Winchester Distillery brings gin-making experience to the city
This Autumn, Winchester City Centre will become home to The Blend Academy, a gin school hosting fun ‘create your own gin’ sessions as well as Wine and Spirit Education Trust classes in a new event space run by local spirit makers, Winchester Distillery. The local distillers will host regular events for both consumers and the trade at the newly refurbished site on Middle Brook Street.
The space had been inaccessible since the Post Office vacated the building, and Winchester City Council has created a new entrance directly from Middle Brook Street.
For Winchester City Council, this is another successful tenancy for a local business to ensure the city centre thrives as part of the Central Winchester Regeneration project.
Council Leader, Cllr Caroline Horrill, who is also Chair of the Committee leading the Central Winchester Regeneration said:
“It’s super to see local businesses take up space in the city centre and be a part of a thriving business community. We are thrilled to have the Winchester Distillery take up residence on Middle Brook Street, where we’ve already welcomed a Pilates business. The premises have been empty and neglected for years so we’ve totally refurbished the space and with businesses like Winchester Distillery moving in, it’s being brought back to life.
“This company has grown up locally and is a great example of innovation and growth in our district. They’re taking their product to the city centre, and now sharing the art behind their product through different classes and events.”
Paul Bowler from Winchester Distillery said:
“We’ve been running gin-making experiences from our distillery in Alresford for a few years now and they’ve been really successful. This new space in central Winchester means more people can easily reach us and now we will have the space to host a range of fun, educational events including Wine and Spirit Education Trust classes too. We’re already looking forward to working with other like-minded businesses to extend the experience offerings beyond gin to other drinks and food."