A COUPLE from Hampshire are looking forward to opening a taproom for their cider business after receiving a grant.

Philip and Lucy Lundberg launched Hydes Cyder in 2023 after Philip took up making cider as a hobby.

The former sales director said they got the idea to start the business after serving the drink at his 60th birthday party.

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Philip and Lucy LundbergPhilip and Lucy Lundberg (Image: Hydes Cyder)

The pair, who have an orchard at their home in Herriard began to sell cider, made with a majority of locally sourced apples.

Lucy said: "It’s been a bit of a natural journey. Making the cider turned into a bit of a passion, so Phillip’s been on a number of advanced cider courses.

"We found that people were really drinking it, and it was holding up against the big brands on the shelves."

The pair said they received requests from customers, asking how to make cider, as it is a 'great thing to do with a surplus of apples'. 

"We live in a beautiful area of Hampshire, and we’ve got a structure here that lends itself to a taproom. We thought it would be lovely to do a taproom and pairing classes for the cider," continued Lucy.

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The pair applied for a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund which aims to support businesses and infrastructure in rural areas to open the taproom.

The grant will allow Philip and Lucy to hold classes on cider making, as well as tasting classes.

The pair said the product has been 'well-received across demographics', saying that customers have been choosing the drink over wine due to its lower sulphite content as well as its high level of Vitamin C.

Lucy added: "It's really lovely to be able to build the taproom and offer those classes, whilst serving up the cider. We’re also looking forward to expanding and getting it into more establishments."

The taproom will open in September. More information is available at hydescyder.com.