Welsh MountainCider

Bill Bleasdale began planting the orchard at Prospect, above Newchapel near Llanidloes, in 2005, and now runs the business with Chava Richman from a site 1,100 feet up in the Cambrian Mountains. The six-acre holding grows cider apples at an altitude unusual for Welsh orchards, and the resulting ciders are fermented and matured on site without added flavourings. The Cider Barn sells pints and bottles to drink in the garden or take away, refills growlers, and runs guided orchard tours with tastings of three vintage ciders between April and September, by prior booking. Bottles are also sold for home delivery, including a subscription club. The barn is open Wednesday to Sunday. The ciders have been praised by chef James Martin on television, though the operation remains a small, owner-run producer.