Cider enthusiasts can now revel in the experience of savoring award-winning cider just a stone’s throw away from the very orchards that supply the apples. The recently launched Harry’s Cider Taproom in Long Sutton, near Langport, offers a delightful fusion of rustic charm and sustainability, set against the picturesque backdrop of Somerset’s countryside.
Officially opening on Friday, April 25th, the taproom will coincide with the start of British Cider Week, treating visitors to a Pizza and Cider Night filled with wood-fired pizzas and live music.
This exciting venture marks the next phase of growth for Harry’s Cider, a family-run business that originated two decades ago when Harry Fry began making cider from surplus apples on the family farm. The expansion is projected to create three full-time jobs and increase volume sales by 25% over the next three years.
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Leveraging support from the Farming Transformation Fund and the Somerset Rural England Prosperity Fund, the development includes a farm office, high-speed broadband, and renewable technology. Notably, solar panels installed on the roof power the building, including its heating and lighting, with the capacity to export surplus electricity back to the grid. Additionally, electric vehicle charging points are available for visitors during opening hours.
Cidermaker Toby Fry expressed his excitement, “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.”
The taproom will not only feature Harry’s Cider but also support other local producers, offering drinks on tap from Cheddar Ales and Otter Brewery, coffee from a local roaster in Shepton Mallet, and a variety of other locally sourced products within a 40-mile radius.
The taproom and shop concept took shape during the Covid-19 pandemic when the business adapted to retail sales due to the closure of hospitality venues. The successful farm gate sales and increased demand have paved the way for this new venture, providing more stability and growth opportunities for the business.
Crafted on their family farm, Harry and Toby Fry consistently welcome visitors for cider tours and tastings throughout the year, allowing them to explore the orchard, gain insights into the cider-making process, and sample a range of their award-winning ciders.
The taproom looks forward to hosting an array of social events in the upcoming months, promising a calendar filled with monthly Pizza and Cider Nights and regular Cider Saturday events. On non-event days, the Harry’s Cider Shop and Taproom will be open throughout the summer, with hours from 10am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm on Fridays, and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.