Railway Inn (Photo: Thatchers Cider)
One of the big local success stories in Somerset is Thatchers Cider. A family run affair they seem to have caught the wave of revitalised interest in cider as a refreshing and natural drink and are now very visible across the UK and increasingly abroad. Their HQ is just a few miles from us at Sandford, and if you come here and cycle the Strawberry Line towards Yatton you will pass right through their orchards (they helpfully allows a permissive path to join up a break in the railway line). Just up from the cycle path is their small but friendly shop selling all their wide range of ciders, barrel and bottle, and a lovely range of local produce like jams and chutneys.
Also here was an old and sad pub - the Railway Inn - which Thatchers bought and decided to seriously revamp as their "cider house tap". The beautifully restored and extended pub has finally - with much anticipation - open in the last few weeks and we were quickly there to check it out. And it is quite wonderful. Of course there is a wide range of ciders on tap and in bottles. But good ales, fine wine and quality soft drinks too. The interiors with lots of oak framing is airy and finished with lots of detail, and different areas have very different feel including a comfy sofas and armchairs area, and proper dining room, and a wonderful terrace which joins up with a grassy lawn with deck chairs out for those wanting to sit and soak up some sun with their apple-y brew.
Instantly popular we'd certainly recommend it if you're staying here. Oh - and quite fittingly the entrance porch is thatched! Check it out here: Thatcher's Railway Inn, Cider House and Kitchen.
Also here was an old and sad pub - the Railway Inn - which Thatchers bought and decided to seriously revamp as their "cider house tap". The beautifully restored and extended pub has finally - with much anticipation - open in the last few weeks and we were quickly there to check it out. And it is quite wonderful. Of course there is a wide range of ciders on tap and in bottles. But good ales, fine wine and quality soft drinks too. The interiors with lots of oak framing is airy and finished with lots of detail, and different areas have very different feel including a comfy sofas and armchairs area, and proper dining room, and a wonderful terrace which joins up with a grassy lawn with deck chairs out for those wanting to sit and soak up some sun with their apple-y brew.
Instantly popular we'd certainly recommend it if you're staying here. Oh - and quite fittingly the entrance porch is thatched! Check it out here: Thatcher's Railway Inn, Cider House and Kitchen.
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