British Cider Week 2025: Celebrating Somerset’s Golden Drop
Posted May 1, 2025In Somerset, cider isn’t just poured – it’s pressed, shared, and rooted in the landscape. Join us as we toast the makers, the orchards, and the spirit of British Cider Week, the Somerset way.
Why South Somerset is the Heart of British Cider Week
South Somerset isn’t just a region; it’s the soul of British cider-making. With its rolling orchards, time-honoured traditions, and a community deeply rooted in the craft, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in the festivities of British Cider Week.
Somerset Cider Producers
In Somerset, the cider makers aren’t just producers – they’re grafters. They’re orchard-pruners, storytellers, and keepers of tradition. Often muddy-booted and always hands-on, they tend to the trees, press the fruit, bottle the fizz, look after the bees, and somehow still find time for a good chat over the bar. Hard-working doesn’t begin to cover it.
The People, Places and Passion Behind Somerset Cider
Take Parrett Cider, tucked away on the banks of the River Parrett – a family-run operation where every bottle tells a story of care, craft, and heritage. Or head a little further and you’ll find the legendary Somerset Cider Brandy Company, where cider becomes something even more refined. Their oak-aged brandy is steeped in history – distilled from Somerset apples and matured on the same farm where orchards have flourished for generations.
Bold and full of Character
Then there’s Tricky Cider, who blend traditional techniques with a dash of daring. Their ciders are bold, full of character, and always honest – just like the people behind them. And over near Crewkerne, North Down Orchard is quietly crafting beautiful, authentic cider with real care – another shining example of Somerset’s apple-growing heart.
Cider pubs
Of course, cider is best enjoyed with good company – and there are few better places than your local. If you’re in South Somerset, we’d suggest stopping by Eli’s (The Rose and Crown) in Huish Episcopi – a no-frills, community-loving cider pub with some of the food trucks around. Or head to The Wyndham Arms in Kingsbury Episcopi, where you’ll find a warm welcome and many boxes of local cider ready and waiting for you.
Apple Day at Burrow Hill
We were lucky enough to spend Apple Day at the Somerset Cider Brandy Company, and it was everything cider should be – muddy boots, piles of apples, steam engines, laughter in the orchards, the scent of fresh-pressed juice in the air, and generations of knowledge shared around a steaming vat of mulled cider. There’s something grounding about watching apples gathered, sorted, and pressed right where they were grown – a reminder that cider is a living, local tradition, not just something bottled and sold.
Wassail in the orchard
Earlier this year, we joined the Parrett Cider team for their annual Wassail – a magical evening of music, firelight, and ancient ritual to bless the orchard for the year ahead. Locals gathered with torches and cider cups, singing to the trees and scaring away bad spirits with clattering pots and pans. It’s a reminder that cider in Somerset isn’t just made – it’s honoured, celebrated, and deeply rooted in community spirit.
Cider Weekends
If you’re after a truly local experience, seek out Cider Fridays at North Down Orchard near Crewkerne – a relaxed and friendly gathering where you can sip cider straight from the source, have a chat with the makers, and pick up a few bottles for the weekend. Or head over to Somerset Cider Brandy for Cider Saturday, where the farm buzzes with visitors and there’s always something happening – whether it’s tastings, distilling in action, live music, food trucks or just good conversation under the old apple trees. Find out more about their events HERE
Raise a class and toast the orchard
So this Cider Week, don’t just toast the drink – toast the stories, the orchards, the presses, and the people who make it all possible. Because in Somerset, cider is more than a tradition… it’s part of who we are.