Hawkridge Distillers opens new site in 17th century barn

The launch event on September 25 saw customers and friends of the business enjoy music, food, and Hawkridge spirits.

Founded in 2018 in Compton, Hawkridge Distillers has quickly become one of the most decorated distilleries in the UK.

Its range of spirits, including gin, rum, vodka, and whisky, have won multiple gold medals and a master distiller's medal from the 2024 Global Spirit Masters Competition.

READ MORE: 'Exciting times' as new dessert restaurant opening in Festival Place

Hawkridge Distillers (Image: Hawkridge Distillers)

The distillery has also been shortlisted for the 2024 IWSC award for 'Best Distillery in the UK'.

The distillery is trusted by the country’s top hospitality venues, including luxury hotels, restaurants, members clubs, and sports clubs, to create their own custom spirits ranges.

Special guests and rugby legends, Mike Tindall MBE, Alex Payne, and James Haskell, joined the celebrations.

Phil Howarth, managing director of Hawkridge, said: "We are so happy to finally be moved into our new home.

"The new distillery gives us a great opportunity to increase production capacity as well as being a wonderful location for our clients to visit and our staff to work.

"We feel very much at home in our new village of Hampstead Norreys and are very grateful for the warm welcome we have received from the locals.

Opening night (Image: Hawkridge Distillers)

"We hope the distillery will bring more people to the village and help support the other local businesses."

The new site has been set up to welcome guests and provide experiences for those interested in spirits production.

These include gin-making lessons at their newly installed 'Gin School' and distillery tours.

James Harris, distillery manager at Hawkridge, said: "The doors are open to anyone who would like to learn about the process and science behind making spirits.

"We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors on our experiences and teaching them about our work."