Producers in Somerset
From Ukcider
Ashill Cider
Clifford House, Ashhill Farm, Ashill, Ilminster. Tel: 01823 480513. "Cider with a kick" is what it claims on the label. Directions: Come off the A358 Ashill bypass (Taunton - Ilminster) right into the village of Ashill. Opposite the church, you can’t miss it. Grid Ref:182/322174. Open: any time.
Avalon Vineyard
(See Pennard Cider , further down) The Drove, East Pennard, Shepton Mallet, Somerset BA4 6UA Telephone: 01749 - 860393
Website:Pennard
Bagborough Strong Cider
Steve Brooksbank — Bagborough Vineyard, Pylle, Shepton Mallet. Tel: 01749 831146.
Bennett's Cider
Viv Bennett; now re-branded as Chestnut Farm Cider — Chestnut Farm, Edithmead, Burnham on Sea, TA9 4HB. Tel: 01278 785376
Like his father Viv Bennet has won a whole string of prizes at the Bath and West as well as at the Devon County Show. This is a working farm. Viv’s father Tom won over 150 prize cards in 15 years. Viv thinks he has now caught him up… Also have a 5-caravan CL if you are a Caravan Club member. In Oct. 2004, we found the ciders very acetic and not to our tastes (Ray).
Directions: The farm is just off the M5 at Junction 22, on the B3140. Go towards Burnham, the farm is on the left after half a mile, opposite a minor road (Stoddens Lane) leading to the entrance to a large caravan/camping site. If you go over the railway bridge, you've gone too far. Grid Ref: 182/329491. Open: Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-1pm.
Broadoak Cider Co
Blackberry Hill, Clutton, Somerset BS39 5QQ Tel: 01275 333154
A large regional producer with a wide variety of brands (and silly names...) including Broadoak Dry, Medium & Sweet; Moonshine, Kingston Black, Strong Dry, Rustic Gold, Black Out, Red Oak, Mega White, Pheasant Plucker, Classic Gold and a Sparkling Perry. Draught, kegged and bottled, these have won several awards. Some of Broadoak's products would appear to be aimed at 'White Cider Drinkers'. Directions:Come off the A39 at High Littlelton. Follow signs for Clutton Hill. Open: Sales 7am-6pm.
Black Mac Cider
John McGrouther, Pippin, The Orchards, Stembridge, Martock (+44(0)1460 241736). Traditionally made cider from unsprayed orchards. Sales for door by arrangement. Please ring first. Map ref 424199. Directions: In Stembridge, opposite the school, about 300 yards south of the Rusty Axe pub. Organic cider - even the straw on which the apples are pressed is organic. The result is very tasty and worth seeking out. It is only about half a mile from Burrow Hill cider, so why not compare the two while you are in the area? You can also have a look at their orchard of 300 trees and see the 150 year old twin screw press. A very enjoyable visit.
As of early June 2007 John is no longer producing cider and has none to sell. He may start again in the future, perhaps in collaboration with other local producers. Rising costs and lack of time were the reasons cited for the closure.
Bridge Farm Cider
Nigel Stewart — Bridge Farm, East Chinnock, Yeovil BA22 9EA . Nigel Stewart. Available from the farm in summer and at local farmers' markets. Tel: 01935 862387
Nigel has been making cider since 1986, first at Sandford Orcas in Dorset and now at East Chinnock. All the apples are local and harvested by himself. The Cider on sale comes in 75cl and 1l bottles and 2l and 4l containers, the selection on sale is Sweet, Medium and Dry. His Traditional Farmhouse Cider and Juices often wins prizes. He also produces Bottle Fermented Sparkling Cider, various Apple Juice and Perry (Pear Cider).
Also on sale: Cider Fruit Cakes, Chutney, Jam, Liquors such as Somerset Pomona and Kingston Black and 3 or 5yr old Cider Brandy (from Burrow Hill Cider).
Directions: On the north side of the A30 west of East Chinnock. Look out for an orchard as you leave the village. Google Map
Open: May-Sept 7 days a week 9.30am-6.30pm. Rest of year Fri, Sat and Sun only, or by appointment.
The Varities of Juice Include: Ashmead's Kernel, Brown's Apple, Cox, Bramley, Cox & Bramley, Cox & Rhurbarb, Egremont Russett, Lord Lambourne, Jonagold, Discovery, Pear.
Broadlands Cider Farm
John Thompson — Box Road, Bathford, BA1 7LR. Tel: 01225 859780
07768 822467
Cider Shop that now sales> The Black Rat, Kingston Black, Perry, Moonshine, Chedder Vally, snakebite, Chille, and meny more all sold in 2.Lts at £4.50 or in the barrel (40) Pints at £52.50. And are own Apple Juice: Russet, Cox and Bramley. Directions:
1 mile east of Bath on A4.Just befor Box Open: Wens To Sat 9am-5pm Sun.10am-4pm. Closed Monday and Tuesdays
Brothers Cider
Shepton Mallet. Website
Bottled 'pear cider' (either 4.7% or 'Festival Strength' 7.0%) and 'strawberry mixed pear cider' as well as (apple) cider. Long known for selling cider at the Glastonbury Festival but now also offers mail order. A growing number of off-licences and now some supermarkets also stock them. Formed in 1992 by Matthew, Jonathan, Francis and Daniel Showering. The original Showerings business was perhaps best known for Babycham: it eventually became part of Taunton-Coates-Gaymer, aka Matthew Clark Taunton and now part of the Constellation Group.
Burrow Hill Cider
Julian Temperley Pass Vale Farm, Burrow Hill, Kingsbury Episcopi, Martock TA12 5BU. Tel: 01460 240782.
Website: Burrow Hill
Burrow Hill has been a cider farm for 150 years and Julian Temperley has been running it for the last 30 years. In 1984 he won the ‘triple crown’, winning cider competitions in Hereford, Devon and Somerset. The cider is pressed from 40 different varieties of cider apple and the farm owns 150 acres of orchard.
Apart from traditional farmhouse cider, Julian makes two exceptional bottle fermented sparkling ciders. The cider is matured on its yeast for a year and then disgorged by freezing the ends of the bottles. This so called ‘Champagne Method’ was pioneered in Hereford in 1632 by Lord Scudamore before the Civil War and had reached Montacute House in Somerset by 1664, long before the French even claim to have invented the method… Old cider house, huge vats, barrels, farm animals.
Single Variety Bottle Fermented Sparkling Cider: Kingston Black and Stoke Red. Dry and Medium Farmhouse Ciders & Cider Vinegar, Apple Juice: Russet, Cox and Bramley.
Also home to the Somerset Distillery Julian was the first person in the UK to be granted a licence to distill his cider. Cider brandy distilled from Somerset apples and matured for up to 10 years in small oak barrels. Farm shop open from Mon-Sat 8.30- 5.30.
Very good cider, in the characteristic southern West Country style from classic bittersweet/ bittersharp apples (tending away from the sharp overall). There's cider from casks (better), or cider in bottles which I believe is pasteurized (keeps well and travels). Then there's the bottle-conditioned ciders, of single varietals Kingston Black and Stoke Red, which you really should consider in the category of a good champagne. And then there's the cider brandy, which is as serious as a cognac or armagnac (only better, since it's made from apples rather than grapes). Oh, yes, and there's plenty to learn as well as to drink! Google Map
Crossman’s Prime Farmhouse Cider
Ben Crossman — Mayfield Farm, Hewish, Weston super Mare BS24 6RQ. Tel: 01934 833174 Mobile: 07770 531621
Good clean traditional farmhouse cider served from oak barrels. Dry, Medium and Sweet. Working farm with farm shop serving free range eggs, vegetables, potatoes, etc. Currently (Oct 06) have a medium-dry "Home Orchard Special" on sale at 7%ABV - very nice too. Eggs were also very nice and fresh!
Directions: Leave the M5 at Junction 21, then take the A370 towards Bristol. Mayfield Farm is on the right on a bend after about one mile. Open: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-1pm.
Derrick's Cider
Cheddar Valley Cheese Depot, The Gorge, Cheddar, BS27 3QE.
Tel: 01934 743113
Definitely targeted at tourists...
Dobunni Farm Cider
Dobunni Farm, Wick Road, Lympsham BS24 0HA. Tel: 01278 751593
OS Sheet 182 / 320543; about 2 miles North West of Brent Knoll.
Listed in the CAMRA (not Good) Cider Guide, though the directions are very strange and take you via a very narrow, circuitous route... Their own draught cider ("Old Dobbie") is available, plus a wide range of bottled ciders and perries, mostly from diverse Somerset producers (including a lot of Gaymer's "single orchard" stuff) but also from further afield (Tom Oliver's Perries for example). Food stuffs also available in the large Farm Shop. Directions: Leave the M5 at Jcn 22 and take the A38 north towards Cheddar, Weston & Bristol. At the next junction, bear left onto the A370 towards Weston-S-Mare. After 2 or 3 miles, turn left on unclassified road towards Lympsham; follow the road through Lympsham and about 1/2 mile after leaving the village, take the left turn towards Wick, Brean & Berrow. Dobunni farm is well signed on the left on a bend, after crossing the railway bridge. Open: 10am - 5.30pm.
Personal view: we found the cider a little thin and sharp (acetic?) for our tastes, though appreciate that we visited very late in the season (Oct 06).
Ermie & Gertie's
Ian Sinclair, Apple Juice & Cider, Pitney House, Pitney, Langport TAlO 9AR (+44(0)1458 252308). Website: Ernie & Gertie's As of 9 June 2008 E&Ms have no cider to sell to the public, only to known customers. They hope to increase capacity this year to accommodate demand. They are not really geared up for sale to the public - the Pitney Farm shop does however sell their cider when available, also their ice creams and apple juice.
Goverd
Keith Goverd, The Bailiff's Cottage, The Green, Compton Dando, Nr. Pensford, Somerset BS16 4LE Tel: 01761 490624
Headford Ridge
Headford Farm, Merridge, Bridgwater, TA5 1BA (+44 (0)1278 671800 Traditional Medium Dry cider sold in amber 330ml bottles. Available at the Sanctuary restaurant in Taunton and often in supermarkets nationally.
Hecks Farmhouse Cider
9-11 Middle Leigh, Street, BAl6 OLB (+44(0)1458 442367).
Website: Hecks
Not far from Glastonbury, well signposted with brown tourist 'Cider Farm' signs.
Chris & Andrew Hecks. Somerset cider, including single variety ciders, perry & 12 varieties of apple juice.
The Hecks family has been making cider for six generations, since 1840. The award winning farmhouse cider is fermented in wooden barrels and sold draught from the wood. Currently appear to be starting to specialise in draught Single Variety ciders - in response to current trend / market forces? They have specialised in bottling Single Variety Cider and Perry. Apple Juice: Torside Apple Juice - at least a dozen different varieties. Their shop sells fruit and veg, local cheddar cheese, cider mugs and cider jars. Directions: In the middle of Street follow signs from High St or Somerton Road.
Open: 9am-6pm each weekday. Sat 9am-5.30 pm, Sun 10am-12.30pm. Group tours welcome. Coaches welcome by appointment.
Interesting variety of ciders, a few from cask, more in bottle, also perry. They also have a
farm shop with produce for sale. Stop in, buy the veggies for dinner
and get some cider to go with. I've generally liked their ciders, more
the dry end. You may get a chance to chat a bit with the cidermakers,
although they're rather reserved.
Curiously, we've found the opposite - maybe depends which brother you get or how busy they are?
Watch out for the old man (Dad?) who seems to know very little about the operation and is less than helpful.
Henry's Farmhouse Scrumpy
Harold Pring — Tanpits Cider Farm, Dyers Lane, Bathpool, Taunton TA2 8BZ. Tel: 01823 270663 Cider making was started here in 1912 by Harold’s grandfather. The yard is filled with old cider making equipment and other farm machinery. The Farmhouse Cider is naturally fermented and served from oak barrels. With forty acres of cider orchard this is a very pleasant camping site. Just at the bottom of the lane is the idyllic Taunton Canal. The new Tacchi Morris Arts Centre is just up the road. Directions: Off the M5 at Junction 25. Then follow the A38 north for a mile or two and turn left. Follow the brown caravanning and camping signs. Open: Mon-Sat 8.30-6pm Free range eggs and potatoes. Local honey from the orchards is also available.
Higher Farm Ltd
Higher Farm, Hornblotton, Somerset. Tel: 01963 240 350 A small producer offering self-catering holidays and selling boxes and bottles via Ebay.
website: http://www.higherfarmltd.com/index.html
Ebay shop: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Higher-Farm-Ltd
Honey Pot Farm
Winton Cottage , 80 West Street , South Petherton , TA13 5DJ . 01460 242539
Julie & Aran Comben have been producing cider from Somerset apples since 2004 .
Lane's Cider
Gary Lane, Overton, West Monkton, Taunton. Tel: 01823 412345 A combination of Lane’s Cider and Kingston Vale Cider, Gary Lane produces Lane’s Traditional Draught, Golden Rutter and Bonking Billy. He has 20 acres of orchard and has over 70 outlets in the south west. He now hopes to produce a single variety Kingston Black cider. Directions: West Monkton is just north of Taunton off the Bridgwater Road. Farm gate sales only by prior arrangement. Minimum 5 gallons. Please phone first.
Naish's Cider
((Wholesale Only)) Frank Naish, Piltown Farm, West Pennard, Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8NQ. Tel: 01749 890260
Paul Chant, Rhybridge Farm, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2QQ. Tel: 01761 417636
Naish`s Cider Is produced chemical free, it has 20 plus unrecorded species of apple trees, with their own unique apple, with an extreamly high sugar content and unique bouquet. Frank Naish has over 80 years of experience, from a family business which spans almost 200 hundred years Frank and Paul blends apples to produce true traditional Dry Cider, original 120 gal. pipe barrels are used which have been in use for over 80 years. This is the last traditional wholesale cider farm left in England and Frank is now the oldest known cider maker in the world.
For trade sales it is advisable to phone Paul Chant a couple of days in advance, as Frank may not hear the phone. Naish's do not supply containers so you must bring your own.
The Orchard Pig
Andrew Quinlan and Neil Macdonald, Coxbridge House, Coxbridge, Somerset, BA6 8LG (07957 870386) e-mail: sales@theorchardpig.co.uk
Started by Andrew Quinlan and Neil Macdonald, and named after the Gloucester Old Spot pigs that brought them together, The Orchard Pig makes premium apple juices and ciders from hand-graded farm-pressed fruit and manages local orchards. We have received the highest accolades at The Bath & West Show and Gold Awards from the Great Taste Awards. Come and see us at West Bradley Orchards, West Bradley, Nr Glastonbury, Somerset, BA6 8LT 01458 851222. For more information and mail order please visit our website.
Parsons's Choice Cider
Jeanette and Phil Dolding — Parsonage Farm, West Lyng, Taunton. Tel: 01823 490978 Parson’s Choice is a traditional Somerset Farmhouse Cider made on the Somerset Levels with pure cider apple juice from their own orchards. There is also a small farm shop which sells Apple Juice, jams, chutneys, tankards and gift baskets. Oak barrels, plants in season. Compost & veg. Directions: Parsonage Farm is situated between East and West Lyng on the A361 between Taunton and Street. Grid Ref: 193/323284. Open: 9am-6pm Mon-Sun all year…
Pennard Cider
Hugh Tripp — Avalon Vineyard, The Drove, East Pennard, Shepton Mallet BA4 6UA. Tel: 01749 860393
Website: Pennard
The organic cider is made on an old elm press, the pomace being pressed through oat straw. Organic Cider is available bottled or draught. Hugh also produces organic white wine and a wide range of fruit wines, as well as mead.
Directions: Come off the A37 at foot of Wraxall Hill. Go west for a mile and a half. Follow signs. Grid Ref: 182/588374. Open: 10am-6pm. Easter to Xmas. Bring a picnic, see the orchard.
Perry's Cider Mills
Perry Family, Dowlish Wake, Ilminster TAl9 ONY Tel: 01460 52681. Cider farm and museum. Traditional ciders and apple juice from the farm shop.
Website: Perry's
Housed in a sixteenth century thatched barn this traditional and picturesque cider farm has been in business since 1920, although cider has always been made in the ancient barn. The apples used in cider making are from their own orchards and local farms.
The ancient art of cider making is still very much alive and cider is stored in wooden barrels. Their cider has won many awards over the years and the ciders now produced are of the highest quality, with a wide choice of draught and bottled ciders. Vintage or "plain" cider: Dry, Medium and Sweet. Draught and Bottled. Cost for draught cider (Oct 05): 2xlitres £4-50; 4xlitres £6-85. Also now available Online
Special Single Variety Bottled Cider: Dabinett, Somerset Redstreak and Morgan Sweet. Apple juice. Free entry to the cider mills and countryside museum which houses a large collection of old farm wagons, machinery and tools. There is also a cider making video. Cider can be sampled in the shop which sells jams, chutneys, cheeses, country wines etc. Coaches welcome, with prior warning if possible. Car park & toilets. Directions: 2 miles south of Ilminster. Follow the brown cart signs from Ilminster, Chard and Crewkerne. Open: All year. Weekdays 9am-5.30pm. Sat 9.30am-4.30pm, Sun 10am-1pm. Google Map
Rich's Farmhouse Cider
Mill Farm, Watchfield, Nr Highbridge TA9 4RD (+44(0)1278 783651)
Website: Rich's
Cider, cider vinegar, apple juice and much more. "Famous in Ciderland for over 50 years", so says their advert. Sweet and Dry Cider, blended to taste, ie medium. One of the giant oak vats called Gog holds 10,000 gallons another called Adge after Adge Cutler of the Wurzels holds 6,000 gallons, both brought down from Coates of Nailsea. Apple juice: Farm pressed. Also mature cheddar cheese, local chutney, cider mugs, clotted cream and framed prints. There is also a museum and a cidermaking video. Directions: 2 miles from M5 Junction 22. On the B3139 opposite the Watchfield Inn. Open: All year, Mon-Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-7pm.
Simple selection of good ciders. The actual cidery location has a small museum of interesting old equipment, but overall not a lot there. The shop has their ciders from cask, a few other interesting beverages (such as a good mead), and some gift items, but it's not a must-see. However, Rich's is a large enough producer to be found in various shops around Somerset, and their ciders are very good traditional Somerset style, so if you find them it's worth picking up a jug.
Sheppy's Cider
Three Bridges, Bradford on Tone, Taunton TA4 1ER (+44(0)1823 461233).
Rural life museum and cider farm centre, guided tours of the 42 acre orchards.You can visit the cellars and modern press room.
Website: Sheppy's
The Sheppy family runs a traditional cider farm, with over 200 years of cider making experience, producing a wide range of high quality draught and bottled ciders. Many of Sheppy’s ciders have been winners of prestigious awards over the years, and their range includes Gold Medal Vintage, Goldfinch and Bullfinch, Oakwood Special and their Single Variety Ciders - Kingston Black, Dabinett, Taylor's Gold, and Tremlett’s Bitter. Forty-seven acres of bush and traditional orchards are available for the public to walk in, including areas for picnics and a children’s playground. Visitors can enjoy an excellent rural life museum and video of the cider maker’s year. A public viewing gallery overlooks the cider press. Samples can be tasted in the farm shop where cider and local produce can be bought. Licensed tea rooms June-Sept. All buildings suitable for disabled.
Directions: The cider farm is situated on the south side of the A38 midway between Taunton and Wellington. Use M5 junctions 26 or 27. Open: All year round. Mon-Sat 8.30am-6pm, Sun (Easter to Christmas) 12 noon-2pm.
Torre Cider Farm
Larger Image
Washford, Watchet, Somerset TA23 0LA 01984 640 004
Definitely targeted at tourists...
Cider on tap or bottled: Farmhouse, Medium, Dry and Sweet, Sheep Stagger & Tornado. Not just cider, but Gloucester Old Spot Pigs and pygmy goats. Large shop selling truckles of Cheddar cheese & Somerset Camembert, country wines, Exmoor honey, jams, pickles, jellies and mustard Apple juice a blend of Cox, Bramley and Russet. Directions: Follow the brown signs from the A39 at Washford. Go past Cleeve Abbey, then take the Wiveliscombe road past the White Horse Inn. Open: Daily March to October 9am-6pm, Nov-Feb 10am-4pm.
Thatchers Cider
Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Winscombe B525 SRA (+44(0)1934 822862)
Website: Thatchers
See also Thatchers.
The Thatcher family has been associated with cider for almost 100 years.
Much of the processing is still managed traditionally. Cider is allowed to mature in oak vats ensuring the full flavour of the apple is captured. Today, the production facilities at Thatchers are some of the most advanced in the cider industry, producing modern innovative ciders which are sold through mail order, retailers (ie Wetherspoons) and the farm shop.
Directions: Exit J21 of M5.Sandford is on the A368. Open: 8.30am-6pm Mon-Sat, 10am-1pm Sunday.
Vickery's Cider
Tim and Dave Vickery, Hisbeer's Farm, Hare Lane, Buckland St. Mary. Tel: 01460 234378/234575
As of 9 June 2008 Vickery's are not selling cider to the public.
Wilkins Farmhouse Cider
Roger Wilkins — Land's End Farm, Mudgley, Wedmore. Tel: 01934 712385
Roger’s grandfather started the cider business in 1917, Roger took over when his grandfather died in 1969 and has been running it ever since. A rare insight into Somerset’s ciderhouse culture. There are chairs and newpapers to pass the time of day; horse and dog racing are particularly popular subjects for discussion... The free taster is always half a pint and you will be encouraged to have more; good clean cider. Roger also sells cheddar (the rind-on trad. cheddar is recommended) and stilton cheeses as well as vegetables, chutneys and pickles, and eggs. Don't expect a quick visit, so allow yourself time... This is the real Somerset, none of your concentrate and bottles down here… just Dry and Sweet Farmhouse Cider, which will be blended to suit your tastes, in glass or container. "Dry with a splash" is particularly good and goes really well with Roger's cheddar.
Directions: Mudgeley is just off the B3151 two miles south-east of Wedmore. Follow signs to Wilkins Cider down a dead end lane, farm is on righthand side . Grid Ref: 182/453457. Open: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun: 10am-1pm,
This is a bit of a navigation challenge, but worth the drive. Wilkins himself is a character, well worth talking to. He'll be sure you try the cider, and not a skimpy bit either. The dry that was on when we were there was a bit disappointing (slightly sharp) but OK...YMMV; check it out. (He might have been at the end of his 04's) In any case, good character to it, also an enjoyable visit.
Cracking place to visit - well worth making the effort to find it. Roger's cider will now be an "occasional treat" in the Abbey Stores draught range. Google map
Buses: Mon - Sat to Mudgeley Cross (1.5 miles) timetable, Fridays to Mudgeley timetable
West Croft Cider
West Croft Farm, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, Somerset TA9 4BE Tel. No: 01278 760762/760259
Website: West Croft
John Harris has been making cider since 1992 but his grandfather made it here at the same farm with the same apples. He sells Janet’s Jungle Juice, Dry, Medium and Morgan Sweet and has won many awards.
Directions: From Junction 22 on the M5, back up A38 for about half a mile, then turn left opposite the "Fox and Goose Inn". Go through Brent Knoll till you reach a bend with the Post Office. Opposite there is West Croft Farm. Grid Ref: 182/328515.
Open: 10am-7pm, closed Wednesdays , Christmas, Boxing Day, New Year and Sunday afternoons in winter. A large Wassail takes always place on the third Saturday after Xmas.
Try also
- Valley View Farm, Batcombe, Shepton Mallet, BA4 6AJ (01749 850302)
Farmhouse B&B which offers cidermaking weekends during October and November.
- See also Cider_Pub_Guide_to_Somerset
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