Pear orchards, Dunkertons, near Pembridge

A visit to Dunkertons last week. This is an organic cider company which is a major concern, supplying lots of local pubs and shops including Waitrose. It is a hard-working, successful modern business, but it is tucked away down slightly overgrown lanes which wind through their own orchards near Pembridge, about 20 minutes from the Cottage. The best thing about it is the shop, where you can buy bottled ciders and perries but also turn up with a 1.5 litre water bottle and they will make up a blend for you from their barrels. The shop is an old, rescued building and seems steeped in cider; the air smells of apples and a kick of alcohol, and the sunlight seems to stagger in and out through the doorways. There is now a cafe at Dunkertons too. It is a great place, friendly and welcoming; one day it will be possible to simply never leave.

Dunkertons, near Pembridge