The Cider Salon Bristol: June 22nd to 24th

This June, The Cider Salon Bristol will comprise a weekend of cider talks, tastings and demos across the city’s independent venues from June 22nd to 24th.

At The Cider Salon, cider lovers will be able to enjoy some of the best quality ciders from across the globe – and it’s more than just a cider festival.

Cider Salon Bristol is the brainchild of two multi-award winning cider makers – Tom Oliver from Oliver’s Cider in Ocle Pychard, Herefordshire, and Martin Berkeley from Pilton Cider, Somerset. Inspired by Cider Salon events in the US and motivated by a concern over the lack of aspiration in the UK cider category, this duo has taken it upon themselves to demonstrate just how fabulous cider can be.

“Cider is a misunderstood drink”, says Martin Berkeley. “Many people have preconceptions about what cider is based upon bad experiences as a youth or what is available in the supermarkets. But the fact is, cider can be so much better. When using time, care and specific techniques, cider can demonstrate all of the quality and finesse of any wine.”

The main event, the Cider Salon itself, is a US-inspired tasting session which will take place at the Old Market Assembly on the afternoon of Saturday 23rd June, with 20 producers pouring a total of 60 speciality ciders. It’s a chance to try some of the most carefully crafted bottled ciders from the UK and the USA. This event will help inquisitive drinkers discover more about a range of traditional drinks and finely-honed techniques, such as Methode Traditionelle, Pet Nat, Keeving, Perry, Pommeau and Ice & Fire Ciders.

As well as the main event, there will be a number of fringe events at some of Bristol’s best-loved food and drink venues, such as Birch, Dela, Bristol Cider Shop and Avery Wine Cellars amongst many others. Some events over the weekend are ticketed, but a number are also free.

“Bristol is the natural place to host such an event, given that it is the UK’s cider capital”, says Tom Oliver. “At the Cider Salon, we believe that locals and visitors alike will enjoy one of the finest showcases of cider that the UK has ever seen and we can’t wait!”

For full Cider Salon listings, click here.