A Traditional English Treat at McDonald & Peacock Cider House

With around 30 cider options, this Peekskill pub, while classic, is in it’s own class.

With much of the contemporary food scene incorporating as unique a twist on cultural cuisine as possible, it’s not often that you come across an eatery so intent on providing a classic experience that it’s designed to feel more than a hundred years old.

“It looks like it’s always been here,” co-owner Dennis Duffy suggests, describing the precisely restored space that makes up McDonald & Peacock Cider House. The 1890s soda fountain sitting behind the bar, combined with a 19th-century Tiffany chandelier and prominent Union Jack fluttering beside the entrance drive home the consciously traditional air.

But what makes the Peekskill pub decidedly distinct is it’s diverse array of ciders. McDonald and Peacock have eight on tap, hailing from as nearby as Awestruck Ciders in Sidney, NY, to Blackthorn in Somerset, England, where Duffy’s wife, Joy Court, is from.

- Advertisement -

Photo courtesy of McDonald & Peacock’s

“Somerset is cider country, explains Duffy, pointing to a black-and-white landscape of the South West England county’s countryside hanging on the wall. Most of the old-timey photos in the pub, depicting rosy-cheeked brewers enjoying their own ciders, are from Court’s grandfather.

Additionally, 6-oz. flights are an option, and McDonald & Peacock carries around 20 bottled ciders, including the all-natural Irish Longueville House, the New York-bottled True Believer from Standard Cider, and the familiar McKenzie’s original and black cherry. If you’re not into the cider scene, they have plenty of beers and wine as well. But Duffy drives a hard bargain. To the initial cider naysayers, he’ll often request, “Why don’t you try a cider instead?”


RELATED: Ossining’s Newest Brew Pub Taps into the Local Community


To be fair, McDonald & Peacock’s heartening Anglo-Indian menu options are a perfect complement to a sweet, crisp swig of cider. English pub classics like bangers and mash, pork pie, and beef Cornish pasties with tamarind and mint for dipping are homespun, while Indian-style curries and fresh, warm baskets of naan soul-warming. Head in on a Sunday or Monday, and you’ll have the option for a traditional roast lunch, lamb or beef.

- Partner Content -

Beef Cornish Pasty

Mild lighting, quarter-sawn oak floors, and a normally low noise-level make for a cordial experience; the metallic pineapples mixed in with the décor are a symbol of hospitality.

“We just hope that people see the flag outside,” explains Duffy, hoping it waves as a beacon of a traditional English treat.

McDonald & Peacock Cider House
38 N. Division St, Peekskill
914.930.7875; www.peekskillciderhouse.com


Curious for more insight into everything from health, weddings, and local business happenings to golf and hearty Westchester eating? Make sure to surf through all of our daily blogs

Our Women in Business Awards event is November 21!

Our Best of Business event is October 30!

Our CEOs & Business Leaders Golf Outing is August 5!

Our Best of Westchester Party is July 24!

Our Westchester Home Design Awards event is June 26!

Our Wine & Food Festival returns June 4-9!

Our Wunderkinds event takes place on May 23!

Our Best of Business Ballot is open through May 15!

Our Healthcare Heroes Awards event takes place on May 9!

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.