What is cider club? 

Join us as we invite our friends from the world of cider to tell their stories, whilst tasting their creations and delving deep into cider’s rich cultural tapestry. Expect to meet cidermakers, both commerical and hobbyists, orchardists, cider lovers and enthusiasts, historians and much more! 

Cider Club takes place on the second Thursday of every month.

What happens on the night?

On arrival you’ll be welcomed with a glass of something made by ourselves at Artistraw before settling down to listen to an invited speaker regale us with tales of their cider journey, orchards and everything in-between. Each talk will be enriched with tasters of a few different ciders of the maker’s creation. Once the talk is finished, there will be the opportunity to ask questions and purchase bottles to take home, followed by a simple buffet of bread and cheese and some time to chat with other cider lovers!

No two nights will be the same and will also include other special events such as a pressing day at Artistraw cider in the Autumn, with lots more things in the pipeline, so watch this space!

Schedule of speakers:

8th May: Welsh Mountain Cider

Welsh Mountain Cider is a family run Ciderworks, apple and pear orchard, tree nursery and smallholding in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid-Wales, UK.

Chava and Bill have worked together for the last 14 years turning a 1115 feet high, six acre plot into Britain's highest altitude Ciderworks, fruit tree nursery and museum orchard. As well as championing natural cider making (100% fresh pressed apples with indigenous yeasts and no additives), they have been trialling over 450 types of apple and pear on the high altitude site, and making a living off the land. The project is developing a model of small scale agriculture, independent of subsidies, on marginal land, and promoting natural cider and minimum intervention orcharding.

12th June: Ross-on-wye cider and perry co.

The Johnson family have been pressing apples and pears at Broome Farm since the 1930s. Today their natural cider and perry is produced in the same traditional way in the unique soil and climate of Herefordshire. The cider making is pure and simple, using only whole juice, and allowing natural fermentation.

Cider making on Broome Farm is more than business; it is a way of life, and a celebration of the tradition of cider. Into every batch of cider they produce goes their heartfelt belief in the superiority of a natural product over more processed commercial drinks. Their natural cider and perry is made from pure apple and pear juice, pressed themselves, mainly from their own orchards.

10th July: Skyborry Cider and Perry

Adam and Dani make cider, perry and a bit of apple juice in a small shed nestled in the side of the Teme Valley a mile upstream from Knighton, Powys. The fruit is all hand harvested, from orchards around the Wye Valley, their current main source is between Hay on Wye and Bredwardine, Herefordshire. Trees are around 60-80 years old and the orchard is blessed with a good variety of apples and is in good condition having spent the last 20 years being managed organically for Dunkertons. They have their own orchard, which is very young, so until 2019 the apples just got put into blends - this year they managed to bottle a very small amount of single orchard cider which at some point will get a very limited release. 

FAQs

Who is cider club for?

Cider club is for everyone aged 18 or over! Whether you’re a cider maker, a cider lover, cider curious or just have a keen interest in orchards or social history, we hope you will go away having learnt something new. At the very least you’ll have tasted some delicious ciders!

How do I find Hardwicke Village Hall?

The entrance to Hardwicke Village Hall (HR3 5TA) is on the B4348. The hall is just next door to Hardwicke chuch. 

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Can I buy tickets on the door?

Yes! Cash would be preferred although we are able to accept card as well.

Is there parking at the venue?

Yes, there is plenty of parking (both hard-standing and not) at Hardwicke village hall.

We look forward to seeing you there!