Many years ago, I went into a pub in Barnstaple where the landlord advertised cider, and he charged me precisely seven old pence a pint! More recently, my friend Martin and I decided to go to The Bridge Inn in Cardiff, sadly now disappeared, which had a reputation for cider. You can imagine the situation: two smart young lads ordering pints of scrumpy. The barman was most apologetic: "I'm sorry, lads, but if you want cider, then you must drink in that bar" - indicating the double-doors. We paid for the cider and went through the swing doors, where we encountered a vision of hell. The Rake's Progress had nothing on it. Old tramps giggled toothlessly. Dirty old men drank the devil's fuel and raged drunkenly at nothing in particular. We gulped our pints hurriedly and beat it.

Nowadays, cider has improved famously. Dave Matthews owns Seidr Dai, a brilliant series of cider brews. Bill Gronow from Llantwit Fardre is the ambassador for Gwynt y Ddraig (Dragon's Breath), who produce a plethora of amazing cider and perry recipes. Dave Jones of Llantrisant and Swan Ciders is the Best Cider blue riband holder. There are a lot more producers who really love their cider and their perry and carry on brewing - and Wales is more better for it. Cheers!