KNUTSFORD Mayor Cllr Peter Coan and Tatton MP Esther McVey cut a ribbon to open a new distillery.

Mobberley-based gin makers, Big Hill Distillery, who make the award-winning Gin Spirit Of George, held a drinks reception to mark the opening of their new distillery premises at The Church Inn, in Mobberley.

Cllr Coan was joined by Ms McVey, to cut the ribbon and officially open the facility, which represents a major development for the Mobberley business, which is still in its first year of production.

The gin enterprise has grown quickly in 2018, and the popularity of Spirit Of George has allowed the co-founders/distillers, David Clayton and Ben Kaberry, to take over a tenancy at the building that is also known as The Parsons Nose at The Church Inn.

Ben said: “Setting up the distillery at The Church Inn is perfect for us as the George Mallory story resonates all around the village of Mobberley.

“It’s an ideal location, and we are grateful to The Church Inn and Cheshire Cat Pubs and Bars for giving us the opportunity to use the space.”

David said: “The popularity of gin shows no signs of slowing, so we are in this for the long haul.

“Our new 150-litre still provides us with the ability to produce six times as much gin than we could make before.

“So this is a great chance to not only get Spirit Of George distributed more widely, but also allow us to develop some exciting new recipes.”

Big Hill Distillery will open its doors on Sunday, November 18 for those who wish to visit the distillery and learn more about craft distilling. Masterclass sessions will be at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Booking is not required.