Gin brand plans distillery and bar

THERE WOULD BE A RESTAURANT TOO IN SIX REFURBISHED RAILWAY ARCHES

MANCHESTER Gin has secured six Grade II-listed railway arches in Manchester city centre, with plans in place to open a distillery, bar and restaurant.

The site lies beneath Manchester Central on Watson Street, a long-forgotten stretch in the area that will be fully renovated by the artisan gin brand.

Three of the six arches will have floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing passers-by the chance to see the gin being distilled.

To further immerse customers in the Manchester Gin experience, there will be tutorials, talks and masterclasses held in the space.

Plans for the distillery also include a restaurant and bar within the space, where customers can taste creative cocktails and produce from local artisanal producers.

Manchester Gin hopes to upgrade to a 1,000-litre still, dubbed ‘Wonder Wend,’ in the new 5,300 square foot site.

From humble beginnings in their dining room, where their original still was just 60 litres, the brand has now grown to include four different gins stocked in stores nationwide – including a 4.5 litre Jeroboam.

Manchester-based Up North Architects are behind the design, which will take cues from Manchester Gin’s local heritage, core brand values and the inspirations behind the gin. Although rapidly scaling up the business – the new venture will bring 30 new job vacancies from back office to hospitality – Manchester Gin will strive to maintain their handcrafted approach and family values.

Seb Heeley, co-founder of Manchester Gin, said: “It’s been an ambition of ours, since we started in our dining room, to give people the ability to come and meet us and see how we make our beautiful gins in person.

“The arches under Manchester Central will be the perfect mix of the old industrial heritage of Manchester with a contemporary look synonymous with our brand.”

Shaun Hinds, chief executive of Manchester Central, said: “Since joining the business 18 months ago, I’ve been looking for the right opportunity to activate our arches and reinvigorate this part of the venue. In getting to know Seb and Jen from Manchester Gin, I have been impressed with their vision for their business which in many ways matches the ambition of Manchester Central and the city as a whole.

“As an iconic feature of the city ourselves, I knew early on that this development would create a unique destination within the realm of our venue for both Manchester residents and visitors alike.

“We’re delighted to be part of the next chapter for this tremendous local business.”

Manchester Gin was founded in 2013 by couple Jennie Wiggins and Seb Heeley, and since then they have gone on to become the most awarded gin of 2018, launch new flavours (including a pink gin and a ‘Wild Spirit’ herbal gin), and even welcome their first child.

The Manchester Gin distillery is due to open in summer 2019.