Hamptworth’s Cuckoo Inn named Cider Pub of the Year
The cider is served in top condition
The Cuckoo Inn pub in Hamptworth has been named as Cider Pub of the Year by Salisbury & South Wilts branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
The pub has 20 different ciders on offer, with range and quality available and the skill the landlord displayed in ensuring that they are served in top condition, convinced CAMRA to hand the pub the award.
Owner Nik Amplianitis said:
“I am so excited to get this award, it is a huge honour. When I re-opened The Cuckoo last year I had only four beers and four ciders on sale but since then I have steadily increased the numbers.
“You need a lot of different ciders to cover the whole range and now I feel that I have something for everyone. This award is recognition that I did not over-react and put on too many and it means a lot to me.”
“Nik’s passion for cider is fantastic,” said Jane Foster, CAMRA branch’s Cider Champion, “The range of ciders that he sells and the knowledge and enthusiasm that he shows is truly exceptional.
“They are in excellent condition, partly because he makes sure that they are kept at the right temperature.”
The Cuckoo is owned by the Hamptworth Estate and Nik, who has lived in the UK for ten years, was invited by the estate’s owner to take over the pub, which was lying empty and in need of renovation.
In just over a year Nik and his wife Sofia have restored the fortunes of this much-loved venue, which is once again popular with locals and visitors.