Maryland Meadworks is using new fire pits to keep customers warm this winter.

The Hyattsville meadery at 4700 Rhode Island Ave. bought several Bali-brand gas fire pits for use at its sidewalk tables, a more dramatic take on the heat lamps that other Route 1 businesses are using to expand outdoor seating options during the pandemic.

“We bring the fire pits out as people need them and usually set them up next to the tables,” owner Ken Carter told the Hyattsville Wire.

Maryland Meadworks is also offering a hot spiked cider, called Lava Lamp, that’s made with fresh honey crisp apple cider from McLeaf’s Orchard in Pennsylvania and blended with organic cinnamon sticks and its sweet Mead Marian.

Later this month customers will also be able to pick up holiday gifts such as Meadworks-branded frisbees and fancy bottles of mead vinegar made from Tart Gwen and infused with herbs.

Carter said he hopes that its free pickup and delivery options will help the meadery weather the winter, when its cozy interior would have seen a lot of customers.

The meadery’s holiday hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 4 to 7 p.m., Fridays 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays noon to 9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  It will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Maryland Meadworks also offers its mead at the neighboring Shortcake Bakery’s Brunch on the Avenue, which takes place each Sunday outside from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Carter says they plan to continue holding the Sunday brunch event through the winter, weather permitting.

In addition to mead from Maryland Meadworks, the Sunday menu includes patatas bravas with fried duck eggs; specialty coffee drinks, mimosas; and the usual sweet and savory baked goods.