Tolchards Competitors

Independent since 1880. Founded by Henry Weston, Westons Cider has been family owned for over 145 years and proudly independent to this day. We are the largest cider maker of scale in the UK to use fresh juice, pressing over 40,000 tonnes of real cider apples every harvest. It’s a commitment to quality that sets us apart and keeps us rooted in the orchards of Herefordshire. Our portfolio includes leading brands such as Henry Westons and Stowford Press, with award-winning ciders enjoyed across the UK and beyond. As a family business, we do things the right way, guided by our values of People, Pride, Passion and Expertise. So much more in every drop.

The Thatcher family has been making cider since 1904 and each generation has passed down valuable secrets of cider making, creating ciders that are smooth, fresh and full of flavour. We believe our cider makers are the best in the business, and our passion for quality has led to an unrivalled range of premium ciders. We have built a team of highly experienced and motivated people. Times have changed since William Thatcher paid his staff wages in cider. What hasn’t changed is that each member of staff in our extended family is highly valued and encouraged to grow with the company.

Biddenden Vineyards, Kent’s original commercial vineyard, prides itself on being a family run vineyard with the second and third generation of the Barnes family managing the estate. Originally home to a 40 acre apple orchard, the Barnes family started to consider diversifying the farm in the late 1960s. After listing to a radio feature on English vineyards being replanted, Mrs. Barnes was inspired to turn to viticulture. In 1969, one third of an acre of vines was planted and Biddenden Vineyards was born. Today the single estate vineyard spans 23 acres of gentle south facing slopes situated in a sheltered valley, just outside the picturesque Wealden village of Biddenden. 11 different grape varieties are grown here to produce its array of award winning White, Rosé, Red and Sparkling English wines. The knowledge which the family has built up through experience over the years can be seen in the quality and consistency of the wines produced year on year. Biddenden also produces an array of award-winner ciders and juices. Crafted using the Barnes’ family recipe, which has been perfected over the last 40 years, all Biddenden’s ciders are made from the juice of carefully selected culinary and dessert apples. This gives its cider a more wine like style than those found in the West Country produced from bittersweet apples. Biddenden’s much loved, classic, farm-pressed apple and pear juices are naturally full of sweetness and with no added sugar. Working closely with local farmers Biddenden ensures all its apples and pears are sourced right from the Garden of England. Biddenden Vineyards is open to the public throughout the year, with free admission and tastings. For those just passing, there is a self-guided tour route around the vines for you to take a stroll at your leisure. For a more in-depth experience and to learn more about the history of the vineyard, the wine and the cider making process visitors can pre-book group and private guided tours.