ciderspace

Pub reviews, tasting notes and other pips and pieces from the world of cider and perry, compiled by Adrian Tierney-Jones

Welsh gold

The Penrhyn Arms is a no-nonsense village local to be found in the small clinging-to-the-side-of-thehill community of Penrhynside, which lies close to the seaside resort of Llandudno in Wales.

Cask beer is the main business here, but look closer and you’ll see that the pub is also a haven for traditional draught cider and perry; a fact that was recognised when it was voted Best Cider Pub in Wales and runner-up nationally by the Campaign for Real Ale.

John Slumberland is the boss, a local man, former gravedigger, occasional poet and a selfconfessed failed stand-up comedian – but there’s nothing funny about his dedication to cider and perry. Even though he sells Bulmers (“for the younger drinkers”), McGuire’s Pear Cider and Magners (“I’m trying to wean them off the ice”), it’s the selection of small producers’ ciders and perries that get the cider-heads searching him out (as well as local cooks who pop in for a pint in which to marinade their leg of pork).

“Selling traditional cider was a progression from cask ale,” he says. “Initially, I tried Ralph’s Old Badlands and it went really well. At the moment I have three ciders and two perries on – I try to get the Welsh ones such as Gwynt y Ddraig, whose perry I love.” Getting hold of his favourite ciders and perries is not an easy job, as there isn’t such a good network of distribution as there is with beer.

“I often go and pick it up,” he says. “However, I am surprised but pleased how well it took off, especiall.....

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By Adrian Tierney-Jones

Section : Ciderspace

Page number : 65