470: Hedgers, Crossman's, and Coates: UK Cider's Entwined Histories

In October 2024, Cider Chat MC Ria Windcaller recorded with Tom Vowles of Hedger Cider and Ben Crossman in Somerset. Initially, the two recordings felt like separate brand stories. Then, nearly a year later to the day as the produciton of this audio began and the transcript peeled away a story of entwined history came to light and a shared connection: Coates Cider of Nailsea.

Tom Vowles

Suddenly a light bulb was illuminated! The Coates Cider Company was at the helm of the story and here at Cider Chat Central we saw the weaving in of the story behind both Nick Showering and Bob Cork episode on Triple Vintage! The story of cider is entwined in surprising ways and make perfect sense!

Remembering Tom Vowles

Tom walked Ria about his production room which showcased a massive rack and cloth press – that originally came from Coates:

"It's a big old press, isn't it? Came out of Coates originally. We've put a lot into getting it running again, and it does the job." – Tom Vowles

At the time of this recording Hedgers Cider had been opened for just 14 months and during that time had become a go-to place for cider fans. The fact that it is located 5 minutes from the Bristol Airport and along a major artery from Weston super-Mare to Bristol also helps. What we didn't expect was Tom unexpectedly passing away in June of 2025. At the time of this broadcast in fall of 2025, his wife Jo and their son David is now carrying Hedgers forward.

Ben Crossman's Cider and Family History

Ben's story reaches back to the 1930s, when his grandfather made cider alongside Redvers Coate. They even at one time considered a partnership.

Ben Crossman

• Tradition: Wild ferments, bittersweet varieties
• Continuity: Keeping cider alive through tough decades
• Parallel: A family path entwined with Coates' rise

"It's funny, isn't it? The Coates family were massive, and yet they're not here anymore. But we're still making cider." – Ben Crossman

Sidebar: Coates & Triple Vintage

• Founded 1925 by Redvers Coate in Nailsea
• Wartime boost: rationing and zoning expanded markets
• 1951 premium launch: Triple Vintage and Festival Vat
• 1956 takeover: Showerings doubled production
• Modern link: Showerings' Triple Vintage continues the name – launched in 2023

Reflection: Cider's Market Identity

Cider was the choice drink for many and Perry once rivaled champagne and held prestige in Parliament. Today, the challenge is reclaiming value without losing openness.

Like vinyl records and artisan bread, cider's comeback requires:

• Consistency of quality — season after season
• Audience engagement — beyond cider circles, into wine, food, and tourism
• Authenticity without snobbery — refined yet welcoming

Contact info for Hedgers and Crossman's

• Hedger Cider: https://www.hedgercider.co.uk
• Crossman's Cider: https://www.crossmanscider.co.uk

Mentions in this Cider Chat

• Totally Cider Tours
• Absolem Cider Apple Pie Bake Off – October 4, 2025 – judging starts at 4pm
• Kanga Cider