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Cumbria’s £6 million Lakes Distillery investment set to open its gates

The Lakes Distillery near Bassenthwaite Lake in Cumbria has unveiled its bespoke entrance gates designed by Workington-based metal work artist Alan Dawson.

The gates were thrown open on Monday the 15th of December to reveal the fruits of the distillery’s £6 million investment, a Visitor Centre, artisan bar and bistro, The Bistro at the Distillery, and a shop selling distillery products as well as locally produced fare.

The Visitor Centre will take guests on an atmospheric tour of how the Lakes Malt, Lakes Gin and Lakes Vodka are made as well as including a visit to the distillery’s warehouse where the whisky matures.

Visitors will be taken on a high definition cinematic journey following the water used within the spirits from the River Derwent as it flows down from Sprinkling Tarn through Keswick into Bassenthwaite Lake and on to the Irish Sea.

It will also tell the story of Cumbria’s most notorious distiller and smuggler Lanty Sleek, who plays a key role in the unique tour. Tours conclude in the Tasting Room where guests can raise a glass and be taken on a concluding journey of the palate.

The Bistro at the Distillery will offer delicious honest food served in relaxed but chic surroundings.

Overseen by nationally renowned chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne, the casual bar and bistro will be a vibrant eatery seating a total of 130 guests both inside and out. The bistro will also house the distillery’s Board Room, a stylish private dining area for 30 people where the casks of maturing whisky can be viewed.

The Lakes Distillery has evolved throughout a three year journey and Managing Director Paul Currie can’t wait to unveil what’s behind its designer gates.

Paul said: “The Lakes Distillery is set to be a key attraction for the Lake District and we estimate that we will accommodate approximately 55,000 visitors each year.

“It is wonderful to see everything come together, from the sympathetic renovation of our stunning Victorian farm and the formation of our highly skilled team, to the start of production of our spirits and the development of the menu and style of our bistro.

“We are so excited to open and can’t wait to see the response of our visitors.”

The Lakes Distillery will be England’s largest and is set to produce up to one million bottles of The Lakes Single Malt each year making it a veritable challenger on Scotland’s doorstep and the closest English whisky distillery to the border.

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