Great to see Thatchers leading the community out of lockdown with cider shop and Railway Inn

Having made cider at Myrtle Farm in Sandford since 1904, Thatchers are at the heart of the local community.

Fourth-generation cider maker Martin Thatcher planted his first apple tree on the farm when he was five, and with a fifth generation now waiting in the wings, Thatchers know a thing or two about the Cheddar area and how the surrounding countryside contributes to them making their award-winning drinks.

Therefore, Cheddar Nub News is delighted to welcome Thatchers as a sponsor of our site, which supports us in bringing our online good news newspaper to our loyal readers.

We caught up with Martin and asked him what makes Thatchers stand out from other cider makers around the country.

"Quality is our absolute number one every time. We're making ciders that hit the mark on taste and quality with every sip and we're doing that sustainably.

"We're so incredibly proud that we're making our cider four generations on from when my Great Grandfather first started pressing apples, and still here at Myrtle Farm. And that passion for cider making has helped us grow into the UK's largest independent cider maker. We're equally proud to have our home here in Somerset, and to play our part in our local community.

"From our Thatchers Foundation, through to the orchards we care for, from our Young Talent Apprenticeship Programme, through to events and open days here at the farm. Partnering with the Nub News community helps us spread the word of what's happening here at Myrtle Farm to those who share our love of Somerset."

Sustainability is something Martin is passionate about. Not only are the 500 acres of orchard owned by Thatchers in Somerset valuable carbon sinks, they're a home to amazing wildlife and a precious contributor to the local ecosystem. And at Myrtle Farm, Thatchers is making great strides in cutting carbon, reducing its use of water, and renewable energy is used across its cider making. The cider-maker has also greatly reduced its use of plastic packaging – it was one of the first cider makers to move away from plastic rings on can packs.

Despite being a brand that is known nationwide, Thatchers are proud of their local roots, and make sure they serve the community through their cider shop in Sandford.

The shop is a great place to find the complete range of Thatchers ciders, and as many people will already know, you can buy cider straight from the barrel! With sustainability in mind, many customers like to bring their own containers to refill. As well as a range of gifts and the latest Thatchers promotional items, there's also delicious local produce such as cheeses and chutneys too.

Situated next to Myrtle Farm and the cider shop is the Railway Inn, the cider house and kitchen that is owned by Thatchers.

Customers are already back at the Railway, enjoying food and drink in the garden, and the team there led by Dan and Leigh are looking forward to hopefully being able to open up the pub itself from May 20. The Railway Inn is at the heart of the village of Sandford, with its natural stone features, comfortable surroundings and a traditional oak-framed dining room, as well as spacious terraces, it's a fantastic space in which to relax, eat and drink. They look forward to welcoming you very soon!

You can visit the Thatchers website here, where you'll find opening times for the cider shop and Railway Inn, as well as its online shop.