LILLEY’S Cider, a father and son cider business based in Frome, has just bought 40 acres of land to create a new orchard, with plans of moving their cidery there in the spring.
The land is located between Packsaddle Way and Cuckoo Lane, being only a 15-minute walk from the town centre and Lilley’s Cider have big plans for the area.
Marc Lilley, owner of Lilley’s cider said, “In January we are planning on planting 1,250 trees, mostly cider apple trees but some eating apple, pear and plum as well.
“Long term, we would like to move our cidery onto the farm and build a shop and cafe there. We are hoping to submit plans for this in the spring.
“The land is very popular with dog-walkers and we want to reassure them that they will always be welcome. We are trying to keep the character of these wonderful fields by leaving in the hedges and keeping plenty of open spaces.
“We want to make this the home for Lilley’s Cider and to create a very special place for the people of Frome for generations to come. I am incredibly excited about it. For many years I have dreamt about moving the business to a farm. We have tried to buy land in the past, but never had enough money. To have managed to get this land in Frome is a dream come true.
“We had feared that we would be forced away from the area due to lack of a suitable site, which would have been really sad as the people of Frome have welcomed us and embraced our company – we feel that we are very much a part of Frome.
“Planting the orchard is the first stage, then will come the planning permission to move the cidery, build the shop and cafe and also build two houses, one for me and one for my dad (the two owners of Lilley’s).”
Lilley’s cider delivers a large and diverse range of ciders, perries and real ales to pubs, clubs and breweries throughout the UK. To keep up-to-date with Lilley’s progress, follow them on their social media pages or visit www.lilleyscider.co.uk
