A rustic cider house, restaurant and apple museum inside a 1942 packing shed. Taste award-winning ciders, tour the on-site distillery, browse heritage apple displays and catch live music Friday nights–just up the road from Franklin.
Willie Smith’s Apple Shed is the Huon Valley’s cidery heart–an atmospheric 1942 packing shed turned restaurant, cellar door, distillery and museum. It’s an easy 12-minute drive north of Franklin, making it a natural lunch stop or lazy afternoon outing from Boat Reflections. Expect the warm bustle of a working farm venue: timber beams, apple crates stacked high, a bar pouring seasonal ciders and an open kitchen turning out generous, produce-driven plates.
Start at the cellar door with a tasting paddle that ranges from crisp heritage-variety cider to creative seasonal releases. Next door, the Smith family’s small museum traces the Huon’s “Apple Isle” story with historic presses, orchard tools and a striking wall of heritage apples (gold-coin donation appreciated). On site you’ll also find the Charles Oates Distillery, where traditional Charentais methods are used to distil fine apple brandy–look for guided tours and tastings to peek behind the scenes. Weekends bring extra buzz: the Saturday Artisan & Produce Market (10am–2pm) showcases local growers and makers, and Friday evenings are known for live music in the Shed.
The kitchen keeps things regional and seasonal–think cider-braised meats, Huon seafood, farm salads and the famous house apple pie. Vegetarian and vegan options are standard, kids are welcome, and there’s a providore stocked with ciders, brandy and local goods to take away. Coffee, cakes and lighter bites make it just as handy for a mid-morning pit stop.
You’ll find the Apple Shed on the Huon Highway at Grove (free parking on site). Entry is free; tastings, tours and restaurant bookings are paid. Opening hours run daily from 10am, with later trading on Fridays; hours can shift seasonally and around events, so check the website before you set out. The venue offers indoor and outdoor seating, accessible facilities and plenty of space for families or small groups. It’s a straightforward add-on to a Tahune or Hastings Caves day, or a relaxed lunch from Franklin.
Book ahead for Friday nights and holiday periods, and arrive early on Saturdays if the market is on. If you’re touring the distillery, allow extra time to browse the museum and linger over dessert–apple pie and brandy are a persuasive pairing. Designate a driver if you’re tasting widely, and stash a cooler bag in the car for take-home ciders and local produce.
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