Our cidermaker – Simon Akeroyd

Simon’s passion for orchards, apples and cider began when he used to spend his school holidays at his father’s farmhouse in the Calvados region of Normandy, nestled among the lush rolling hills and and cider orchards of France.  On the farm was a cider orchard and barn where they produced apple juice, cidre bouche, calvados and Pommeau de Normandie.
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Simon was educated at Christ's Hospital in Sussex, before completing a 4 year philosophy degree at Lampeter university, Wales. He then traveled around Europe exploring and working on various vineyards and fruit farms. On his return to England he studied for an HND in viticulture (vine growing) and onoeology (winemaking) in Sussex. He then worked for several years on the largest vineyard and winery in Northern Europe before joining the fruit department at the world famous RHS garden Wisley, looking after one of the largest apple collections in the country with over 1000 different varieties.
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After a career working as a Garden Manager for the Royal Horticultural Society, a producer for the BBC and head gardener for the National Trust, Simon has returned to one of his original passions, making artisan drinks and the conservation of apple orchards and fruit collections. 

Simon has also written 18 gardening books www.simonakeroyd.co.uk