A Liverpool gin maker has been saved from closure after being rescued by a bar owner.
Turncoat Distillery has been snapped up by Edward Ridding, the co-founder of Liverpool’s first Spanish Pinchos bar, Roja Pinchos. His career has also seen him work for the soft drinks brand, Vimto and the gin brand, Bombay Sapphire.
The company had originally closed its doors at the start of December after six years in operation.
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Production at the distillery ceased after its founder, Terry Langton, announced via social media that all of the brand's operations would be wound down.
BusinessLive reported in January that the underground gin bar part of the business, which had been based at Liverpool's Royal Albert Dock, had owed over £300,000 when it closed.
Turncoat first opened in one of the city’s most iconic locations at the start of 2020 in the basement below Revolución de Cuba.
It had been run by the team behind Turncoat Distillery which itself was founded in a Liverpool garage in 2016.
The distillery has become known for creating its own spirits such as Albert Dock gin, Our Man Sicily gin and Dragon Tears gin.
According to a statement release by Mr Ridding, production is expected to restart in early March with a hope that wholesale and retail sales will follow by April following "significant investment and upgrades" in the distillery’s labelling and bottling facilities,
Mr Ridding said: "I’ve been working hard since Terry made the decision to close the doors at Turncoat to secure its future and make sure that the brand doesn’t disappear into obscurity.
"As a huge fan of the brand and its products from day one, I couldn’t pass on the opportunity to take the reins of the business and help secure its future.
"My immediate plans are to get the distillery back up and running and fulfil the demand of our loyal customers.
"My team and I will also be working hard to increase our footprint across the UK over the next 12 months.
"On a personal note, I have to acknowledge the great work done by Terry and his team and wish them all the luck for the future and thank all the wonderful customers who have already shown me a huge amount of support."
Turncoat Distillery was set up by Terry and Joanne Langton and produces a range of craft gins and vodka as well as offering a range of premium cocktail bitters from its distillery located in Liverpool's Baltic Quarter.
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