This grand old inn was built in fine style by the Dominion Atlantic Railway in 1930, and features lustrous woodwork and stone accents that lend a rich atmosphere to the taproom and adjoining spaces.

The cidery, located on the first of the historic Cornwallis Inn, is equipped to fill and sell growlers.

Doidge says the business has already grown way beyond his expectations.

The new business is brewing up all kinds of recognition.

This grand old space, built in fine style by the Dominion Atlantic Railway in 1930, features elegant moldings, lustrous woodwork and stone accents that lend a rich atmosphere to the pub and adjoining spaces.

Jimi Doidge, owner and brewer of Maritime Express Cider, says brewing up new flavors of cider is his favorite part of the business.

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KENTVILLE, N.S. —

Kentville’s Maritime Express Cider is tapping into new ventures.

Ever since Jimi Doidge and business partner Scott Hearn opened their doors just over a year ago, the business has been on the fast track to success.

Even before its grand opening in November 2018, business was bustling. Last summer, the patio was opened to carry the overflow. When the weather cooled last fall and business kept coming, they started moving the overflow crowds into the mezzanine of the former hotel’s lobby.

And the business is still growing.

“We started off with the cidery and the taproom and then began offering a small selection of snacks that were prepared off site,” he said. “This summer we found our new chef and started renovating the kitchen.”

They are offering weekly events, and the menus have now expanded to offer items for all appetites — from snacks and appetizers, through to mains and desserts. The selection includes vegan and gluten-free dishes and desserts. Earlier this month, they introduced full lunch and dinner menus and are looking at the possibility of offering brunch in the near future.

The taproom and cidery are located on the first and second floor of the historic Cornwallis Inn.

“The space appeals to people of all ages. Some of the older customers remember when this was still an inn,” he said.

This grand old space, built in fine style by the Dominion Atlantic Railway in the 1930s, features elegant moldings, lustrous woodwork and stone accents that lend a rich atmosphere to the pub and adjoining spaces. The former hotel lobby features additional cozy seating beside the fireplace and opens to a grand ballroom able to host events for more than 160 people.

Doidge and Hearn are continuing to grow their business into the space around it. Doidge added they began experimenting with hosting larger events last fall, including a successful Halloween fundraiser and a New Year’s Eve party. These events went off without a hitch, so now the plan is to host weddings.

The next phase will update the bells and whistles in the grand ballroom to host these receptions and other special events. The new paint isn’t on the walls yet, and already 10 weddings have been booked for later this year.

A smaller meeting room is also for private parties, able to accommodate 40 people.

The company’s cidery is located on the first floor and is equipped to fill and sell growlers. They have also expanded their number of ciders from the original mainstays — Flying Bluenose, a dry cider; and the semi-sweet cider Dayliner— to include the citrusy Train Hopper; the tart and crisp Roundhouse Rhubarb; the pink Conductor Cranberry; and sweet as apple pie, Snowed In.

The Pullman Series, a selection of small-batch ciders are also available, giving Doidge the opportunity to be creative with the batches, experimenting with different flavours. He says he plans to double the cider production this year, getting cans out to the liquor stores and more kegs into the bars.

He added that the business has already grown way beyond his expectations.

“It was my dream to open a small-batch cidery, but I probably would have done it somewhere smaller and out of the way. I never expected it would grow like this.”

“We have a great staff, and things have really grown thanks to the awesome support we’ve had from the community,” he said. “We are just going to keep trying new things.”

To get information, visit https://www.maritimeexpress.ca/

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