Cider from Rogers

I've had a very pleasant few days away, leaving the shop in the very capable hands of Tom and Rachel. Except of course Tom isn't capable - because he's the type who waits until I leave and then goes and throws himself into a surfboard and breaks his head. Never-the-less, I knew the team could take care of things whilst I paid a visit to my favourite cider farm in Mudgley, Somerset.

Roger Wilkins makes around 15,000 gallons of cider each year, and has been producing it since he was boy (and drinking it from the same age.) I've been to visit and do my bit to securing a modest chunk of those 15,000 gallons at least once a year. I even celebrated my 30th birthday on Rogers farm with a bunch of friends, at one of his annual cider hoedowns. I'd like to say it was a birthday I'll never forget, but thanks to the potency of Roger's brew that year, I'd forgotten it within 24 hours. Shame.

I introduced my girlfriend to the delights of Rogers farm yesterday - not just the delicious apple nectar, but also the homemade cheeses, chutneys and a wisened old ferret who wanted her to sit on his lap.

This time I even bought myself a t-shirt which has already been baptised with about a third of a pint of Rogers finest blend (half dry, half sweet - the very best.)

Do yourself a favour - seek it out: Lose yourself somewhere near Wedmore in Somerset and you'll probably stumble upon it. And try not to drive there.

He likes a drink with his clients, does Roger.