Monthly Archives: March 2008

Wetherspoons International Festival

Wetherspoons international real-ale festival J D Wetherspoon, the big national pub chain is advertising it’s international real ale festival from 27th March – 14th April with “Imported beers and ciders” but inside the situation is extremely disappointing: The only real … Continue reading

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Olivers Perry in the Guardian

The things food and drink writers say… Around Britain with a fork | Experts | Life and Health Oliver isn’t a scientific blender, he says. “I just use my nose and palate, and I try to end up with something … Continue reading

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Harechurch Hill cider

This is simply one of the best bottled ciders ever, and I’ve reached that conclusion on more than one occasion at the Dartmouth Arms where they have a pretty good selection of cider and perry. I think I’ll add it … Continue reading

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Book: Manmade Eden – Historic Orchards in Somerset and Gloucestershire

Author James Russell contacted me about research for a new book about cider. A previous book called “Manmade Eden – Historic Orchards in Somerset and Gloucestershire” is well worth a mention at this point. It features interviews with John Thatcher … Continue reading

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The traditional Basque cider meal

Following my last video post about pouring the cider from the barrel in the Hondarribia Sidreria, this one is about the traditional meal that goes with it. It’s pretty much the same as offered at nearly all of the Basque … Continue reading

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Alcohol duty rates 2008 budget

from www.hmrc.gov.uk/budget2008/bn91.pdf

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Cider duty increases expected in budget

All three main UK political parties are falling over each to be seen as coming down hard on binge drinkers after the failure of 24hour pub opening to introduce a new continental cafe style drinking culture. Coinciding with a slowdown … Continue reading

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