The Cidery and Blackwood Valley Brewing Company

We were looking forward to our visit to The Cidery - it had been recommended by others and I was expecting a good sort of “brewery experience”. The best part were the ciders but sadly the meal fell far short of expectations. We decided to get a shared plant-based platter for $30 (stated on the menu as suitable for 1-2ppl) and some potato wedges. The platter was very underwhelming, sparse and consisted of obviously cheap ingredients assembled on a plate. It all felt very basic and done with very little love or culinary attention to detail. This was backed up when we later saw the “Turkish” bread at the local IGA (4-pack of rolls for $5). All in all we left feeling slightly ripped off and disappointed that such a potentially beautiful local cidery would not take more care with their menu.

Ah, The Cidery and Blackwood Valley Brewing Company, a place where cider and beer enthusiasts gather to immerse themselves in a world of craft beverages and culinary delights. Nestled in the breathtaking beauty of Blackwood Valley, this establishment promises an experience that tantalizes the taste buds and ignites the senses.

As I stepped into The Cidery, the warm and inviting atmosphere enveloped me. The hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses set the stage for what I hoped would be a remarkable culinary adventure. Eager to embark on this journey, I settled in and perused the menu, seeking flavors that would leave an indelible mark.

I decided to start with a cheese platter, a classic choice that often reveals the essence of a culinary establishment. The platter arrived, adorned with an array of artisanal cheeses, each with its own story and character. However, as I indulged in the flavors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for something more. The cheeses, while decent, lacked that spark of brilliance that I had hoped to encounter. They were enjoyable, but they failed to transport me to the realms of exceptional gastronomy.

The staff, on the other hand, proved to be a bright spot in the experience. Their amicable nature and genuine passion for their craft were evident in every interaction. They eagerly shared their knowledge and recommendations, guiding guests through the vast selection of beverages. However, there was an unfortunate incident that marred the otherwise pleasant atmosphere. At an inopportune moment during my meal, the staff began cleaning the windows, releasing the pungent smell of chemicals into the air. It was an unfortunate lapse in judgment, as it disrupted the harmony of the dining experience and tainted the flavors that danced on my palate.

In my quest for culinary exploration, I yearned for that element of surprise, that moment of awe that would elevate the experience from good to exceptional. While The Cidery and Blackwood Valley Brewing Company offered a solid foundation, it lacked that touch of audacity and inventiveness that would have set it apart. The dishes and libations were enjoyable, but they fell short of leaving a lasting impression.

Yet, I cannot dismiss the undeniable charm and potential that reside within these walls. The dedication of the staff, the inviting atmosphere, and the commitment to craft beverages are all elements that hint at the promise of greatness. Perhaps it is a matter of timing or personal preference, as tastes vary and expectations differ. The Cidery and Blackwood Valley Brewing Company may not have captured my heart with its audacity, but it remains a worthy destination for those seeking a comfortable and enjoyable culinary experience.

So, if you find yourself venturing through the enchanting Blackwood Valley, do pay a visit to The Cidery and Blackwood Valley Brewing Company. Explore the extensive selection of beverages, savor the decent flavors of the cheese platter, and bask in the amicability of the staff. While it may not deliver the mind-blowing experience I had hoped for, it offers a pleasant respite and a glimpse into the vibrant world of craft beverages. Cheers to the pursuit of exceptional flavors and the ever-elusive quest for culinary transcendence!

Wow the chestnut liqueur is just amazing Actually everything is fantastic. Best service and the place is great Will definitely be coming back

What a great place to celebrate my birthday, great food, drinks, atmosphere and hospitality. I will come back.

The ciders were great, there was a great variety for all types of palettes. The beer was good as well, not being a dark ale person I really enjoyed the nut brown ale. The food was great, pizza and chips. Definitely try the liqueur they taste amazing. Didnt try the gin but as the other drinks were pretty good to awesome Id Definitely give them a shot. On top of that the service was spot on. A must lunch time stop, too much to not try.

The Cidery Bridgetown for lunch with friends today, great place for drinks, tasting glasses, tasting plates. Yummy food, very reasonably priced. Gorgeous surroundings. Fantastic genuinely friendly, helpful, pleasant staff. Nothing is too much trouble. Plenty of outdoor, shady areas to accommodate dogs on leads (of course), water bowls provided. New immaculate toilet block.never seen a public one better. Most Impressed. Will definitely be back. Thanks guys and compliments to the chef too! Did I miss anything I don't think so. Oh good access for wheelchairs. 10 out of 10.5 stars is not enough!

Beautiful setting but the service was not what I expected. The lady was pleasant but short and made no attempt to have any conversation with us. The tiny amount of Gin for tasting was ridiculous considering they charged $5 for each gin! My husband did the beer tasting which was very reasonably priced. Once we paid the money there was no interaction whatsoever! Need to learn how to nteract with people who are coming along to do tastings! I would have bought a bottle of Gin but couldn’t be bothered will find another distillery who has better service skills!

Great venue for lunch during the Bridgetown Blues, carrot hummus on vege platter very good

Underwhelming. Price for ploughman's platter did not reflect value. Beverages - average. We were disappointed after all the hype.

Friendly staff, really loved the atmosphere they've created and the food and cider are really wonderful. Get the ACO tart you won't be disappointed.

Had a delightful meal here. The salt and pepper squid was very good according to the diner, my Nachos were very nice and not at full of "Old El Paso" Seasoning. Fish and chips were good, with the chips being commented on as the best in ages. Due to medical reasons, I drink non-alcoholic drinks, and the sparkling cider did not disappoint. The still apple cider was something special, beautiful apple flavours, and natural sweetness with no added sugar.
My dessert of Apple crumble with toasted coconut was excellent with fresh cream and ice cream.

Came here a while ago during a busy day. Drinks were nice and the staff were polite. However the downside was that everyone in my group got their food within 20 minutes while mine took almost an hour and a half to the point where we had to get it takeaway. The beef roll I ordered was rather dry as well. Understandably it was a very hectic day but the amount of time it took for my food to come after everyone else’s was unsatisfactory.

Wonderful little find! The Ciders are great and even have non alcoholic versions for those driving. The cheese was local, which we loved! AND ITS PET FRIENDLY! Would highly recommend popping in and seeing what they have to offer.

To;dr- good location, beautiful courtyard, great beers. In need of better decor and quality control.

The menu said "award winning beers". What they served was stale flat beer that was quite bad.
(maybe something wrong with their taps? The bartender poured them from a keg sitting in the fridge behind her)
I was really looking forward to buying a few bottles of their signature stuff, but didn't want to risk it: (

We also ordered two beers from from the taps on the counter. These beers were great! Full-bodied and more importantly were not 'flat'.
The Apple pie we ordered was lovely and fresh - really really good!

They have a beautiful courtyard, lovely trees, a mini trail alongside a water body. The property is stunning, the cheap green plastic chairs, not so much.

I really hope they work on their outdoor decor by getting some good outdoor furniture, and making sure that their award winning beers are not flat and stale.

A lovely ambience at The Cidery on a balmy Friday evening in Summer. Live music was a great addition to the atmosphere. Great ciders and beers and a beautiful beer garden. Service was friendly and prompt and there was a laid back vibe in the place. An oasis to relax and enjoy in Bridgetown.

Good place that adds to the Bridgetown community. Disappointed there is no ACROD park, so have to navigate the rocky driveway. Some wheelies won’t be able to push into the pebbles. Inside accessible enough.

Very much worth a visit.
Ciders delicious, a selection for every palate.
Very casual and staff make you feel very welcome

Very popular watering hole with a different take on food worthy tryouts. Cider is not my thing but interesting selection of beer. Dog friendly nice beer garden

A cozy, vibrant & welcoming place which we thoroughly enjoyed. As recommended by our nearby accommodation hosts, we made a booking for a Sunday lunch. Miserable weather allowed for a warm, cozy indoor experience with enjoyable live music. The food was delicious & the drinks complimented so.

A wonderful experience. Great food and cider. Excellent service. And atmosphere too. The setting is sylvan and with a tinkling stream.