Brief History.
We have been making cider in Norfolk for 21 years now – it all started back in 1987 when as already enthusiastic cider drinkers (!), we moved to Norfolk and became aware of an abundance of apples growing all around us. So the following summer we made our first batch of cider – about 450 gallons – and thought it not too bad at all.
An offsales licence followed and we started selling Burnard cider from ‘the farm gate’. We then moved the operation to a small tourist area opposite Banham zoo and increased production, selling to visitors and local pubs.
In 1996 we opened a bar on site – The Cidershed – selling our cider, real ales, monster ploughmans and with lots of live music. A favourite venue for miles around, still remembered with affection by all who drank/partied there.
From there we moved on to Norwich and The Cidershed* (mark 2) opened in May 2005 with The Fat Cat Brewery on site, combining real cider and real ales under one roof with an emphasis on quality live music, creating a venue with a unique atmosphere.. bla bla bla…. … why not come and see for yourselves.
*Initially called The Shed – changed to The Cidershed after some legal argy bargy about copyright.
About the cider. Burnard Cider (aka Banham Cider) is made as real cider should be i.e. fresh apples ( a mixture of cider, dessert, and eating apples) are crushed, the juice pressed out and left in barells to ferment with no added yeast or sugar. when fermented out the cider is racked off the sediment and ready to drink. Burnard Cider has won many awards over the years, see various certificates adorning the walls at shed!