Food & Drink

Somerset Food & Drink

Somerset, literally translated means 'Land of the Summer People' and it is a county which has been famous for centuries for its fruits of the land.

This is the home of Cheddar Cheese and you can still see it being made today in Cheddar Gorge near the Mendip Hills which is also the home of the ancient city of Wells and mysterious Glastonbury, burial place of King Arthur.

Somerset apple orchards grow in abundance producing a drink which gives you a real taste of the West Country - cider! From the tiny orchards making farmhouse 'scrumpy' (a very potent local brew) to the large commercial operations producing a smooth refined drink which is increasing in popularity throughout the U.K. and overseas - there has always been a strong association between Somerset and apples! There is even an Apple Brandy produced in the county called Somerset Royal which further strengthens this link. Many of the orchards are attractions in their own right so make a little time to explore.

Celebrating Somerset Food and Drink

This publication and website looks at the story of food and drink in Somerset and gives some fascinating insights into why Somerset is developing as a centre of culinary excellence.

For a free copy of the guide (only available in English), contact: -

Somerset Tourism
County Hall
Taunton
TA1 4DY

Email: scphillips@somerset.gov.uk
Website: www.visitsomerset.co.uk

Also available: -

Somerset Cider Map

A beautifully presented new guide to Somerset's many cider and apple juice producers is also available. The publication gives information on 28 cider makers and 16 apple juice producers - all highlighted on a map of the county. There is also some fascinating information on the history of Cider making in Somerset, together with a description of the 'Orcharding Year' and a list of the many varieties of apples used to produce the different types of cider.

It is wonderful that the ancient tradition of cider making and the production of delicious fresh apple juice is alive and well in a county which has always been famous for it's links with apples - as one journalist in 1696 commented: -

"In most parts of Somersetshire it is very fruitful for orchards.... Plenty of apples and peares"

For a free copy of the guide (only available in English), contact: -

Somerset Tourism
County Hall
Taunton
TA1 4DY

Email: scphillips@somerset.gov.uk
Website: www.visitsomerset.co.uk

Some are surprised to learn that Somerset has over a dozen vineyards - the tradition of grape growing and wine making stretches back many centuries - the Doomsday book in 1086 recorded no less than seven vineyards in Somerset! They may be small, but Somerset's present day vineyards are winning national and international acclaim. Take a walk amongst the vines, visit the small museums and even have a light meal to sample a glass or two in the wine-bar on the estate, all this will give a real insight into the lives of Somerset folk.

Whilst travelling through the beautiful varied Somerset landscape, it's hard to resist a West Country Cream Tea - home-baked scones, farmhouse clotted cream and local jam are the perfect accompaniment to a refreshing pot of tea (forget the calories for a while and enjoy the fayre!). You will only find Somerset 'Whortleberries' on the Quantock Hills and Exmoor (of 'Lorna Doone' fame), this is a delicate and delicious berry used in local recipes to create a truly distinctive flavour of Somerset.

Farmers Markets are a wonderful way to buy local produce - direct from the supplier! These markets are held at various towns throughout Somerset - see the Somerset website for a list of venues - www.visitsomerset.co.uk