A new destination taproom in the heart of ciderland is now open, offering locals and visitors the chance to enjoy a tipple (or a cuppa and cake) overlooking the orchards in the stunning Somerset countryside.
Set within 50 metres of where the apples are picked, pressed and fermented, the new Harry’s Cider Shop and Taproom in Long Sutton, near Langport, has a welcoming, rustic vibe, with reclaimed wood tables and large windows that let in plenty of natural light.
For those who wish to learn more about craft cider, their knowledgeable staff are on hand to share the stories and processes behind each cider or to help visitors find their perfect pint.
Coinciding with the start of this year’s British Cider Week, Harry’s Cider will mark the official opening of the taproom with a celebratory Pizza and Cider Night on Friday 25th April, complete with live music and wood fired pizzas.
Twenty years on from when Harry Fry made his first cider using left-over apples grown on the family farm, this latest venture aims to propel Harry’s Cider to further growth. The plan is for the new premises to create three full-time equivalent jobs and increase volume 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. It includes a new farm office and benefits 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 to 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.
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; 10am until 7pm on Fridays; and 10am until 5pm on Saturdays.
Cidermaker Toby Fry says: “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.
“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.”
Explaining where the idea stemmed from to create a designated taproom and shop, he says: “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.”
Harry’s Cider is produced by Harry and his son Toby on their family farm in Long Sutton, South Somerset. Regular cider tours and tastings are held throughout the year at the farm, giving locals and tourists an opportunity to enjoy an orchard walk, learn about the cider-making process and sample some of their award-winning ciders.
More information about their events and cider tours can be found on the Harry’s Cider website. You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
1. The Harry’s Cider team in their new taproom (photo credit: Pippa Fry)
2. The new Harry’s Cider taproom overlooks their orchards (photo credit: Bill Bradshaw)
