191: London Got Cider | Cider Chat Live

Here is the first dispatch from the United Kingdom, specifically London where my journey began.

“The Talking Pommes” (The Medlars, Mr. Quince, Perry Pear) and I arrived at Heathrow and went our separate ways. The Pommes headed off to Buckingham Castle to meet the Queen and I headed east to London to meet with Felix Nash. Felix is the owner of Fine Cider based in London. This business is called "cider merchant" in the UK or what would be called a distributor in the US. He has just finished a book called “Fine Cider” and it will be released in October of this year.

Later that same day I met up with Colleen O’Sullivan and James Mann of Duckchicken Cider. They were the catalyst for this trip to the UK and offered to host me at their home in South London. Stay tuned for a full episode with this dynamic couple who are making cider commercially in their home!

James Mann & Colleen O'Sullivan - Duckchicken Cider

One of the highlights with Colleen and James was enjoying a “Train Beer” is a popular term used in the UK when one imbibes on the train. For me I was more interested in a “Train Cider” which we did have while making our way to the Royal Oak Pub in London.

My final day in London I met up with Roberto Basilico the Head Cidermaker at The Hawkes Cidery and Taproom. He presents two styles of cider being made at this both modern and traditional cidery.

Roberto Basilico - Hawkes Cidery and Taproom

Mentioned on this chat

2nd Annual New England Cider Tour October 31, 2019