to fill in the form and share with Thatchers how an orchard could benefit your group.
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.
Jul 4, 2023
PHOTO: Martin Thatcher visits Weston Hospicecare, meeting community fundraisers Abi and Kirsty, to see apple trees planted for the Thatchers Community Orchard Project [Copyright Neil Phillips Photo and Film Ltd]
Community groups around the country have been planting apple trees this spring thanks to The Thatchers Community Orchard Project.
Attracting hundreds of applications in the project’s third year, from as far afield as Aberdeen to Worthing, the Somerset cider maker has supported over 100 groups wanting to enhance their communities, with 500 apple trees donated this year.
Including residents’ associations, parish councils, allotment groups, and care homes, five apple trees were donated to each of the successful applicants. To apply, they needed to explain why planting apple trees would make a difference to their communities.
Thatchers Community Orchard Project – Martin Thatcher meets Emma, Nicky, Elaine and Bethan from Weston Super Mare Cricket Club who received apple trees through the project.
Copyright Neil Phillips Photo and Film Ltd
“It’s always a real pleasure to distribute apple trees to organisations who really care about the community around them,” says Martin Thatcher, fourth generation of the cider making family. “We’ve been brought up with trees all around us at Myrtle Farm – so through this project we’re looking to spread apple tree love across the UK.
“With applications from the North of Scotland to the South West, from both rural and urban communities, by donating apple trees we can help communities in so many different ways – from helping green urban residential communities, providing an area of peace and solitude to care homes, and an educational resource to schools and colleges.”
With leading ciders such as Gold and Haze to its name, and over 500 acres of its own orchards in Somerset, Thatchers knows a thing or two about planting apple trees.
“There’s no better tree than an apple tree,” continues Martin. “From the tree’s beauty in spring when in full blossom, to the fascination of seeing the fruit develop throughout the summer, to the excitement of harvest, there’s always something new to see in an orchard.
“The enthusiasm we’ve seen amongst volunteers supporting their communities is inspirational, and we’re delighted to be playing our part with this community tree planting project.”
This is the third year the Somerset cider maker has run its Community Orchard Project, and brings the total number of organisations supported since launch to 175, with almost 1000 apple trees so far donated and planted across the country.
“The project shares our family’s passion for apple trees, building communities and constant support of the environment and ecosystem around us today and for the future,” Martin concludes.
Thatchers Community Orchard Project was first run in 2021. The project attracted such demand in its first year, the family run cider maker decided to more than double the number of trees it gave away in its second year, and in its third year doubling the number of organisations it has supported.
