Local Cider

[Dog Burger]

The key with the hot n spicy from the cider bus is to get it dealt with before it becomes tepid. Personally, I think it's lovely while hot. Once you slip below lukewarm it's a radically different drink, not dissimilar from tramp's piss.

[alframsey]

I'm with the school of thought that warm / hot alcohol is abhorrent. I too would dearly love to like mulled wine but despite repeated bashes at it, just can't get it. I had thought going to the Xmas market in Birmingham might put me in the mood for it. Sadly I was wrong.

Now please form an orderly line to come out with the Birmingham jokes.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

You'll get none from me, what with being a fellow Brummie! It's a wonderful city and really does get a bad press, Christmas Market is a tad overrated though... Never tried the mulled wine there though.

[russycarps]

Does birmingham get a bad press? I'd say it's more like it gets NO press, good or bad.

I've never actually been to birmingham, which is quite odd in itself, but I know almost nothing about the place either, Whereas I know at least a bit about virtually every other city in Britain.

Strange really.

[alframsey]

I hadn't registered that you were a fellow Brummie alf - my apologies. The city really does get a bad press,but it's become so much of a tradition to slag the place off that I'm kind of comfortable with it. I read recently that a Russian billionaire based in London regularly flies up here in his private jet to eat at his favourite curry house. I found that fact particularly bizarre.

I rarely go into the city centre though and my Xmas market experience was some years ago. It makes the place look really nice and festive, but most of what's on sale is overpriced tat.

[alframsey]

Does birmingham get a bad press? I'd say it's more like it gets NO press, good or bad.

I've never actually been to birmingham, which is quite odd in itself, but I know almost nothing about the place either, Whereas I know at least a bit about virtually every other city in Britain.

Strange really.

Edited December 18, 2013 by alframsey

[phillyfaddle]

Try http://www.pennardorganicwines.co.uk/. It's the Avalon Vineyard. I went in September and bought some of their farmhouse cider and fruit wines, as they hadn't had any decent grapes for a couple of years due to the weather. The very friendly owner will let you taste any of his produce before you buy. Just up the road is the Orchard Pig. You'l have fun navigating the labyrinth of lanes through the apple orchards.

[ladybird33]

Orchard pig do a good variety. If stopping off en route in june i'd recommend rich's cider farm or a visit to roger wilkins, local legend, at mudgley - a fab day out ;-)

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

Does birmingham get a bad press? I'd say it's more like it gets NO press, good or bad.

[alframsey]

You are probably right. The only ripple of good willed national coverage was some years ago now. It has been a while since we got some praise, or abuse for that matter. Please feel free to indulge in either.

Well, if you ever consider visiting, then just ask here and me and alf (and possibly others) will help out with any questions. I haven't exactly got my finger on the pulse of the city, but could tell you where not to go at least.

[JoeyT]

I think i'm right in saying at wilkins cider farm you can pay £10 or something similar and drink till you drop.

Pretty sure he throws in pickled onions, cheese and bread as well. Happy days.

[5co77ie]

Try http://www.pennardorganicwines.co.uk/. It's the Avalon Vineyard. I went in September and bought some of their farmhouse cider and fruit wines, as they hadn't had any decent grapes for a couple of years due to the weather. The very friendly owner will let you taste any of his produce before you buy. Just up the road is the Orchard Pig. You'l have fun navigating the labyrinth of lanes through the apple orchards.

[king of carott flowers]

unless you need / want to take loads, making it is a pretty cheap option. I can very easily recreate the thick cloudy scrumpy juice with scrumped apples recon its about 8%..

[spg]

Heck's in street gets my vote. Their Kingston black single variety is the best IMHO.

And as 5co77ie mentioned the apple shack was a great cider top up point on site, served in china cups :-) their elderflower champagne was good too.

[5co77ie]

Kingston Black up there with Black Rat Vintage for me.