The Wensleydale Spirit Co, Harmby Road Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 5ET

Description

This is a fantastic opportunity to acquire a well-established distillery in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. The Wensleydale Spirit Company operates from a well-presented premises, comprising a production area, retail space, and a fully licensed bar with tasting area.

The distillery is well-equipped for small-batch production and benefits from bonded warehouse status, allowing for duty-suspended storage of spirits and providing a clear operational and cash flow advantage.
The site offers a welcoming environment for visitors, with the bar/tasting room hosting regular events and private bookings. The retail area showcases the full range of Wensleydale gins, rums, vodka and branded merchandise, while the bar enhances the customer experience through on-site sampling and social engagement.

The premises benefit from onsite customer parking, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. There is also scope to create additional outdoor seating space, which would further enhance the venue’s appeal during warmer months and support expanded event offerings.

The business is well-positioned to benefit from the region’s strong tourism trade and offers scope to grow through wider distribution, collaborations, and seasonal experiences.

The Wensleydale Spirit Company is located in the charming market town of Leyburn, on the edge of Yorkshire Dales National Park.

This picturesque region is renowned for its rolling hills, historic villages, and strong tourist footfall year-round. Leyburn is easily accessible via the A684 and is a popular base for visitors exploring nearby attractions such as Bolton Castle, Aysgarth Falls, and the Wensleydale Railway.

The town itself offers a vibrant mix of independent shops, cafés, and local events, making it an ideal setting for a destination-led business like a distillery.

The premises feature a fully equipped distillation area, complete with traditional copper stills and a dedicated bottling and labelling room, supporting the production of small-batch gin, rum and vodka. Visitors enter through glazed double doors into a stylish and welcoming bar area with seating for up to 40 guests ideal for hosted events, sampling experiences, and private bookings.

A fully licensed bar area enhances the customer experience, offering on-site sales and a relaxed environment for guests. The retail space is well laid out with display shelving and a point-of-sale system, allowing for seamless customer interaction and showcasing the full product range.

Additional areas include an office and storage space to support day-to-day operations. The interior is finished to a high standard, offering a clean and professional environment that supports efficient workflow and a positive visitor experience.

Fixtures and fittings, including distillation equipment, tasting room furniture, and retail displays, are not included in the sale. A full inventory can be made available for separate negotiation if required.

The property is a characterful stone-built unit with signage and customer access from the main street. There is also scope to create additional outdoor seating space, which would further enhance the venue’s appeal during warmer months, and support expanded event offerings. Parking is available nearby for visitors.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a thriving artisan gin distillery with a strong brand presence and loyal customer base. The Wensleydale Spirit Company has built a reputation for quality and innovation, producing small-batch gins, rums and vodka using premium botanicals and traditional copper stills.

The business benefits from multiple revenue streams including on-site retail, online sales, trade distribution, hosted tasting events, and a fully licensed bar area that enhances the visitor experience. A key feature of the business is its partnership with the Wensleydale Railway, hosting monthly train-themed tasting events that attract both locals and tourists, further boosting footfall and brand engagement.

With growing interest in craft spirits and experiential tourism, there is significant scope to expand both production and visitor engagement. Ideal for an entrepreneur or investor seeking a lifestyle business with growth potential in one of Yorkshire’s most scenic and well-visited regions.

The business is operated by the owners with support from part-time staff for events and retail. Staff structure can be discussed further upon enquiry.

Turnover and financial performance available upon request. The business has shown consistent growth, with strong margins and increasing online sales.

Currently operating:
Tuesday to Saturday: 11.00am – 5.00pm

Friday: Occasionally open later for event nights featuring live music

Sunday & Monday: Closed (open for private bookings/events)

Offered on a leasehold basis. Full lease terms available on request. Stock at valuation at date of entry.

Rateable Value: TBC.
May qualify for Small Business Rate Relief subject to status. Interested parties should verify with the Local Authority.

The business holds all necessary licenses for alcohol production and retail. Further details available upon request.