CIDER fans – and visitors who love a drop of the county’s native tipple – can visit a new taproom to sample Somerset’s biggest export.
Harry’s Cider Shop and Taproom, in Long Sutton near Langport, has opened – giving drinkers the chance to enjoy a drink within 50 metres of where the apples are picked, pressed and fermented.
And for those who wish to learn more about craft cider, staff are on hand to share the stories and processes behind each cider, or to help visitors find their perfect pint.
An official opening event – to coincide with the start of British Cider Week – will take place on April 25, with a celebratory Pizza and Cider Night complete with live music.
Cidermaker Toby Fry – son of company founder Harry – said: “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.
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“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.”
The new venture comes 20 years after Harry Fry made his first cider – using left-over apples grown on the family farm.
It is hoped the expansion will create three full-time equivalent jobs and increase 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 and includes a new farm office benefiting 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 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.
The new Harry’s Cider taproom overlooks the orchards at Long Sutton, near Langport
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; from 10am until 7pm on Fridays; and from 10am until 5pm on Saturdays.
Toby went on: “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.”
For more information about events and tours at Harry’s Cider, visit harryscidercompany.co.uk.
As a glider lover all my adult life I think the new Taphouse adventure is a great idea, especially at the location.
Are there camping (moter home) overnight facilities available?
As it’ would not take much tasting to fall Foul of a breath check by the local police!
Rightly so.
As most people will have to travel
Kind regards and good luck.
Sid