Two North West drinks businesses set for growth
Two drinks businesses are preparing for a period of growth.
The Lakes Distillery has installed more production facilities, and Manchester-based Bundobust is finally preparing to open its new brewery.
The Lakes Distillery has completed a major expansion at its distillery in The Lake District National Park in partnership with EJ Musk Process Services.
Musk was contracted to design, build, and install eight new washbacks that will triple whisky production at the distillery.
Established in 2012, The Lakes is a state-of-the-art distillery, experience centre and bistro set within a 160-year-old farmstead on the banks of the River Derwent. Primarily focused on distilling Single Malt whisky, the company also makes gin and vodka that is sold online and in bars, restaurants and specialist retailers across the country.
Dhavall Gandhi, master blender and whisky director at The Lakes Distillery, said: “The last 12 months have been tough for the hospitality industry. However, we’ve been lucky that our online business is strong, and we’ve seen growing demand for our products from the UK and internationally.
“In our business, you need to plan ahead. Whisky requires a minimum of three years of maturation, but it is often significantly longer, so we need to increase production now to manage the anticipated demand.”
Charlie Price, operations director at Musk Process Services, said: “This was a fantastic project for the team to work on. The distillery is housed in a number of listed barns, and space is quite limited, which posed a few challenges for the design team. However, working together with the fabrication team, they have delivered a project that delivers in the space available and will ensure The Lakes can meet their plans for growth.”
Meanwhile, renowned craft beer and Gujarati street food venue, Bundobust, will open its long-awaited brewery next week, on September 16.
Located in the Grade II-listed St James Building on Oxford Street, the expansion will create a 150-seat taproom and restaurant, within a fully functioning brewery.
Already well known for its discerning taste in craft beers and an iconic line up of collabs with internationally renowned breweries, Bundobust now has the facility to brew its very own, on site.
The brewery has been under construction since 2019. Now complete, the 10-hectolitre custom-build is capable of producing 20,000 pints per month.
Mayur Patel and Marko Husak
Marko Husak, Bundobust co-founder, said: “We were due to open in May 2020. The past 18 months have slowed us down, but the delay has meant that we’ve been able to develop our beer recipes. Expect the familiar Bundobust vibe and menu, with the bonus of being in a working brewery.”
Co-founder, Mayur Patel, said: “The opportunity to carve out an iconic Manchester building from scratch has been a massive undertaking, and we’re excited to welcome people in. We’re looking forward to opening a unique space alongside theatres and gig venues, Oxford Road station, and great pubs like The Peveril of the Peak.”
Dan Hocking, former head brewer at Holland’s world-renowned Uiltje Brewery, is at the helm of this Bundo venture. He’s spent the past year perfecting recipes behind closed doors in the state-of-the-art facility. The brand new Vienna-style Lager, Cartway Lager, taking its name from the historic ‘Cartway’ space within the St James Building, will be available upon opening.
Dan said: “Vienna Lager has a fantastic balance of sweetness and bitterness, and it’s the best all-rounder beer style to pair with food.”
Chris Middleton, senior retail and leisure manager with Manchester property group Bruntwood, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Bundobust to St James’. We couldn’t think of any better team to transform this extraordinary space, and they have done a magnificent job.
“Marko and Mayur’s creativity will add hugely to the already vibrant Oxford Road corridor.”
