Shop and bistro at Lakes Distillery closes immediately

The shop and bistro at The Lakes Distillery in Cumbria has been closed with immediate effect marking a significant change to the site’s public-facing operations.

The decision affects the Brand Home area, which previously included a shop, bistro, and visitor facilities. The closure has also resulted in job losses, although the exact number of staff affected has not been fully confirmed.

The company, part of the Nyetimber Group, stated that the move was driven by financial pressures, including rising costs, changing consumer behaviour, and wider economic challenges impacting hospitality and retail operations.

While the shop and bistro have closed, the core distillery operations remain unaffected, meaning whisky production will continue as normal. The focus of the business will remain on spirits production, particularly its single malt whisky range.

Distillery tours and visitor experiences linked to the closed facilities have also been affected, with changes expected to how the site operates going forward. The company has indicated it will review how the site can best support its long-term strategy.

Local reactions highlight concern over job losses and reduced tourism activity, as the distillery has been a popular destination for visitors in the Lake District. However, management has stated that the decision is part of a broader plan to ensure the business remains financially sustainable.

Overall, the closure of the shop and bistro at The Lakes Distillery reflects ongoing pressures in the hospitality and tourism sector, while core whisky production continues.

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