The Cider Tap is historic in two exceptional ways: 1. It is the first dedicated cider bar in London for forty years. 2. It proudly occupies one of the two remaining testaments to an early Victorian architectural masterpiece. Opened in December 2011, it’s a unique addition to the capital’s bar scene.

The Venue
The Cider Tap is inside one of the two gatehouses that fronted Philip Hardwick’s 1837 original Euston Station. Disgracefully destroyed in the sixties, it was a classic rendition of the Ionic style which expresses itself in the fine proportions and impressive stonework of the Cider Tap. The other gatehouse – an identical twin in terms of design – is opposite it, also fronting Euston Road. This houses its sibling bar, the Euston Tap, a destination venue for real ale aficionados.

The Cider Tap has two levels. The ground floor has green tiling, long mirrors, a single servery and tables attached to the walls. There are two large posters explaining cider production in French. The most attractive feature is a splendidly-patterned Victorian wrought iron spiral staircase, painted black, which leads to the upper floor. This is simply furnished with chairs and barrel tables and has plain white walls.

The Atmosphere
The last cider bar in London was Weston’s off the Harrow Road in Paddington. Closed in the early seventies, it was a favourite haunt of many a Notting Hill writer and artist. They appreciated its rural connotations and cheap prices – cider once enjoyed a lower rate of duty. The Cider Tap does not have the same boho characteristics; it does, though, appeal to many of the staff and students at the nearby University College and University College Hospital. They’re joined by travellers coming through Euston Station and local office people. After only a few weeks, it has created a cadre of committed cider drinkers.

The Drink
Six draught ciders are always available. There’s a deliberate policy of rotating them with no house brands. Among the quality products to appear are those from orchards throughout the country such as Bragdy Brodyr in Wales, Ciderfect Muggled Up in the Forest of Dean, Court Farm in Herefordshire, Johnson in the Isle of Sheppey and Parson’s Choice in Somerset.

All are proper artisan ciders, made from freshly pressed apple juice and left to ferment naturally. Most of the fizzy keg ciders found in the vast majority of other pubs are made from apple concentrate, watered down, pasteurised and carbonised with added gas, creating a diametrically different – and diminished – drink.

Complementing the draughts are nine craft ciders served under pressure. They also rotate but among those that have proved popular are Hogan’s, Sandford Orchard and Lilley. The latter Somerset farm also provides a pear-based perry. Remarkably, the Cider Tap also serves an American cider, Original Sin from New York State. As is the case with draught and bottled ciders, there’s a choice of dry, medium and some sweet types.

The bottled range of around twenty different products includes some from notable farms like Oliver’s and Orchard Pig. In addition, there are rare offerings of Norman cidre fermier from French orchards, Chateau de Breuil and Christian Drouin. These two also supply apple brandies named after the designated Calvados district in Normandy.

The rest of the drinks range is limited – a Czech lager, Bernard, a white and red wine and some bottled beers.

The Food
Space is so limited that food can’t be provided. Instead, as with the Euston Tap, there’s an arrangement with nearby Ray’s Pizzeria to have pizzas delivered. Delivery normally takes about 20 minutes.

The Last Word
Many venues claim to be unique; the Cider Tap genuinely is. If you’re a fan of cider, you’ll be in your element and in royal company. As Prince William has said, ‘Everyone thinks I drink beer but I actually like cider.’

venue information venue map view london review write a review