Cider in Birmingham
Birmingham is an area known more for industry than for orchards. The lack of a historical link to cider production may be reason why real cider is a hard-to-come-by commodity in Birmingham’s drinking scene today.
Some sources can be found though, and seem to be making a slight
increase from a few years ago.
The Anchor has for a long time stocked Thatchers Cheddar Valley on draught – this is a refreshing cider, although the bright orange colour may scare some people off! The Anchor has also featured ‘guest’ draught ciders from time to time – usually from the Westons range. Others have appeared when pertinent to the occasion – such as Dunkerton’s Organic Cider during an organic-themed beer festival. The Anchor have also recently started stocking a small quantity of Dennis Gwatkin's ciders in bottles – Yarlington Mill, made from a single variety of apple, and Golden Valley, a medium-dry blend.
The Wellington is a fairly recent addition to the pub scene in Brum, and polybarrels of real cider have been a welcome sight behind the bar. Currently two different types of cider or perry are generally available, and as this sells at an alarming rate, a new barrel is opened almost every day. Usually a cider from the Saxon range will be on sale alongside another traditional quality cider from a varying list – Thatchers Dry, Gwatkin range, Moles and Hogan’s have all recently been spotted, and the range will continue to vary, as the landlord wishes to maintain a diverse selection of real ciders being on offer over the course of the year.
Another pub where real cider can often be found is the White
Horse in Harborne. Westons Old Rosie is quite often available, and generally in
tip-top condition when it is. Recently there has been a run of Thatchers Cheddar
Valley in stock. As the cider supply does run dry occasionally, it may be best
to phone to check availability if making the trip out of town especially.
Rumours have also been heard of a few other pubs that may be stocking real cider – The Highbury Vaults in Selly Park/Kings Heath may now be stocking Westons Old Rosie, and the Shakespeare, near the Waterlinks, reputedly stocks Thatchers Dry and Medium. Clearly, further research is necessary : )
If you stumble across any pubs in the Birmingham or West Midlands area stocking real cider and perry, please enlighten Birmingham Branch APPLE Rep, by emailing apple@birminghamcamra.org.uk. Many thanks, and happy cider hunting!
© Tania McMillan 2005