From 27th to the 29th September, Canopy Market, the weekly independent market in the heart of King’s Cross, will be collaborating with The Cider Box, champions of artisan and traditionally made ciders to host’CIDERFEST’; a one-off celebration of the UK’s diverse and ancient cider heritage.
Cider has grown in popularity in recent years, though’real’ cider, made from 100%, freshly pressed apple juice is still largely misunderstood and underappreciated.
Canopy Market is setting out to put this right by bringing together a line-up of cider-makers to central London for a 3-day cider event showcasing makers from all corners of the cider making fraternity, as well as a packed programme of activities including cider tastings, demonstrations and food pairing sessions, all under West Handyside Canopy’s beautifully restored Victorian glass and steel roof.
Focusing on high-quality independent producers, the line-up includes ten makers from all over the British Isles such as Hallets, the award-winning makers hailing from South Wales.
Sussex-based Ascension Cider, known for their orchard to glass approach and flying the flag for Nottinghamshire will be Loxley Cider, known for their innovative techniques and distinctive packaging designed by celebrated illustrator Brian Grimwood.
From the West Country, award-winning cider maker Severn Cider; and from closer to home, there will be Local Fox, who use the capital’s unwanted fruit and turn them into mouthfuls of fruity goodness.
Gabe Cook, The Ciderologist and leading expert on all things cider, will also be on hand to evangelise with the initiated or convert and inspire the uninitiated.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn how cider is made and press their own apple juice from a traditional apple press, guided by The Orchard Project, a national charity dedicated to the creation, restoration and celebration of community apple orchards.
Once guests have mastered the art of apple juice-making, they can make their way to a food pairing session, where they will discover the variety of flavours of craft cider when paired with award-winning British cheeses with The Cheese Bar, of Cheese Truck fame.
The three-day event will move to the beat of a line-up of live musicians and DJs, providing a well paired soundtrack to a weekend celebrating the eclectic world of all things fermented and fruity.
Canopy Market’s artisan food stalls will be on hand to help soak up the cider with cheesy toasties from the big MELT, pastries and breads from Little Bread Pedlar, British cheeses from Heritage Cheese, and A Pie Party’s indulgent sweet treats.
For beer and wine lovers, there will be craft beers on tap from Big Hug Brewing, English wines from Redhill Farm Estate and rare Georgian wines from Kakheti.
For those looking to find an original gift or to do some spring shopping, emerging designer-makers selling original prints, hand-made jewellery and tableware include Esoteric London, Kin and Cloth, Red Squirrel, Promises Promises, Visual Flux, Smith and Strand and Starling & Hider.
CIDERFEST will be free to attend and will take place on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of September at Canopy Market.
OPENING HOURS:
Friday: 12.00-20.00
Saturday: 11.00-18.00
Sunday: 11.00-18.00
ADDRESS:
Canopy Market
West Handyside Canopy
King’s Cross N1C