insideKENT Magazine Issue 40 - July 2015 | Page 45

FOOD+DRINK

kentish summer tipples

BY LISAMARIE LAMB

Cider is the epitome of a Kentish summer drink; cool and refreshing, and made with one of
Kent’s most famous pieces of produce, the apple. It is everything our county has to offer in
one delicious drink. Kentish cider has a history that spans over 2,000 years, and it was something
that, when the Romans landed here in 55BC, was already a thriving tradition.

When Roman officers retired from the army, they were awarded land in
Britain and, seeing how popular cider was, many of them planted orchards
(known as pomeriums in Latin), which is why we have so many ancient
orchards in the county today. And it wasn’t just the Romans – the monasteries
in the area often had orchards too, as the monks had to be self sufficient,
and making and selling cider offered them a useful income.

of orchard expansion, importing trees from France. And where did Harris
plant his first example orchard? Right here in Kent, of course; in Teynham,
to be exact.
So is it any wonder that Kent, with all this history and tradition behind it,
still lays claim to some of the best cider out there? If you are looking for
something exceptional to enjoy during barbecue season, then your own
doorstep is the perfect place to start your search.

Henry VIII was – amongst other things – extremely fond of cider. So much
so that he, along with his head fruiterer, Richard Harris, began a programme

Biddenden Vineyards

Wise Owl

Dudda’s Tun Cider

www.biddendenvineyards.com

www.facebook.com/wiseowlcider

www.duddastuncider.com

This award-winning (it was named Best Kentish
Cider or Perry at the 2015 Taste of Kent Awards)
cider from High Halden in Ashford is made from
100% pressed apples to an age old recipe.

Made in the heart of Kent at Pine Trees Farm,
Doddington, the delicious ciders and 100% pure
apple juice from Dudda’s Tun is utterly refreshing
– perfect for a summer’s barbecue. The cider is
available in bottles, pouches, boxes, cartons,
and poly-casks.

Hush Heath

Big Tree Cider

www.hushheath.com

www.bigtreecider.co.uk

The orchards at Hush Heath are just as impressive
as the well-known vineyards, and span over 20
acres. Originally planted for eating apples, in
2012 it was decided that the orchard would be
an excellent way to start a new venture, making
cider, which is why Hush Heath’s cider is so
sweet and crisp. Varieties include Jake’s Orchard
Cider and Jake’s Kentish Cider.

It all began with one tree in Hartley – from there,
Big Tree Cider has grown and grown, and now
has four superb and different varieties to choose
from. Proud Kentish men and maids, the owners
of Big Tree Cider love their county and their
produce. Varieties include Appley Ever After,
Fruity Beauty, Walking Gingerly, and Lisping
Cowboy.

With award-winning apples on their side, it’s no
surprise that the winemakers at Biddenden
Vineyards have turned to cider making as well.
Crisp and delicious, this is Kent in a (very attractive)
bottle. Varieties include Biddenden Strong,
Monk’s Delight, and Biddenden Sparkling Cider.

Kentish Pip
www.kentishpip.co.uk

Using its own special blend of apples, this family
of cider producers went from hobbyists to experts
who now sell their distinctive, small batch ciders
across the country. Varieties include Elderflower,
Craftsman, Wild Summer, and Forager.

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