Hereford AppleFest Banquet 2023

Hereford AppleFest Banquet

Ticket Link

To close the 2023 Hereford AppleFest, Hereford City Council will host a pear-themed banquet in the City’s historic Town Hall on Saturday 14 October at 7pm.

Our region has the perfect soils and weather to grow the finest apples and pears in the world, not to mention centuries of experience in crafting fine apple juice, cider and perry.  Guests are invited to celebrate the 2023 harvest with Martin Carter’s (Saxtys’ Executive Chef) unique, pear-infused menu, with local ingredients, each of the dishes matched with ciders and perries from some of the region’s leading producers – including Newton Court, Ross on Wye Cider and Perry, Little Pomona and Oliver’s.

The banquet will take place in the majestic Assembly Hall, the scene of many lavish banquets over the 120 year history of the Grade II listed Town Hall. With its magnificent ornate ceiling, beautiful stained glass, and atmospheric oak panelling, don’t miss the chance to sample this exquisitely designed menu celebrating Herefordshire’s special relationship with the pear in this unique setting.

This experience is certain to book up quickly, see the menu here!

Tickets: £62.50 including welcome drink, two key-note speakers, three course meal with matching ciders and perries, and coffee and mints at the close. Vegan/vegetarian/special dietary alternatives are available.  Tickets available here – https://ticketlab.co.uk/event/id/17679#/

Key-note speakers for the evening:

Adam Wells – Adam is an independent cider and perry writer, speaker and judge, and the founder-editor of Cider Review, the world’s leading source of reviews and long-form articles on cider and perry. He has also contributed to JancisRobinson.com, Burum Collective and Pellicle, amongst others, and has been described by Gabe Cook as ‘the key cider writer in the U.K.’ Adam is currently writing a book about perry, to be published by CAMRA Books in May 2024; the first international guide on the subject ever written specifically for the drinker. He has had an awful lot of fun doing the research…

By day Adam is the Content Editor for Waterford Whisky and Renegade Rum and holds the WSET Diploma – a souvenir from his decade working in the wine industry. Needless to say he is as fascinated by the threads that weave seemingly disparate drinks together as he is by the idiosyncrasies that distinguish them. He is hindered in his efforts to write more by an amateur theatre habit he can’t quite kick and a small cat called Nutmeg who loves sitting on keyboards.

Twitter @cider_review   Instagram @cider_review

Bill Laws – Bill is a local historian, author of over twenty titles, including Fifty Plants that Changed the Course of History, and archive editor of Herefordshire Lore.

It’s 150 years since the Herefordshire Pomona was first conceived.  Bill will be sharing some pomological secrets behind his forthcoming book on the Pomona and revealing how this ‘classic of late Victorian natural history’ came about and how actor Michael Palin’s great grandfather had a role to play in its production.

If you have any further questions please email alison@herefordcitycouncil.gov.uk

MENU

Welcome Drink

Little Pomona Brut Rosé 2021- A delicate flavour, exquisite aromatics and delightful structure. The vivid orange red colour is gained from handpicked damsons.

or

Cold Pressed Pear Juice from Bentleys Castle Fruit Farm

Starter 

Paired with: Succulent - a still perry featuring the gin perry pear. Forthright citrus and juicy fruit from Oliver 's Cider & Perry

Roasted Pear and Gorgonzola Salad drizzled with aged balsamic and extra virgin olive oil, toasted almonds and topped with ciabatta croutons (V) and ribbons of Serrano ham

Main Course 

Paired with: Butt Pear S.V. 2022 - a lightly sparkling single variety pear, with light acidity, gently floral aromas and a gripping tannic finish from Ross on Wye Cider & Perry

Herefordshire Pork Belly slow cooked in perry, served with potato and parsnip mash with a perry jus

or

Roasted Red Pepper & Aubergine Bake (V) with sundried tomatoes, mozzarella and rocket, garnished with caramelised pear and crispy onions

Dessert 

Paired with: Black Mountain Perry, a naturally sparkling keeved perry from Newton Court Cider

Pear and Maple Syrup Meringue with fresh cream, crushed pistachios and drizzled with chocolate sauce (V)

Served with: Apple Brandy from Napton Cidery made using Napton's own cider, five times distilled and then matured in oak casks for at least six months, creating a well-rounded flavour. The oak brings out a rich colour and results in a deliciously smooth brandy.

Followed by tea/coffee and after dinner mints

PLEASE SEND NAMES AND MENU OPTIONS (FOR STARTER AND MAINS) FOR EACH TICKET TO: alison@herefordcitycouncil.gov.uk and include your booking reference number. PLEASE NOTE: The Starter is either with or without ham, depending on if the guest is vegetarian or not. Please ensure you stipulate this in the email with your menu options.

IF YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE INCLUDE THESE IN THE EMAIL