Taste the Flavours of Autumn at the Shops at Dartington Apple & Cider Weekend

Autumnal colours in abundance, ruby reds, burnt amber and sienna yellow. A wealth of flavours to try. This year's Apple & Cider Weekend at The Shops at Dartington on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th September will be a sensory delight.

With a vast number of ciders produced in Devon, of which a good number are sold in the on-site 'Devon Drinks' shop, there is a style to suit all fans of this refreshing drink. Incorporating the much loved South West tipple, Okemoor's new 'Pork in Sheppy Vintage Cider' pie will be officially launching at the two day fair in 'The Food Shop'. The weekend will also see the exciting unveiling of The Shops at Dartington's first ever ale, Elmhirst Ale. A distinctive amber ale with a smooth malty finish, brewed less than 10 miles away by family run microbrewery, Hunter's. Make sure you drop by 'The Food Shop' and 'Devon Drinks' for your first taste of both!

Throughout the two days Pomona, the mobile apple press operated by theatre group Common Players will be back pressing locally grown Devon apples. This freshly pressed apple juice can be purchased at the pop-up cider bar, which in addition will be stocking Dartington Organic Vintage Cider and Dartington Organic Cider Devon Blush. Hunt's and Norcotts Cider will also have pop-up gazebos selling their finest drinks in the picturesque courtyard.

Commenting on the weekend, Barbara King, managing director of The Shops at Dartington, says: "This is always a well-attended event. It is very family friendly and is enjoyed by both young and old." Barbara continues: "We are proud to support the many outstanding local food and drink producers here. This weekend really celebrates the apple harvest and the county's cider production."

Over the two days, tastings will be taking place in 'The Food Shop' and 'Devon Drinks' with several Devon producers on hand to offer tasters of their delicious products. A Dartington regular, Cosmo the Clown will be keeping children captivated together with a 'sparkly apple treasure hunt'. Live music on both days will complete the weekend. For those looking to gather culinary tips, QVC TV presenter, Mal Harradine will be offering hands on workshops with an apple theme. Demonstrations in 'The Kitchen Shop', glass engraving by Holly from Dartington Crystal on Saturday and craft demonstrations in the Craft Centre complete the activity list!

The Shops at Dartington has a unique selection of shops to explore during your visit over the weekend. Browse the exquisite craft and pottery collections, stylish women's and men's fashion, homeware and unusual gifts and furnishings and relax in the two on-site cafés, The Venus Company and Cranks, which serve delicious, handmade dishes.

For further information on The Shops at Dartington visitwww.dartington.org/shops and, whilst online, also have a look atwww.shopsatdartington.co.uk where you can buy a carefully chosen 'edited' selection of 'best picks' from The Shops at Dartington's 14 spectacular on-site shops. With home delivery and convenient 'click and collect' services available, it's now easier than ever before to browse and purchase from The Shops at Dartington's stunning collections. For up to date news and offers follow @Shopdartington on Twitter and 'Like' on Facebook.

The Shops at Dartington is owned by the Dartington Hall Trust, an independent charitable organisation, trading ethically and sustainably as a social enterprise in order to help support the Trust's activities in social justice, sustainability and the arts.

ENDS -

For further information, photography or an interview with Barbara King please contact:

Hayley Reynolds at RAW PR and Marketing -hayley@rawprandmarketing.co.uk;

Tel: 01548 550 429; Mobile: 07887 474 104; Twitter: @HayleyJReynolds; @RawSW