The Apple, Bristol

An interesting cider boat or barge, parked up along the quay. We couldn't refuse our cider drinking pal a visit here, so we gave it a go. This was a busy venue on our Saturday afternoon visit, with the majority of the drinkers on the top deck, and a good few drinkers on dry land along the quay. The first thing we noted, was that they only sold real ale in bottles. So two of our party went for the Bristol Beer Factory Southville Hop, only realising later that it was 6.5%. I went for a Cider mixed with sloe berries decanted from a clear glass bottle on the bar at 7.5% and I have to say it tasted delicious.

I'm not really a cider drinker but as I was passing by, I decided to have a look out of interest. The bar is below deck, at the end, and has around half a dozen ciders and a perry on handpump plus plenty more in bottles. There is no draught beer, but Bath Ales Gem is available in bottled form, and there was quite a selection of rums to choose from. I chose a cider using my random pointing technique but the barman enquired if I had had the particular one before as it is "an acquired taste". It was from Cheddar, full name unknown, however fair play to the barman who was dead right, and suffice to say I won't be attempting to "acquire" that taste at all. I ended up with a half of something very pleasant if seriously dry. Food seemed to consist mainly of various interpretations of ploughman's lunches. More seating on the deck with plastic curtains to shield the wind and a couple of serious patio type heaters to keep the chill off. Lots of seating also on dry land where there is the biggest jumberella I am yet to see. Certainly worth a visit if you like cider, and as I did, for a bit of a novelty too.