Welshpool businessman buys spirits firm

Welshpool’s renowned entrepreneur, Mike Harris, has bought 50% of a distillery after enjoying a bottle of its award-winning gin.

Henstone Distillery has revealed that Mr Harris, who chairs The New Saints Football Club, has invested to boost the firm’s ambitious growth plans, which could possibly include a move from its current Oswestry home to bigger premises.

Having been named the UK’s Distillery of the Year for 2023, Henstone Distillery’s Rosé Gin was awarded ‘Best in Britain’ earlier this year, whilst the brand secured a clean-sweep of awards for their London Dry, Navy, and Rosé gins at this year’s Gin Guide Awards. 

All products currently produced by Henstone Distillery, including their multi-award-winning gin, whisky, vodka, brandy, and rum will continue to be produced and available through existing outlets.

The company added that all collaborations, including white-label and joint-branded products, will also continue to be produced.

Speaking on his excitement at getting the deal over the line, Chris Toller, Co-Founder of Henstone Distillery, said: “We have seen enormous growth since establishing Henstone back in 2017. Having outgrown our current site, this deal will provide us with a new space that will help us achieve our expansion goals and continue to produce products of the highest standard.”

Mr Harris, Founder of Ubuntu Business Holdings Ltd who include major companies NetPMD and SiFi Netowrks under their wing, said: “I’m excited to play a role in the future of Henstone Distillery. After buying my first bottle of Navy Gin at the 2021 Sweeney Gin Festival, I have watched with interest as the company continues to grow on a national scale.

“Now, I’m looking forward to helping the brand achieve its growth ambitions as we move into a particularly exciting time for Henstone Distillery.”

NOTE: MyWelshpoolTV spoke with Mr Harris last year as he bids to transform the town's Pinewood into a top notch pub. You can watch that report by clicking https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXkWdqTR_Xw