It's Coming Home…

Fancy yourself as a Pommelier? The first step, the Beer & Cider Academy's Cider Foundation Course, makes its Three Counties debut at Little Pomona's Tasting Room on Friday 8 April.

Under the expert guidance of the Ciderologist, Gabe Cook, this is your chance to catch up on the basics, find out why and how cider from everywhere is so distinctive and so versatile, and to taste a fair range along the way. 

Born and bred in Dymock in nearby Gloucestershire, author, international cider authority and Sunday Brunch cider expert, Gabe is delighted to be bringing the course Bromyard-way. "It feels like coming full circle, having started my cider journey in Herefordshire," he says.

"Gabe has been instrumental in our own cider quest at key stages along the way," says Little Pomona's Susanna Forbes, recalling hurtling through a packed, muddy car park to catch the all-important awards ceremony for the Three Counties Cider & Perry cider competition many moons ago. "So we're thrilled to be able to host this, his first course in Herefordshire. And we've handily fixed it for a Friday, so you can make a weekend of it."

With plenty of cider-producer tips on the Three Counties Cider & Perry Association website, consider kicking off your Saturday with a pilgrimage to Oliver's Cider & Perry. Check out the Cider Circuits on Visit Herefordshire, dip into the Sip Drink Tour trail with Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, or pay a visit to the UK's only accredited Museum of Cider in Hereford.

Whether you work in cider or hospitality already or simply enjoy the golden nectar and want to find out more, you're guaranteed an interesting day. As a little bonus, for those who can stay on after the course finishes at 4.30pm, Little Pomona will be offering a special behind-the-scenes tour and opening up its Tasting Room.

Check out Little Pomona's Where to Stay page for local accommodation tips.

With limited spaces available, head to www.tinyyurl.com/ciderfoundation to book your spot.