Northumberland 'gin gang' wedding site receives £100k investment

A popular Northumberland wedding venue is to transform an abandoned gin gang site in Horsley through an ambitious £50k scheme.

Northside Farm, established in 2012 as a ‘luxury glamping’ site, is receiving its first stage of a 12-month £100k investment plan, which aims to renovate the 19th century building into a ceremony room.

This is before releasing another self-funded £50k to secure extra accommodation onsite. The 100-capacity licensed ceremony gin gang will be the first of its kind in Northumberland and is set to open in spring 2019.

Husband and wife owners, Olivia and Ralph Lockey - the first couple to marry in the restored barn - believe the newly converted ceremony room will be an investment for further growth.

Olivia said: “We have always prided ourselves in being able to give our brides and grooms something a little more unique for their wedding and there is nothing else like our circular gin gang being used as a dedicated, licensed ceremony room in Northumberland.

“The gin gang is situated right next to the barn so not only will it add the wow-factor, it also frees up the barn a little more so our couples can step straight into their reception area.

“Weddings that are booked in before the gin gang is ready will not be disrupted by any of the works and we are working around the clock to ensure it is completed to our high standards by spring 2019.”

Established in 2012 as a luxury glamping site, Northside Farm has enjoyed steady success as a wedding destination venue since completing the conversion of its 150-year-old barn in 2016 into a luxurious and rustic space to complement the accommodation and facilities.

Situated 10 miles west of Newcastle’s city centre in the Northumberland countryside, the site is wheelchair friendly, includes parking, room for additional guests to pitch tents and vans and welcomes children and pets.