Market Research

MARKET RESEARCH NO.4: NIGEL STEWART, BRIDGE FARM CIDER

Welcome to The Sherborne Market! What brings you here?

Having been born in Sherborne but now based near Crewkerne, I am always happy to have the opportunity to trade at a market in my hometown, particularly at the start of a new venture like these Sunday markets.

Where have you travelled from?

I moved to East Chinnock, 25 years ago, to have a little land and some buildings to set up the cider business. Since then, I have planted my cider orchard and established the cidery with a small shop to retail our cider and apple juice.

Tell us about what you’re selling?

My interest has been to continue the tradition of making still, farmhouse cider from the great cider apples grown locally. Inevitably, over the years, the range has expanded to include perry, sparkling, bottle conditioned and single variety cider, with some apple juice as well. At the moment, I am also growing and selling new potatoes, principally from heritage varieties.

Where and when did it all begin?

Growing up in Sandford Orcas, we had a few old cider apple trees in the garden, and I decided to smash a few up and see ‘what would happen if...’ Let’s just say that the seed was sown.

What do you enjoy most about selling at markets?

Well certainly not the early starts, but there is nothing better than seeing people enjoying what you make and looking forward to finding us again – hopefully, with a few stories about good times had.

If you get the chance, which fellow stallholders, here at Sherborne Market, will you visit?

Liz at the Baking Bird always has such tasty things – savoury or sweet, and I heard a little about a new grower of mushrooms; I would like to see his produce.

Where will we find you on market day?

I will be opposite White Stuff, in front of Humbert’s old office.

bridgefarmcider.co.uk ___________________________________________ Every 3rd Sunday April – September The Sherborne Market Cheap Street, Abbey Green, Digby Road and Pageant Gardens @thesherbornemarket ___________________________________________