Best Cider Pub – The Crown Inn, Woolhope

From the happy sounds buzzing from the extensive rear garden, through to the happy clink of satisfied customers cutlery hitting the plate, this is a place that makes you want to drop everything, grab a stool and sample some the extensive range of cider on offer.

Landlord Matthew Slocombe is passionate about his cider, to the extent he’s even connected by marriage to the Weston family! However, that passion is applied in a sensitive and subtle way throughout his business.

The Crown Inn produces its own cider, gathering fruit from around the local area, and with two varieties on tap it has proven a runaway success for the business ever since. Working with local people to gather fruit, the pub offers a barter system in return for delivery of fruit, offering free cider, apple juice and even meals at the pub in return.

When it comes to the rest of the cider range, Matthew applies a simple process of local sourcing, offering products from across the region, and more close to home, all of which goes down a treat with customers.

A great menu also allows cider to be brought to the fore, with many dishes flavoured, cooked, or garnished with cider.

Plans are afoot to expand the company footprint and create a craft cider micro-pub in nearby Hereford town centre - bringing proper cider to the masses!

Judge Ed Bedington added: “Matthew and his team are truly dedicated to spreading the word on cider and not content with showcasing local talent, he’s even turned his hand to producing his own, with excellent results. This is an outstanding pub that excels in almost every field it turns its hand to. A real community pub that offers great drinks, great food and great service.”