From sweet pies to pints of cider, we’re a country that devours the humble apple in any incarnation. In fact, in the U.K billions of apples are consumed each year, while the Bramley apple industry alone is worth £50m. To celebrate World Apple Day, which first officially took place in 1990 in Covent Garden, we look at the best events, places and ways to bite into a crunchy, sweet and juicy apple across the nation.
Go Apple-Picking
Image credit: lumix2004
Whether you’re planning on whipping up a homemade pie, or just looking to chomp on fresh, crunchy apples, the UK boasts some terrific orchards and farms to go apple-picking. From Sandringham Orchards in Norfolk, to Surrey’s award-winning Garsons Farm, visitors will have the chance to PYO (pick your own) delicious apples. Of course, no list would be complete without mentioning Berry Hill. In addition to their vast and plentiful array of plums, leads and gooseberries, the Welsh fruit farm also boasts a whopping fifteen varieties of apples in their orchards. A perfect activity for couples, groups or the whole family to enjoy an afternoon out in the fresh air and getting picking!
Sandringham Orchards can be found 6 miles north-east of King's Lynn and is signposted from the A148 Fakenham road and the A149 Hunstanton road
Garsons Farm can be found at Winterdown Rd, Esher KT10 8LS
Berry Hill can be found at Coedkernew, Marshfield, Newport NP10 8UD
Tuck into a slice of Apple Pie
Image credit: Chicken Shop/ via Facebook
While the saying may be as American as apple pie, in the UK, the apple pie is also a homely and beloved part of the national identity. Make your own, or, for an exceptional (and fuss-free) slice, head to the Chicken Shop. Yes, the restaurant does specialise in rotisserie chicken, but it has also developed a cult-like following for its enormous deep-filled apple pies. Full of generous chunks of apple encased in a delicious sweet and buttery shortcrust pastry, each pie is also served with a family- sized jug of cream to pour over. Utter perfection.
Chicken Shop can be found at various locations across London.
Savor an Apple Crumble
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Nothing quite says autumn like a good crumble. Somewhat easier, and less time consuming to make than an apple pie, the crumble is a favourite British treat. What better way to celebrate Apple Day than by sitting down with a generous portion of warm crumble? However, if you don’t fancy making one from scratch, the country is home to plenty of fabulous cafes and restaurants serving their own variation. For a truly spectacular offering, head to Maggie Jones's in London where ‘Maggie’s Apple Crumble’ is served with cream or custard.
Maggie Jones's can be found at 6 Old Ct Pl, Kensington, London W8 4PL
Enjoy a pint of Cider
Image credit: Anni Pekkanen
While beer may be the go-to, Britain is also a nation that loves a cold, sweet pint of cider. And why not? Given the fantastic variety of ciders, including locally produced craft bottles, there has never been a better time to be a cider lover. While you will find at least one cider on tap at any good pub, the UK is also home to many fantastic cider houses, from The Cider Barn in Somerset to Ye Olde Cider Bar in Devon. However, perhaps the best spot for any cider aficionado is Bristol. With a long brewing tradition, the city is home to a multitude of bars and pubs offering a wider, and more unique, range of the fermented juice. For a terrific pint, head to aptly named The Apple - a barge moored in the centre of Bristol - specialising in cider and perry, both on draught and in bottle.
The Cider Barn can be found at Draycott Rd, Cheddar BS27 3RU
Ye Olde Cider Bar can be found at 99 East St, Newton Abbot TQ12 2LD
The Apple can be found at Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB
Apple Day Events
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To celebrate Apple Day, events will be taking place all across the country today and during the month of October. From apple displays and trails, to cider press demonstrations and apple treats (think gorgeous pies, crumbles and slices), there will be something for everyone, at any age, to enjoy. With the added incentive of tasting opportunities, there has never been a more perfect or tastier way to get your daily fruit fix.
To find an Apple Day near you please click here.