The Newt in Somerset, famed for its orchards and cyder-making tradition, has unveiled a refreshed identity for its Fine Cyder collection, crafted by London studio Here Design. The new look draws on the estate’s landscape, folklore and history, balancing refinement and rustic honesty to position Fine Cyder among the world’s most prestigious drinks.
“Our starting point was the deep heritage of Fine Cyder itself, a drink once considered the peer of the continent’s finest wines,” the team at Here explains. “In fact, 17th-century diarist John Evelyn called cider ‘the Native Wine of England’. We wanted to restore that sense of prestige, but in a way that felt relevant today.”
The new identity celebrates cider’s historic significance while embracing modern design cues and sustainability. Grounded in Somerset’s culture and mythology, the project seeks to reawaken a drink once regarded as noble by reviving its ancient story for a contemporary audience.
When Here first visited the estate, its creative team found inspiration in the site’s layered history, from the wyverns carved into stone and suns embedded in pathways to the apple lore stretching back generations. These discoveries shaped a woodcut-inspired visual world, where every bottle tells a tale drawn from local myth and landscape.
“Wyvern Wing, for example, references the estate’s own wyvern and grotto,” Here says. “In Somerset lore, these mythical beasts were symbols of strength and protection, guardians of the land, so this cyder celebrates something precious, tucked safely under the creature’s wing.”
Other bottles in the range include Ice Cyder, inspired by the legendary Isle of Avalon – where King Arthur was said to rest – and Yarlington Mill and Dabinett, both nods to apple varieties first discovered growing wild nearby. Each name comes with a story of chance and cultivation, echoing the region’s character and folklore.
Together, the bottles form a collection of narratives that are both ancient and alive, and weave Somerset’s natural, historical and artistic identity into a premium drinks experience. The illustrations, reminiscent of medieval craft, are paired with modern restraint in type and layout, striking a balance between luxury and authenticity.
“The balance came through material and tone,” Here explains. “We combined the fine detailing and restrained typography of a luxury wine with tactile, crafted textures that speak to the cider’s orchard origins. It was about finding sophistication without losing honesty.”
Sustainability also played a crucial role. While the core 750ml bottle retains its familiar silhouette, it has been redesigned to weigh almost 300 grams less. This subtle yet significant move reduces transport emissions while maintaining a sense of elegance.
“We wanted the bottles to feel lighter in hand, elegant rather than imposing, without compromising on quality,” says Here. “It’s an example of how design can make sustainability feel desirable – through form, proportion, and material honesty rather than overt messaging.”
With the Fine Cyder range destined for top restaurants,