Hereford AppleFest Banquet 2024

To close the 2024 Hereford AppleFest, Hereford City Council will host a pome-themed banquet in the City’s historic Town Hall on Saturday 12 October at 7pm.

Herefordshire is known around the world as one of the most ideal places to grow the finest apples and pears, with centuries of experience in crafting delicious apple juice, cider and perry.

Hosted in the historic Town Hall, celebrate Hereford Applefest as it closes for 2024 with a pome-themed banquet on Saturday 12 October at 7pm.

Guests are invited to celebrate the 2024 harvest with Martin Carter’s (Saxty’s Executive Chef) unique, pome-infused menu, with local ingredients, each of the dishes matched with ciders and perries from some of the region’s leading producers – including Newton Court, Ross on Wye Cider and Perry, Little Pomona and Oliver’s.

The banquet will take place in the majestic Assembly Hall, the scene of many lavish banquets over the 120 year history of the Grade II listed Town Hall. With its magnificent ornate ceiling, beautiful stained glass, and atmospheric oak panelling, you’ll be dining in style.

This experience is certain to book up quickly, so don’t miss the chance to enjoy this exquisitely designed menu celebrating Herefordshire’s special relationship with pome fruits in this unique setting.

Tickets: £62.50 including welcome drink, two key-note speakers, three course meal with matching ciders, perries and apple brandy, with coffee and mints and at the close. Vegan/vegetarian/special dietary alternatives are available.

Tickets available here!

Key-note speakers for the evening:

Tom Oliver – of Oliver’s Cider and Perry is a cider & perry maker and farmer in Ocle Pychard, Herefordshire. He grows many varieties of cider apple and perry pear and produces a wide range of ciders and perries from his own fruit, as well as cider apples and perry pears from partner farmers and orchardists in the county.
The ciders and perries are made from 100% fresh pressed fruit, fermented spontaneously by wild yeasts, emphasising a very traditional approach of seasonality and vintage but utilising an imaginative approach to blending and a cautious use of technology and science where appropriate.

Tom is also a partner in The London Cider House at Borough Market. A cider showcase in the thriving market in central London. He is also the co-founder of the annual tasting of fine cider in the UK “The Cider Salon” in Bristol. Tom rediscovered the long lost “Coppy” perry pear some 25 years ago and is a founder member of the Slow Food Presidium “Three Counties Perry”.

Jane Peyton – Jane’s first experience of drinking alcohol was as a child when her parents poured a tiny glass of Woodpecker cider to match with her Christmas dinner.  This obviously set the course of her professional life because she is the founder of the School of Booze offering training, events and consultancy in alcoholic drinks and their no & low alcohol equivalents.

Jane was the UK’s first accredited Pommelier, Britain’s first Beer Sommelier of the Year, and a former Drinks Educator of the Year. She is the instigator and driving force of the UK’s annual national beer day – Beer Day Britain (June 15th). For her beer work she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement from Britain’s Parliamentary Beer Group.

Jane is the author of several non-fiction books including Drink:  A Tippler’s Miscellany, The Philosophy of Gin, and The Philosophy of Cocktails.  Her first novel is ‘Sole Brethren’ written under her pen name B.A. Summer. Jane’s latest non-fiction book is The Philosophy of Cider, which meant that as she researched the topic, she had the joy of not only writing about Herefordshire, but visiting too. Copies of The Philosophy of Cider can be obtained here.

If you have any further questions, please email alison@herefordcitycouncil.gov.uk

MENU

Welcome Drink

Little Pomona Quince TM 2023

or

Non alcoholic alternative TBC

Starter

Pheasant and Chanterelle Terrine with Quince Jelly – paired with ‘Little Owl’ from Newton Court

Roast vegetable Terrine with Quince Jelly – paired with ‘Gasping Goose’ from Newton Court

Main Course

Paired with: ‘Foxwhelp’ from Ross on Wye Cider & Perry

Rump of Welsh Lamb with sausage and apple stuffing and a red wine jus served with champ mashed potatoes and mixed greens.

Or

Creamy Goat’s cheese and roasted red pepper tart served with new potatoes with basil butter and mixed greens.

Dessert

Paired with ‘The Next Big Thing’ from Tom Olivers – or – ‘Innocent Pilgrim’ from Russell Sutcliffe

Homemade cider drenched apple and date sticky toffee pudding with hot caramel sauce

or

Selection of Local Cheeses, served with celery, grapes and tomato and fennel chutney, with artisan biscuits

Served with: Apple Brandy from Napton Cidery made using Napton’s own cider, five times distilled and then matured in oak casks for at least six months, creating a well-rounded flavour. The oak brings out a rich colour and results in a deliciously smooth brandy.

Followed by tea/coffee and after dinner mints

PLEASE SEND NAMES AND MENU OPTIONS (FOR STARTER AND MAINS) FOR EACH TICKET TO: alison@herefordcitycouncil.gov.uk and include your booking reference number.

IF YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE INCLUDE THESE IN THE EMAIL