Celebrating the recent opening of The Apple Thief Cider House near Batlow are owners David and Mel Purcell with sons Jack and Sam. Photos: The Apple Thief/Facebook.
Something delicious has been brewing in the hills of Batlow – and it’s not just the award-winning cider.
After months of anticipation, the doors to The Apple Thief Cider House have officially swung open.
Located a few minutes outside the Batlow CBD at 4066 Batlow Road, the new venue is already turning heads with its striking design and warm, rustic charm.
A labour of love for The Apple Thief founder Dave Purcell and his family, the Cider House is set to be a game-changer for the Snowy Valleys region, bringing flavour, tourism and a fresh sense of pride.
“This has been years in the making – and it means everything to us,” said David, who, with wife Mel and sons Jack and Sam, has grown the family business from a humble cider start-up into one of the country’s most talked-about regional ventures.
“We’ve poured our hearts into this place, and we’re so proud to finally share it with the community and visitors.”
The grand opening, on 17 May, couldn’t have been better timed.
Coinciding with Batlow’s iconic Ciderfest, the launch drew cider lovers and curious travellers alike.
Festival-goers were treated to a double dose of apple magic – with a bustling Apple Thief stall at the event, and the new Cider House just a short drive away offering tastings, local bites and panoramic views over the orchard.
The interior of The Apple Thief Cider House has been fitted out with alpine ash reclaimed from the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires.
Inside, the Cider House stuns with its thoughtful design and natural beauty thanks to a stunning show of alpine ash reclaimed from the 2019/2020 bushfires. It links the high ceilings, spacious restaurant and indoor bar to the outdoor cider garden and timber deck.
A series of feature windows provides views over the orchard and enhances the warmth of the space.
“We pay tribute to the losses experienced by salvaging the alpine ash timber, which we had individually crafted and carefully placed within the building,” David said.
“It’s a reminder to us about what we have been through; however, it also represents how there can be beauty and new life from tragedy.”
Construction of the venue, which began in mid-2024, was supported by a Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund grant, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments.
The grant required matched investment and the Purcells didn’t hesitate to back themselves and their hometown.
Local tradespeople were hired throughout the project, boosting employment and injecting much-needed energy into the region’s recovery.
“I am proud to have utilised local tradespeople for the building construction, giving an opportunity for employment and business support to the community,” David said.
”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.”
Now open to the public, The Apple Thief Cider House invites guests to sip on freshly poured cider straight from the taps, savour casual meals showcasing local produce and explore a new range of handcrafted products.
More than just a place to eat and drink, it’s an immersive journey – from orchard to glass.
Whether you’re a seasoned cider aficionado or simply chasing an unforgettable country weekend, The Apple Thief Cider House promises a memorable stop on the Batlow map.
The Apple Thief Cider House is now open at 4066 Batlow Road, Batlow, NSW. They’re open from 9 am until 3 pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9 am until 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday and closed on Tuesday. To find out more or make a booking, visit its website. You can also keep up with The Apple Thief via their Facebook page and Instagram.
