Real Cider and Perry is #NotFromConcentrate
In May 2021, CAMRA launched a revised definition of real cider and perry, which is:
‘CAMRA defines real Cider or Perry as being fermented from the whole juice of fresh pressed apples or pears, without the use of concentrated or chaptalised juices.’
(The word ‘chaptalised’ refers to a process where the alcohol level in a cider or perry is increased by the addition of sugar to an unnatural level for storage, before it is diluted with water to the desired alcohol content for sale.)
Many of the ciders and perries that are widely available in pubs, including those produced by Westons, Thatchers, Lilley’s, Thistly Cross, Broadoak and Snails Bank do not meet this definition. The good news is that there are just under 400 producers of real cider and perry around the country, and a comprehensive list of these can be found on the CAMRA website https://camra.org.uk/beer-and-cider/cider/promoting-real-cider-and-perry/ . You can browse the interactive map or download the list as a pdf. There’s also a map and list of producers of fruit and flavoured ciders that meet the definition. You’ll notice that this is much shorter, as many producers do not add any fruit or flavouring to their ciders or perries, and others use concentrates, extracts or essences even though the base cider or perry is real.
Real cider and perry can be packaged in a variety of ways, including bag-in-box, bottle, can and keg. Please note however that the fact that a cider or perry is dispensed via a handpump or directly from a bag-in-box is no guarantee that it is real.
So, if you are in a pub and want to be sure that the ciders or perries on offer meet the CAMRA definition, typing ‘real cider CAMRA’ into your browser will take you to a link to the relevant information on the CAMRA website. The lists and maps will be updated regularly.
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Here’s a list of the pubs in the Bolton CAMRA area where real cider and perry is regularly available.
B33R@33 33 Lee Lane, Horwich, BL6 7AX
This recently opened bar currently serves one real cider from bag-in-box, plus a selection of bottled real ciders.
Beer School 88 Market Street, Westhoughton, BL5 3AZ
Up to 4 real ciders or perries are served from bag-in-box and a range of bottled and canned real ciders/perries are available. Occasionally there is a real cider or perry on one of the keg pumps.
Blackedge Brewery Bar Hampson Street, Horwich, BL6 7JH
Three of the handpumps on the bar are dedicated to cider or perry, and these are usually real. The fruit ciders from Lilleys do not meet the definition.
Blackedge Brewery Tap 55 Market St, Westhoughton, BL5 3AG
Three of the handpumps on the bar are dedicated to cider or perry, and these are usually real. The fruit ciders from Lilleys do not meet the definition.
Bunbury’s 397 Chorley Old Road, Bolton, BL1 6AH
Some real cider/perry is served from bag-in-box, and there is a range of bottled real ciders and perries available.
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The following pubs occasionally include a cider or perry that meets the definition in the range available.
Bank Top Ale House, 36 Church Street, Horwich, BL6 6A
Bank Top Brewery Tap 68-70 Belmont Road, Astley Bridge, Bolton, BL1 7AN
Hen & Chickens 143 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1EX
Nook & Cranny 213 Darwen Road, Bromley Cross, Bolton, BL7 9BS
If you visit any of the pubs on this list and find that real cider and perry is no longer available, please let our cider and perry officer know at: cider@bolton.camra.org.uk . We’d also like to hear of any pubs that can be added to the list.