Cider is not a tipple you expect to be made around south east London so an award-winning drink made in small quantities in Eltham really lives up to its name, Gold.

Mike Allen, 67, has been making cider for his own consumption for the past decade using apples from his own garden as well as his neighbours and pressing them at home.

Last year, Eltham Gold won the best cider prize at both CAMRA’s South East London and Bromley beer festivals.

He is set to sell it again at Bexley Beer Festival from April 23 to 25.

Mike said: “I prefer real cider which is made from 100 per cent apple

juice with no additives, preservatives or carbonation.

“It is just left to ferment on its own as opposed to the fizzy stuff found in many pubs and supermarkets which has many additives and is made from apple concentrate.”



The recipe, he said, was perfected over time.

He said: “It’s a bit of luck really and has been improving every year, as I now have nine apple trees of different varieties in my garden as well as my

Neighbours’ apple trees.”

Although it has been sold for charity at Wetherspoons in Eltham, Mike only makes about 20 to 25 gallons a year so has no plans to turn Eltham Gold into a commercial venture.

There is a possibility it may become available at the town’s new micropub, The Long Pond in Westmount Road, however.

Bexley Beer Festival is at Old Dartfordians in Bourne Road, Bexley, from April 23 to 25 and is Bexley CAMRA’s 10th festival, in its 40th year. Go to camrabexleybranch.org.uk for more information.