CONSTRUCTION has begun on a new craft gin distillery and visitor centre which pays tribute to a Warrington pioneer.

Thomas Dakin Gin Distillery – which is being launched by Birchwood's G&J where a fifth of the world's gin is made – is set to showcase the heritage and entrepreneurial spirit behind the brand. It is named after Warrington's Thomas Dakin who set up a distillery in Bridge Street more than 250 years ago and created the original London Dry Gin recipe.

Located in Manchester between Deansgate and Albert Square, the craft distillery and visitor attraction is expected to attract 70,000 gin fans in the first year. The experience will bring the gin distilling process to life with three copper pot stills on display behind a glass frontage.

Alongside the working gin distillery, the venue will include a gin distillery bar and an event space. It is expected to open in early autumn.

Inspired by Thomas Dakin's entrepreneurial spirit, the team behind the new distillery plan to produce gins that honour his memory by using similar techniques from centuries ago combined with modern methods to break new ground.

The Thomas Dakin Distillery will create more than 50 jobs and will have the capacity to produce more than one million bottles of gin every year, ensuring the growing global demand for the brand is met.

David Hume, director of Thomas Dakin at brand owner, Quintessential Brands Group, said: “At last, it’s happening – the Thomas Dakin Gin Distillery will soon be a reality.

'Dakin was a true visionary of his day'

David Hume, director of Thomas Dakin gin

"As the label on the bottle says, the Thomas Dakin Legacy lives on, but with this new distillery, we’re going to be breaking new ground in craft gin distilling.

"Dakin was a true visionary of his day and the distillery will continue Thomas Dakin’s great gin-making legacy, while highlighting to the world the north west’s important place in the colourful history of gin.”

David Palmer, founder at creative agency Love which is leading the design, added: "We’re certain the unsurpassed craftsmanship and storytelling elements of the design will delight gin drinkers and connoisseurs from all over the world for years to come."

Thomas Dakin gin has been recognised for its quality at many awards ceremonies including the Best British London Dry Gin in The Gin Masters 2018, a global competition judged by industry experts, and Best Gin in the prestigious The Grocer Drink Awards, the only competition to be judged by a mix of consumers and industry experts.

Among fans of the gin is leading chef Aiden Byrne, who owns the Church Green in Lymm. The Great British Menu personality added: "Gin is huge right now with so many on the market, but Thomas Dakin Gin stands heads and shoulders above the others for me.

"As a chef, I value the craftsmanship and passion that goes into making food and drink, and the skill and craftsmanship that goes into making Thomas Dakin is clear as day. I’ve no doubt the Thomas Dakin distillery is going to be another jewel in Manchester’s crown and I can’t wait to visit once it opens in the autumn."

DAVID MORGAN