The Apple Thief Cider House Officially Opens
Construction of the highly anticipated Apple Thief Cider House is now complete and a date has been set for the official opening!
Located just a short drive from the Batlow CBD, the Apple Thief Cider House stands prominently at 4066 Batlow Road and the impressive new venue will open its doors to the public on Saturday 17th May.
Perfectly timed with Batlow’s signature event — Ciderfest, being held on Saturday, 17 May, the launch of the Cider House is welcome news for visitors to the region. Festival-goers will also have the chance to sample The Apple Thief’s award-winning range of ciders at their stall at the festival itself.
This initiative was made possible thanks to jointly funded Australian and NSW government Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund which was established after the 2019/2020 bushfires that tore through the Snowy Valleys and notably the town of Batlow.
The grant program required matched funding and Dave Purcell, founder of The Apple Thief Cider, has invested in the project and backed himself to ensure the success of the business. Alongside his wife Mel and two children, Jack and Sam this small family business had a vision for Batlow and the initiative turned a negative experience into a positive one.
“The impact of the bushfires will always be with me, my family and with this community, but through this venture we have tried to support the resilience of Batlow by creating this new business, which will bring visitors to our town and encourage the recovery of our region.”
Work on the new building began mid-2024 and has supported economic recovery, job creation and local business stimulation.
“I am proud to have utilised local tradespeople for the building construction, giving an opportunity for employment and business support to the community. We also have a dedicated team for the Cider House operations which provides an economic benefit to the region through the creation of local jobs.”
For those who are excited to get the first look at the Cider House, the experience will not disappoint. Patrons will not only be impressed by the outside of the expansive exterior of the building, welcoming grounds, and immersive entrance but they will be astonished once they step foot inside the venue.
Stunning Alpine Ash which was reclaimed from the 2019/2020 bushfires beautifully links the high ceilings, spacious restaurant and indoor bar which flows through to the outdoor cider garden and timber deck. A series of feature windows provide comforting views over the orchard and enhance the warmth of the space.
The Cider House stands as a prominent example of resilience and hope.
“We pay tribute to the losses experienced by salvaging the Alpine Ash timber which we had individually crafted and carefully placed within the building. It is a reminder to us about what we have been through, however it also represents how there can be beauty and new life from tragedy”.
The Apple Thief Cider House is more than just a venue – it is a destination. The immersive experience showcases the journey from the orchard, to the fresh apples which are transported in timber apple bins and transformed into flavorsome cider.
The Cider House offers a stylish bar pouring ice cold hand-crafted ciders from the taps for guests to taste. Customers will enjoy casual dining while browsing the new range of products and local produce. Whether you're a cider enthusiast or simply exploring the region, the Apple Thief Cider House is a must-visit highlight of Batlow.
Funding Acknowledgement: Funding for The Apple Thief Batlow Cider House development was achieved from a successful Bushfire Local Economic Recovery (BLER) Fund application by The Apple Thief. The BLER Fund is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.