Plans for the three-storey Liverpool Gin Distillery, comprising a ‘Gin Lab’, a ‘Dark Spirits’ bar and a bartender school in Castle Street, were revealed earlier this year. Tony McDonough reports

Interior design and fit-out firm DV8 Designs is close to completing a £1m gin distillery complex with two bars and a bartender school on Liverpool’s Castle Street.

Plans for the three-storey Liverpool Gin Distillery, comprising a ‘Gin Lab’, a ‘Dark Spirits’ bar and the bartender school, were revealed earlier this year by Merseyside drinks manufacturer and distributor Halewood Wines & Spirits.

Trading under its Liverpool Gin brand, Liverpool Gin Distillery is located in a Grade II-listed building that was formerly home to upmarket Danish electronics retailer, Bang & Olufsen, and is the fourth hospitality sector project DV8 has undertaken in Castle Street.

Lee Birchall, managing director of the Cheshire firm, said he and his team have previously been enlisted to renovate and design a number of local establishments, including Rox, Sanctuary Tap and Castle Street Townhouse.

He added: “Working on the concept for Liverpool Gin Distillery has been an incredibly exciting project for the team at DV8 Designs and it is fantastic to see it take shape as we near completion.

“Although we are no strangers to Castle Street, this has been a unique venue for us to work on in that it offers more elements than simply just a bar.

“Although we wanted the space to be modern and sophisticated, we have also incorporated a botanical and industrial element to it.  To reflect the spirit and the manufacturing process that it involves, we have used exposed metals such as copper, alongside foliage and natural materials.

“Castle Street is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s most up and coming destinations, quickly gaining popularity for its reputation of housing some of the city’s most upmarket bars and eateries.

“Boasting a number of Grade II-listed buildings, the area has a historic feel that is a fantastic representation of Liverpool’s rich heritage, whilst also offering an original modern twist which is exactly what we are hoping to capture with Liverpool Gin Distillery.”