Their story
Tricky Cider began in 2004 with Steve Watkins and Alistair Brice, who built on years of making cider at home. Matt Gillett bought the business in 2018, becoming sole owner the following year, and in 2023 moved production to Netherham Farm at Low Ham, near Langport, where he installed his own press. Apples are hand-picked and hand-sorted from a number of orchards across the Somerset Levels, with some brought back into use after being neglected. Cider is fermented with wild airborne yeast, without concentrate or additives, and made as single-variety or blended batches depending on the fruit available each year. Alongside cider, the farm makes fruit ciders flavoured with homemade cordials, such as elderflower and rhubarb, and apple juice.
No single named home orchard; fruit is hand-picked from a number of orchards across the Somerset Levels, including at Netherham Farm itself, with an emphasis on bringing old orchards back into use.
What they make
- Crimson King single variety, dry, 6.5%
- Nirvana medium, sparkling, 5.5%
- Rainbow medium, 6%
- U.F.O. dry, 6%
- Vilbery single variety, dry, 6%
- Wizard medium, 6.5%
Visiting
Farm gate sales at Netherham Farm, Low Ham
Opening times, as they publish them: Open most weekdays and some Saturdays. There are no fixed hours, so call ahead to check.
No fixed opening hours; visitors are asked to call ahead.
Where to buy
- Online, direct from the maker trickycider.com
- At the farm or cidery When open
- Blackfriars Tavern Stockist
Sells bottles, bag-in-box and apple juice via its own online shop with nationwide next-day courier delivery.
Their events
Occasionally takes part in British Cider Week with a free farm tour and tasting (most recently April 2024), and has held an orchard walk, cider tasting and film screening evening in the cider yard (July 2025).