It's been billed not only as one of the most exciting openings in Northumberland but the entire world.
Ad Gefrin, a new £10.4m visitor experience and distillery and one of the biggest ever investments in rural north Northumberland had been due to open this autumn. However, visitors will have to now wait until next year to experience the new immersive museum and distillery, as the opening date has been pushed back until February 2023.
The site in Wooler will celebrate the Anglo-Saxon Golden Age and display several objects from nearby Yeavering, the royal summer palace of the Northumbrian Kings and Queen in the seventh century. Northumberland's first whisky distillery will also be on site, and is expected to be operational by September, though its opening is in line with the rest of the site next February - with the production of the county's first single malt not expected until 2025.
Read more: Northumberland museum named one of 2022's most anticipated openings in the world
The decision has been made by Alan and Eileen Ferguson, who are behind the project and are said to be very excited about the February opening.
A spokesperson for Ad Gefrin said: "It’s taken a lot of consideration, but we owe it to everyone involved to get it right, so rather than rush everything, we are concentrating on making sure we offer the best experience possible for our staff, members, and visitors alike. This way we will have time to hone everything and make sure the complex offer works smoothly and is in full swing for the 2023 tourist season."
"There are some exciting announcements in the offing and it will be an extraordinary six months leading up to the opening. The reaction (to the postponement) has all been positive and everyone seems to agree that everything Ad Gefrin stands for - epitomising the unique warmth of a timeless Northumbrian welcome - will be worth waiting for."
The team at Ad Gefrin are about to start advertising for a Head of Operations next week and will begin the process of recruiting for the remaining 40 - 50 roles from September. For more information on Ad Gefrin, visit the website.
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