The Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s annual Cider and Cheese Festival returns to Havenstreet this weekend.
The event will feature over 25 ciders and a similar number of cheeses available in ‘The Barn’.
Admission to the Railway is free for those arriving by road, with steam trains running frequently between Smallbrook Junction – where the Railway connects to the Island Line – and Wootton, which links with route 9 buses. Return train travel to Havenstreet costs £10.
The bar will open at 11:00 each day and close at 17:00, with cheese available until 16:00.
Bar Manager Lindsay McComb added that the festival offers something for everyone, including fruity ciders and more traditional varieties.
Chef Stuart Angus has curated a wide selection of cheeses for the weekend, including several sourced locally from the Isle of Wight.
Vegan and vegetarian options will also be available, including Applewood Smoked Vegan cheese. Those looking for a strong, traditional cheddar will find Wookey Hole Cave Aged Cheddar among the offerings.
Liz Tagart, Events Organiser, explained:
“With 25 different ciders and a similar number of cheeses there is a good choice to tickle everyone’s taste buds.”
Nick Boycott, Deputy Operating Manager, commented:
“If you don’t want to drive we have a frequent service of steam trains linking the Island Line at Smallbrook Junction and route 9 buses at Wootton to Havenstreet, all for a bargain fare of £10 return.”
Lindsay McComb, Bar Manager, noted:
“Many people treat the fruit ciders as the new cocktail, my favourite is Lilly’s Rum Cider.”
Stuart Angus, Chef, said:
“I’ve sourced seven cheeses from the Island, such as Briddlesford Red and Isle of Wight Blue, together with rarer traditional cheeses from the mainland, such as Dorset Blue Vinny.”
Mike Salter, Volunteer, added:
“It’s great to see that those with special diets are catered for, my daughters particularly like Applewood Smoked Vegan.”
For more information, visit: www.iwsteamrailway.co.uk
