Yorkshire Wolds artisan drinks producer Raisthorpe Distillery is marking the return to normal trading conditions by opening a new store at York Designer Outlet.
The move is a demonstration of Raisthorpe’s confidence in the drinks market where consumer demand remains strong for spirits, particularly gin.
The new store will sell its locally produced, award-winning gins and Yorkshire Tonics, as well as a range of other spirits and locally produced beers.
After a busy 16 months during lockdown which saw the company switch its focus from selling its products through retail and events to online, the new store represents a vote of confidence in retail. The store will welcome customers as Raisthorpe gears up for its busiest sales period in the run up to Christmas.
Raisthorpe’s operations director Oliver Medforth said: “Our usual routes to market closed down completely during the pandemic so the past 16 months have seen us market our products via our website. Gin’s popularity continues to soar and we are so pleased to be able to get back to face-to-face interactions with our customers.
“We started at York Designer Outlet with a pop-up stall and consumer demand encouraged us to expand. To celebrate the opening, customers visitors to the shop will enjoy a free 500ml bottle of Skinny or Premium Tonic when spending £25. Customers will be able to choose from a great range of our drinks products as well as Christmas gift sets, all in a Covid-secure setting.”
Raisthorpe is a family business, launched more than 10 years ago by Julia Medforth at the family farm in Thixendale. The company produces a range of award-winning Yorkshire Tonics as well as gin liqueurs, vodkas and dry gin from its own still on the farm.
Raisthorpe has won recognition for its products with 16 Great Taste Awards for its gins and tonics. Flavours range from elderflower, rose and raspberry to sloe and damson. Products are made using locally sourced ingredients and are also sold through bars, farm shops, delis and independents as well as online at www.raisthorpemanor.com.
