Newton Court is indebted to support that has been given to build and kit out Newton Court, and then after opening for specific projects to recognise and promote the heritage of our orchards and to develop features to enhance the visitor experience.
Under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development the project to build Newton Court went under the project name Chapel of Apple.
The project was ambitious in scale, and needed the levelling of a field to become the footings for a sizeable steel framed building which would then be beautifully clad with oak, wood, brick and designed and decorated with contemporary flare and more than a passing nod to agriculture. The cafe can seat 80 inside and 40 outside on a terrace. The kitchen layout and equipment were part funded by the grant and are of a high standard.
Overall the project has allowed the creation of an outstanding Herefordshire facility and a dozen jobs.
In 2024 Newton Court received funding via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for a Cultural Development Project, with the working title of Pip to Pour. The project’s aim is to develop visitor understanding and engagement with the cycle of cider making; the historical and contemporary importance of orchards in the landscape; provision of apples for the commercial enterprise of cider making and the ecology and biodiversity of orchards. We also aim to have more people try and buy apple juice, cider and perry and to enjoy these alongside food, and as an ingredient in food.
Also in 2024, Newton Court was delighted to secure funding through the Rural Tourism Grant for 5 purchases which all have the common theme to enhance the comfort, accessibility and product offering for our visitors to Newton Court, while at the same time giving us increased capacity, footfall, visitor spend and reputation. Visitors can see our new: cake counter; pergola; back bar; railings and refrigerator.
The Rural Enterprise Fund is a capital grant scheme that has been funded by the UK Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The aim is to support new and existing businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy. This includes farm businesses looking to diversify outside of agriculture. In 2024 Newton Court Cider received funding from the Rural Enterprise Fund for four 7,700 Litre tanks providing two full time jobs and increasing our quality cider production.
Meet Colonel Vaughn!
