THE APPLE THIEF – CIDER HOUSE

The Apple Thief – Cider House is located 4kms north of Batlow and is owned and operated by Dave Purcell, who cares about the production of apples, cherries and berries and enjoys being able to provide them to locals and visitors from the Cider House.  From old orchard rarities to new fruit hybrids, Dave knows where to find the fruit that will make the very best ciders. Apples have been a key part of Batlow’s economy and history for over 120 years. With an elevation of around 800m above sea level, deep rich soils and generally consistent rainfall, Batlow’s sub-alpine location and climate provides a sweet spot for growing the tastiest and juiciest apples around.

Visit the Cider House to enjoy casual dining, tasty toasties, premium pizzas including some gluten free substitutions and vegetarian options being available.  A unique and impressive feature of the Cider House is the layers of beautiful Alpine Ash timber that have been carefully crafted to line the building. This adds to the immersive experience and feels like you are inside an apple box!  This stunning wood has been reclaimed from trees affected by the Black Summer Bushfires and milled by local craftsman Joe Burgess.  Known for its durability and resistance to weathering, Alpine Ash is a hardwood native to the Snowy Mountains of NSW. It features a lovely grain and light colour that enhances its appeal.  The Cider House stands as a prominent example of resilience and hope.  They’ve paid tribute to the losses experienced from the 2019/2020 bushfires by salvaging this timber.

Varieties of apples such as Alvina Gala, Kanzi, Bravo, Honeycrisp and Greenstar, among many others, are grown in the cool, mountain climate that Batlow is known for. One of the many highlights of a visit to The Apple Thief – Cider House is tasting and purchasing the premium ciders which are made with pure fruit juice, so every cider is 100% fruit and 100% natural.

There’s often a large variety of farm produce available at the Cider Shop which, seasonally, can include apples, cherries, handmade apple cider, jams, jellies, pastes, chutneys, apple cider vinegar and fruit vinegars made from their own orchard fruit, pies, juices and dried fruit. Accessibility: 50 car parks including accessible parking and room for caravans, wheelchair friendly, accessible toilets.  Private Tastings & Tours are available and bookings are recommended for these and for dining in the Cider House.

The Apple Thief – Cider House is open Weekdays 10am – 3pm (closed Tues) Weekends 9am to 4pm. Cider House kitchen closes at 2pm daily. (closed Christmas Day). Open 7 days a week from mid-December for the summer and cherry seasons.

The picking seasons are generally:

• Cherries – mid Dec to late Jan
• Apples – late Feb to June
• Chestnuts – late March to late April
• Raspberries – mid Dec to mid Jan
• Quinces – late March to late April
• Blueberries – late Dec – late Jan

4066 Batlow Rd, Batlow, NSW, 2730.