In the cider-making country of North Somerset there are no shortage of great pubs serving up pints of the world’s best cider. From draught to scrumpy, we pick 5 favourites
Weston-Super-Mare
Traditionalists love The Criterion. Not only is it a good, old fashioned ‘single bar’, it’s big on authenticity when it comes to ales, beers and, of course, the cider it serves too. Locally produced Thatcher’s Cider from Sandford is pick of the crop here and it has Gold, Dry and Green Goblin on draught. Don’t expect a beer garden or gastropub trimmings, The Criterion is much more up for a fiercely competitive pub quiz of an evening. Do expect a lively atmosphere and lots of locals jostling for pole position on the darts’ team or playing table skittles.
Lower Langford
The award-winning Langford Inn is one of those lovely country pubs that makes you want to move to a village and buy a dog. So close to Thatcher’s Cider Farm in Sandford you can almost smell the orchards - it offers a range of cask ales and ciders. Drowsy summer afternoons are a speciality here and you can drift through them quite happily in the pretty pub garden – especially after one of The Langford Inn’s famous Sunday Roast Lunches.
Clapton-in-Gordano
Known locally as ‘The Kicker’, The Black Horse dates back to the 14th century and is renowned for it’s selection of local traditional and bright ciders. If you’re walking or rambling in the beautiful woods and reserves round Portishead, make sure to stop here. The popular pub welcomes families and children and, if the weather’s not up to much, it’s just as quaint inside as it is out.
Clevedon
The Salthouse sits close to Clevedon’s legendary Poet’s Walk so the views are stunning - with a very nice terrace from which to enjoy them at their best. The gastro-pub has a large selection of ales, lagers and ciders and more as well as a regularly changing guest ale. A good choice if you’re exploring Clevedon on foot and the only thing that will quench your thirst is a pint of North Somerset cider.
Clevedon
Another seafront North Somerset pub with great views and a good range of local ciders. The iconic brands are kept permanently on draught, but The Little Harp also has an excellent reputation for guest ciders and real ale. So if you’re thinking of setting yourself up as a cider connoisseur, this is the place to taste what’s new before everyone else does.
Like this? You’ll love 10 North Somerset pubs recommended by the Good Pub Guide.
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