Hawkes has launched London’s first ever ‘urban cidery’, which it says is the latest step in its “mission to change the face of UK cider forever”.

The Hawkes Cidery & Taproom, which is located off Maltby Street Market, is designed to enable Hawkes to explore and push the boundaries of modern cider making in a unique urban setting.

The facility has a dedicated cider taproom that offers its own craft drinks as well as a range of guest UK and world craft ciders. The venue will also host cider making workshops and tours; a small batch, research and development range; and cider and food matching activity.

Simon Wright, chief Hawker of Hawkes, said: “Cider has spent too long in the background, suffering an image problem versus craft beer and spirits. That needs to end now, and it starts with presenting cider in a totally new light. The design and layout of the Cidery has been fitted in our unique Hawkes style and, for the first time in London, people will be able to immerse themselves in cider, and get to feel, touch and taste its potential. We passionately believe that cider deserves its place at the craft drinks table, so there was no better place to start than in the middle of the iconic ‘Brewery Mile’, a location key to driving a new revolution for cider in the UK.”

The company began in 2014 when it took surplus apples donated by Londoners to create its first bottle of Urban Orchard cider. The campaign to fight food waste remains high on Hawkes’ agenda today and it reports that its recent #appledonor campaign was a success. This year it plans to form new partnerships and agreements with a host of social enterprises and urban gardens.

“As a new breed of urban cider maker, we feel the time is now to change the face of the cider industry. The world of cider is so wonderful and diverse. That’s why we are calling on other cider makers to work with us to educate the masses on how they use their orchards and distinct fruit varieties to craft their own ciders.

Read more at source Drinks Retailing News