When the Cheddar gets too much

I was down in Dorset over the weekend, and managed to get in a pint of Cheddar at The Boot in Weymouth. I have to say, it's my favourite pub there and ticks every box that a proper English pub should - although was disappointed to discover that the Cheddar was too pokey for me on this occasion. I hope it was just the end of the barrel, but have heard from the old landlady that it's capable of stripping varnish off the tables when left overnight!

Still, for my next pint I substituted it for one of Boondoggle, from The Ringwood Brewery, which was mighty fine!

I am a cider drinker

I am a very big fan of the cider. Oh yes, much research has been done in that department. Sadly though the East End of London isn't quite the best situation for such a taste, so it's nice to see the Guardian cite an online shop dedicated to the love and purchase of good apples.

I was even more pleased to see that they've been visiting the UK Cider Wiki - which I myself have rummaged around in recently. I have (vague) plans to try my hand at cider-making this summer or next; either way, Rose Grant's contribution on Cider By Rosie is entertaining.

ps - my personal fave is 'Rattler', produced by Skinners of Truro and The Cornish Cyder Farm (the latter owning the strapline 'Legless but smiling')