West Bradford micro brewery launches traditional cider

The brain-child of Michael and Joanna Creighton, owners of the nursery, the uniquely crafted cider has a traditional medium dry taste and according to its makers, will focus only on using true cider varieties of the finest apples.

Although the project is now coming to fruition, the idea had been long in the planning, helped by a grant from the Lancashire Economic Partnership.

Joanna explained: “It’s always been an ambition of Michael’s to start his own micro-brewery, so we started finally looking into the practicalities about two years ago. As we grow apples here at the nursery, we looked into cider-making and it became apparent that no-one was producing anything locally. Our minds were made up after we visited a small cider brewery in Pickering, North Yorkshire, to view the set up there and managed to buy the kit as the owner was retiring from the business.”

All apples used in the cider-making process are grown locally and blended with cider apple juice, making it a true product of the Ribble Valley. Bottled on site, a bag-in-the-box version will also be available and the cider will be sold both to the wholesale and retail markets.

Joanna continued: “We’re keen to get as many people as possible to come and have a taste of “Ribble Valley Gold”, so we’ll be holding an open day and everyone is welcome to come along. It’ll be really interesting to see what people think as we’re immensely proud of the lovely flavour and the fact it’s produced here in the beautiful Ribble Valley.”

The open day will be held at Dove Syke Nursery, Eaves Hall Lane, West Bradford, on Saturday, May 21st, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 01200 428417 or e-mail: [email protected]