London Fields’ Fine Cider Company Puts British Craft on the Map
Why London Fields is Becoming the Heart of Britain’s Cider Revival
If you’ve walked through London Fields lately, you might have noticed something stirring beneath the railway arches—a quiet revolution in how we drink cider. The Fine Cider Company, tucked under the arches at 399 Mentmore Terrace, has emerged as the epicentre of this movement, transforming what was once dismissed as a mass-produced commodity into a celebration of British craftsmanship.
Neighbourhood residents and visitors are discovering that proper cider rivals wine in complexity and storytelling. Felix Nash, the merchant behind the venture, sources small-batch ciders from producers across the country, each bottle representing generations of knowledge and careful orcharding. The location itself matters—nestled between established favourites like e5 Bakehouse and Wonton Charlie’s, the Fine Cider Company has become part of London Fields’ growing identity as a destination for quality, locally-minded shopping and tasting experiences.
Unlike the concentrate-based ciders that line supermarket shelves, these bottles showcase genuine terroir—the expression of where apples grew and how traditional methods shape flavour. For a neighbourhood already known for supporting independent businesses and artisanal producers, this addition feels natural and necessary.
From Local Merchant to Michelin-Starred Tables
What happens at 399 Mentmore Terrace doesn’t stay local—it radiates outward to London’s finest dining establishments. The Fine Cider Company supplies prestigious venues like St. JOHN, The Fat Duck, and KOL, meaning your neighbourhood cider merchant has become a gatekeeper for some of the capital’s most discerning chefs and diners. This partnership represents something important about London Fields itself: the neighbourhood produces quality that meets the standards of institutions near Trafalgar Square and beyond.
Felix Nash hasn’t simply created a shop; he’s curated an educational experience. The London Cider Salon at Tate Modern, organised by the Fine Cider Company, brings producers and enthusiasts together for tastings that rival wine education events. These tastings demystify cider-making, allowing Londoners to understand fermentation techniques, apple varieties, and regional styles as seriously as they might approach wine regions.
For local businesses, this means opportunity. The Fine Cider Company’s success attracts foot traffic, supports neighbouring ventures, and positions London Fields as a neighbourhood where craft and quality matter. Community members gain access to expertise and experiences that were previously unavailable without travelling across the city.
How to Get Involved and What Comes Next
If you live in or frequent London Fields, there’s an immediate way to explore this growing scene: visit the shop in person. The Fine Cider Company welcomes walk-ins with samples available—perfect for trying before committing to a bottle. Every Friday and Saturday, the team hosts tastings featuring over half a dozen styles, transforming the space into an informal classroom where you’ll meet other cider enthusiasts and learn directly from someone genuinely passionate about the craft.
The online shop extends access beyond the neighbourhood, but locals benefit from the tactile experience: examining bottle labels, discussing flavour notes with Felix, and building relationships with the merchant community. This kind of direct engagement strengthens the neighbourhood economy and supports independent business.
Watch for future events and collaborations. As the London Cider Salon expands its reach from Tate Modern, opportunities will likely emerge for local tasting events and producer visits. The momentum is building—proper British cider is shedding its image as casual summer drinking and claiming its place alongside craft beer and wine culture. For London Fields residents, you’re witnessing this transformation firsthand, right beneath those arches. Whether you’re a seasoned cider drinker or completely new to the category, there’s never been a better moment to explore what British orchards and traditional methods can achieve.
Source: Find the Finest Ciders in the Country at This London Fields Spot | Neighbourhood Watch
