Award-winning distillery and cocktail bar to open at “iconic” Yorkshire location

An award-winning distillery and cocktail bar is opening at Sunny Bank Mills, the “iconic” Yorkshire mill complex at Farsley between Leeds and Bradford.

John Robert’s Botanic Request is moving into the mill’s historic Twisting building, which is currently being “comprehensively renovated”. The cocktail bar, called the Test Bar, will open its doors to the public on November 5.

During the past 10 years Sunny Bank Mills has been transformed into a modern office and mixed-use retail and leisure complex, creating 400 sustainable new jobs.

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.”

John Robert’s Botanic Request is 17 months old and has picked up multiple awards since it was founded. The new premises will enable expanded production to supply increasing demand, including a new export deal to the United States.

Ben concluded: “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, joint owner and managing director of Sunny Bank Mills, added: “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.

“So it is fitting that a new occupier with such an exciting offering as John Robert’s Botanic Request is making the Twisting its home. We are delighted to welcome Ben and Emelie to our ever-growing retail and leisure community at Sunny Bank Mills.”

Part of a £1m regeneration of the three-storey Twisting will be completed shortly. This phase of the redevelopment is creating four bespoke creative and retail units. All these units are pre-let.

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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