Thatchers Cider

The Thatcher family is a true picture-perfect family: four generations join forces to produce the ever-popular cider and are involved in every step from the apple tree to the finished drink.

Family matter

Myrtle Farm in Sandford has been making cider for more than 100 years. Initially the apples were pressed using a mechanical press and a lot of muscle power, later a hydraulic press made the difficult work easier. Livestock was kept as a second mainstay until 1984. Ultimately, they decided to put all their cards on the cider. What remains on the farm to this day are the huge wooden vats in which the cider matures to its fruity splendour. The barrels are made of oak and were made more than 150 years ago. They give the cider its very special character and are the pride of the Thatcher family. The production process has changed and modernized significantly since the beginning, but the recipe is a well-kept family recipe based on the second cider brewer Stanley Thatcher. In a hundred years, the Thatcher cider factory has expanded again and again: the apple orchards continued to grow, the cider gained international attention and was even named the best cider in the world in 2017. And the future looks bright! Eleanor Thatcher got her tractor driving license at the age of 16 and is an active part of cider production.

Of bees and flowers

Myrtle Farm is idyllically situated at the foot of the Mendip Hills. Apple orchards stretch across the hilly country as far as the eye can see and are a true paradise for people and animals. In addition to commercial cultivation, there is an orchard that is solely used to research and preserve rare, unusual and delicious apple varieties. John Thatcher collected and planted more than 450 different varieties of apple trees over the years. In order to continually improve their cider and develop new, innovative varieties, the Thatchers are always on the lookout for tasty apple varieties. The plantations cover an incredible 500 acres. The farm's own bees ensure the rich harvest. There are beehives everywhere in the orchards, there is a lot of activity around the apple trees when they are in bloom and the air is filled with a majestic hum. Fields of wildflowers are sown to attract other insects such as bumblebees. On average, it takes about seven years for an apple tree to bear fruit. Every tree requires year-round care: sufficient water, nutrients and professional pruning ensure that the tree can bear fruit for around 40 years. To meet the high demand and support the small farmers in the area, the Thatchers purchase fruit from their neighboring farms in addition to their own apples.

There's a lot of craftsmanship, love and of course good apples in Thatchers Cider!