It feels like forever since I’ve written a food and drink post for the blog, in actuality it was this post about the Willow Tearooms, but it does feel good to be writing another one. Granted this is a little later than I’d planned but my current blogging mantra is better late than never. This is also where I need to be honest and say that I’m not a huge cider fan, however, the husband is, and this cider tasting experience was definitely a treat for him. We went to The Stable at Kew Bridge of our cider tasting experience as we were at Kew Gardens but it’s available at ant branch with their cider master.
Before trying any cider we were presented with a cheeseboard which had the best cheddar cheese on it that I’ve ever tried and I ‘ve tested a lot of cheddar cheese. My husband also fell in love with the Cheddar and the blue cheese that was on the board but neither of us liked the goats’ cheese. It was just the wrong texture but I think would be lovely on a hot summer’s day.
In total we tasted 10 ciders and while I only found one that I liked I think that was an achievement in itself considering I wasn’t that much of a fan of cider. There were a few that the husband liked and of course drank the ones I wasn’t that keen on. My favourite was the Cornish Blush Cider (no. 5 above) which has fruit added to it and gives it a slightly different flavour than true cider. The difference between this and ciders like Kopparberg is that its pure fruit that’s added to the cider rather than a sugar syrup. My husband’s favourite cider was the Devon Red Cider which is a single variety draught cider which is also vegan.
At halftime, we were served pizzas of our choice which tasted just as amazing as they look. The husband had the Longhorn Jim which is a chorizo, ground beef with mushrooms, red onion and topped with ham. I went for the Denhay Delight which is usually bacon, mushroom topped with an egg but I’m not keen on cooked mushroom so opted for it without and asked for a well-done egg too.
We weren’t as keen on the second round of cider’s and if I’m honest they passed as a bit of blur but what I can remember is the dessert that we were served with a cider brandy. That chocolate brownie was warm and one of the best things I have ever tasted. I would honestly go back to The Stable the next time I’m in London just for a pizza and a dessert, and maybe a glass or two of my favourite cider too.
We were treated to the Ultimate Cider Experience* and this would be great if you’re trying to find something for a birthday get together for a small group then this would be the perfect experience for you. Equally, for a small workforce, this would be the perfect work Christmas party.
