New Lake District distillery opening set to boost local economy

A new business venture in the mountains of the Lake District looks set to become a major attraction in its own right.

The Lakes Distillery, which will be the first whisky distillery in the region in more than 100 years, is set to open on the edge of Bassenthwaite Lake, reviving a tradition and creating a boost to the local economy.

The £2.5m venture, founded by a consortium of private investors, will be headed by Paul Currie, co-founder of the Isle of Arran distillery in Scotland.

"We are delighted to be bringing this ancient tradition back and are confident we will be able to produce an outstanding single malt. It is also our intention that the distillery will become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Lakes."

The distillery will be housed in a converted Victorian model farm and aims to produce around 300,000 bottles of single malt whisky per year with the creation of 27 jobs. The site will also include a visitor centre with a bar, bistro and shop