A Spike Island pub known for selling strong ciders at affordable prices is up for a national award.
The Orchard Inn, on Hanover Place, is one of four pubs across the country to be nominated in the ‘Best Cider’ category at the Great British Pub Awards.
The freehouse has been serving cider for more than 180 years. Most of them are around six per cent alcohol, costing about £3.70 a pint.
Landlord Sam Marriott said: “You are getting a punchy pint for a reasonable price here.
“It’s feels great to be nominated. We do put a massive focus on our cider. We stock 25 to 30 different types.
“We try to keep it in the best condition we can, getting it from the makers to your glass as quickly as possible.
“The furthest maker is just an hour’s drive away. It’s fresh and stored between 11 and 12 degrees.”
'Our ciders are genuine'
Mr Marriott, who took on the lease last December, revealed the Brislington Brain Twister is proving particularly popular at the moment.
“I think people like it for its name and they can tell how local it is,” Mr Marriott said.
“If people are visitors from overseas it is good for them to know our ciders are genuine and from the West Country.”
The Orchard Inn has picked up five cider awards from the Campaign for Real Ale in the last decade.
The Great British Pub Awards’ Best Cider winner will be revealed on September 5.
The other nominees are Brunswick Inn in Derby, The Harlequin in Sheffield and The Star in Godalming.
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