Newton Court marks first birthday of café and restaurant

Newton Court Cider, near Leominster, expanded its business in November 2022 after realising it needed to diversify. 

Its café and restaurant, which was part-funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, is open seven days a week, with customers also able to purchase a number of items from its farm shop. 

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The menu is aimed at showcasing some of the county's produce, with local producers chosen.

It holds pizza nights every Friday from 5pm to 8pm, while its breakfast and lunch menus have also proved to be popular. 

"We're open seven days a week and it's really been worth it," said Gill Bullock, general manager at Newton Court Cider. 

"We're a real versatile space. We can cater for buffers for up to 100 people and have held 60th, 80th and 90th birthday parties."

The team at Newton Court (Image: Rob Davies)

The business, which was set up over 30 years ago on a 157-acre family farm at Newton Court, has 28 people on the books, with 12 full-time equivalent employees. 

The company has also worked with celebrity chef, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, from River Cottage.

One of the partners, Paul Stephens said people visit from all over the world, with Newton Court Cider holding weekly tours. 

The brewery is next to the café and shop (Image: Rob Davies)

"There is such a rich history in Herefordshire - there are not many places where you can go and see the cider," he said.

"You can see down and eat Herefordshire food and drink cider - it creates a great space and experience."

On November 25, Newton Court Cider will be holding a festive launch from 4pm to 8pm where people can take part in sample tasting, with carol singers and mulled spice workshops also adding to the occasion.

The bar at Newton Court (Image: Rob Davies)

Christmas lunches will be served from November 27 to December 24, with Christmas parties sold out, apart from on December 15. 

Looking further ahead, there will be a wassail trail in the first week of January with displays from the Blackthorn Morris Dancers .

"We want people to enjoy the orchards because they're so rich in diversity," added Mr Stephens.