Cider News

In the absence of any news on our own ciders and perrys, here's a round up of some local (Leics/Northants) cider news:

Our friends in the 'big city' can look forward to a bit more variety in the cider department soon. Criterion Freehouse licensee Russell Hunt (pictured here for no other reason than he'd probably rather we didn't!) informs me that a substantial order of quailty ciders will be delivered to the pub in the next week or so. Names mentioned include Berriew, Newtons, Kennford, Heck's, Sheppy's, and Appledram. This lot should keep things ticking over nicely at Leicester's premier cider outlet until we've got something of our own to deliver in the Spring.

Budgens Store in Mountsorrel is the unlikely outlet for a genuine Leicestershire cider. 'Thirsty Farmer', made locally by ex-Somerset farmer Andrew Fear, is a rich, medium cider, with a good bittersweet character. Mr Fear comes from a long line of Somerset cidermakers, and has recently brought the ancient custom of Wassailing the orchards to this corner of the county. It's hoped that a barrel of Thirsty Farmer Cider will make an appearance at the cider bar of this years Leicester CAMRA Beer Festival.

It's 6 Nations rugby time again, and we'll be cheering on the mighty Leicester Tigers... err!... England, in their opening match against those tricksy Welsh boyos, in what promises to be a humdinger of a match. If any of the Welsh national team are reading this (as if!), 'Just the 15 men on the pitch today lads'...

In the traditional English spirit of Détente, we've supplied a barrel of fine Welsh cider to our local the Red Lion, Middleton, which will be on tap for the big match on Saturday. Gwynt-Y-Ddraig Haymaker Cider is described as a '...fruity medium cider bursting with the flavour of apples. A true Farmhouse Cider with a smooth finish'. Yum!

6 Nations supporters from further afield can rest assured that there's plenty of English ale and cider on tap, French and Italian wine, a very good Porter for the Irish.... and a fridge full of IRN-BRU!