Whitby Distillery to open headquarters beside abbey next spring

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 2 Nov, 16:28 · Archive

Whitby Distillery is nearing completion of a new working distillery and visitor centre beside Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire. Founders Luke Pentith and Jess Slater are transforming two derelict barns within the abbey grounds into a facility featuring a working distillery, shop, tasting bar and events space. The site will offer year-round distillery tours and host weddings and events.

Work on the site, leased from English Heritage, began three years ago and will have cost almost £3m by completion, with much of the funding raised through crowdfunding. A £500,000 loan managed by Mercia as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will enable the founders to complete construction ahead of opening next spring.

Luke Pentith said the new centre would be 'one of the best distillery sites in the UK' and provide a platform to showcase the business and boost growth. He added that opening to the public would 'give people the opportunity to experience the previously unseen views and spectacular sunsets'. Whitby Distillery was founded in 2017 and initially operated from Pentith's parents' utility room, with its first batch selling out in days at two local shops. The business currently employs ten staff.

How it is being reported

• Top-rated distillery set to open next to iconic North Yorkshire landmarkWhitby Distillery is a step closer to opening its brand-new headquarters featuring a working distillery beside Whitby Abbey.The Press (York) · 2 Nov, 16:00
• Top-rated distillery set to open next to iconic North Yorkshire landmarkWhitby Distillery is a step closer to opening its brand-new headquarters featuring a working distillery beside Whitby Abbey.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 2 Nov, 16:00

In this story: Whitby Distillery · Luke Pentith · Jess Slater · Whitby Abbey · English Heritage · Mercia · North Yorkshire

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