An award-winning distillery is relocating to a historic mill and opening a new cocktail bar there too.
John Robert’s Botanic Request is moving to Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, taking space in the mill’s Twisting building which is currently undergoing a £1m renovation.
The firm, which has picked up multiple awards since being founded 17 months ago, is relocating from Stanningley.
The new cocktail bar, called the Test Bar, will open its doors on November 5.
During the past ten years family-owned Sunny Bank Mills has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use retail and leisure complex.
Ben Peel, co-founder of John Robert’s Botanic Request with his partner Emelie Nilsson, explained: “Once we had decided to relocate from nearby Stanningley, we viewed numerous sites but when we stepped into the Twisting, it instantly felt just right for our brand and concept for a distillery and cocktail bar.
“As a good bar is all about atmosphere, environment and hosting, it was hard not to ignore the beautiful panoramic views looking over the mill’s courtyard and grounds. We also loved that it was tucked away at the back of the mill complex. It had a feeling that it could become Farsley’s best kept secret, somewhere you could meander away from the day-to-day and step into somewhere quite unique for an exceptional gin or a well-made cocktail.
“Our brand is all about celebrating the exceptionalism in people, as it is this that makes them unique, and when we thought long and hard about the history of the space, and the craftsmanship of the people whom have worked in there over the years, it made even more sense that this was to be the new home for John Robert’s Botanic Request.”
The new premises will enable production to expand, including for a new export deal to the United States.
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Ben added: “We are very much looking forward to opening this new space where we can offer bespoke and unique gin and cocktail masterclasses in the distillery whilst testing bedding new spirits, cocktails and liquid innovations on the cocktail bar for the public.”
William Gaunt said: “The regeneration of the Twisting is another piece in the jigsaw in the regeneration of Sunny Bank Mills. Once the renovation is completed in October, it will be a tremendously stimulating space in the heart of our mill complex.”
“There’s no doubt that gin and cocktails are incredibly popular these days and we have every confidence that Ben and Emilie’s business will prove very successful. We wish them the very best of luck.”
