Member Article

Mincoffs Solicitors' licensing team delivers on £16m museum and whisky distillery

Newcastle-based Mincoffs Solicitors has played a crucial role in the launch of Northumberland’s newest, multi-million pound visitor attraction.

Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery, Wooler, recently opened to the public after nearly five years of planning.

The team behind the ambitious project, which is one of the largest ever investments into tourism in the area at £16m, has worked closely with Mincoffs’ licensing team to ensure its venues are fully prepared to welcome visitors.

Celebrating the area’s rich heritage, the visitor attraction will showcase an array of items found at nearby Yeavering and across the North East and beyond, with a number of exhibits on loan from national institutions including The British Museum and Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

Visitors will be able to visit the venue’s Great Hall and museum, take a stroll in the grounds or embark on a guided distillery tour or tasting session at the first legal whisky distillery in Northumberland for more than 200 years.

Licensing partner, Matt Foster, instructed on the museum and main distillery, working with responsible authorities to agree licences more than a year before the site was due to open.

This involved drafting and reviewing the appropriate licences for the bar, restaurant, function rooms and exhibit area, along with licensing the outdoor space to utilise its potential for future events or markets.

Ad Gefrin was founded by Alan and Eileen Ferguson, with son Chris Ferguson also taking a leading role in the project as Director of Visitor Experience.

“Matt and the team have been a pleasure to work with,” said Chris.

“We have been more than ably supported by the professional team at Mincoffs for all of our alcohol and licensing applications, giving us great confidence in what is a complex project.”

The distillery is respectful of traditional methods while not being afraid of innovating, supported by the latest technology.

Ad Gefrin released its first whisky blend last year, Tácnbora, ‘the standard bearer’ as the fore-runner until it’s Single Malt matures.

Matt Foster believes the site has fantastic potential.

“The team at Ad Gefrin are passionate about the experience they are looking to create and that shines through in the top class premises they have delivered,” he said.

“It was a pleasure to work with Chris and the team and it’s sure to attract visitors to the area from all over the region, in turn creating a significant impact on the local economy.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mincoffs Solicitors .