Work forges ahead on huge distillery attraction in Durham city centre

Jon Chadwick of Durham Gin. Photography by Joshua Lawson, David Lawson Studios

Durham Distillery, who’ve built up a firm following with their Durham Gin, have started work creating their new distillery in central Durham.

Main contractor Black and White Construction will lead the conversion of the former McDonalds and Royal Bank of Scotland building in Prince Bishops Shopping Centre into a new distillery visitor attraction.

The 6,000 square foot space will house a shop and ticket office on the ground floor, with a huge still room, bar and visitor space in the basement floor underneath the streets of Durham.

The distillery has had great success with its Durham Gin.

“We are absolutely delighted to be involved with such a prestigious project, and we are looking forward to turning this amazing vision into reality,” said Sean at Black and White Construction.

The distillery will open the retail shop in time for Christmas, with the launch of the distillery and visitor space early next year. Their plan is to include interactive distillery tours, cocktail masterclasses and private events in the space, in order to cater for a wide range of groups and ages.

“This is a massive moment for the distillery,” said founder Jon Chadwick. “We have been working hard for years to get to this moment. We love Durham and we are proud to be at the heart of the city.”

Richard Toynbee, centre manager of Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, said: “This is one of the most exciting and innovative new retail projects happening anywhere in UK, and we are incredibly excited to have Durham Distillery here in the centre as it reflects our strategy to welcome local, independent and entrepreneurial businesses."

The opening of the new distillery, which it’s hoped will attract tourists as well as drinks connoisseurs closer to home, will also mirror an entire rebranding for the company. The transformation will include new bottle designs and logos, as well as the anticipated introduction of Durham Whisky, the North East’s first ever single malt whisky.

If you would like to become one of the first private reserve members of Durham Whisky visit www.durhamwhisky.co.uk/packages

For our guide to independent distilleries, breweries and shops doing drinks deliveries in the region see here.

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