Excellent cider knowledge, Drone. I grew up not too far from where Brimblecombe’s was made, small world! Sadly the drink is now demised. I wasn’t familiar with Snell’s but a quick search tells me that it’s also gone although I know for sure that Gray’s is still going strong, quite literally! Apparently the also defunct Brommell’s formed a local ‘Gang of Four’ ciders.
Hazy memories of Ye Olde Cider Bar and the legendary Diesel which was orange in colour. I haven’t been for a while but apparently it’s still going.
I think the farmer literally selling outside the gate is a best a rarity these days but local farm shops often stock some of the good stuff from nearby producers.
I also have never tried mead, I’ll have to get down to M&S 