- A surprising entry for your wine list.
- Stock a bottle or two to show how trendy you are and add a touch of style.
- See our list of wholesale upmarket cider suppliers.
Once upon a time, cider was the teenage rebellion’s tipple of choice—think sticky Woodpecker pints and park benches. But cider, dear readers, has shed its “White Lightening” reputation and emerged with a new glow-up so dazzling it could rival a Love Island contestant.
Welcome to the world of posh cider. These days, cider bottles don’t just sit awkwardly in supermarket fridges. They’re swanning around Michelin-starred restaurants, flaunting arty labels and price tags of up to £38 (yes, you read that right—thirty-eight pounds). Forget farmhouse scrumpy in plastic jugs; this is cider with class, cider with a PhD in “terroir studies.” Critics? Fluttering. Sommeliers? Swooning. Farmers? Probably still scratching their heads.
And while this transformation feels like a Cinderella story for the ages, it turns out posh cider isn’t as new as you might think. Back in the 17th century, cider was the toast of the aristocracy, sipped from engraved flutes as powdered wigs nodded approvingly. It was only later that cider went on its little gap year to Farmersville.
Today’s cider revolution is all about reclaiming those roots—literally. Producers are reviving old-school techniques like keeving (a fancy way to keep cider sweet without dumping in sugar) and the “champagne method,” which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle. Sound familiar? It’s how they make bubbly, except now it’s apple fizz instead of grape glitz.
And there’s science, too! Southwest England, with its chalky soil, is perfect for light, refreshing ciders, while the West Country’s earthy tannins create bold, structured options. Yes, we’re still talking about cider, not a wine masterclass.
The big question: will posh cider follow in the footsteps of the fledgling English wine scene and become a staple at fine-dining tables? The jury’s out, but with critics raving and those stylish bottles practically begging for an Instagram moment, the future looks bright—and just a little fizzy
So, dear accommodation suppliers, consider this: when stocking your bar, perhaps it’s time to swap out the Woodpecker for something a little more sparkling. Your guests—and your bottom line—might just thank you. Cheers!