Work begins on bringing bespoke gin bar to Brierfield

Work has begun on developing a bespoke gin bar at Northlight in Brierfield, to be operated by Lancashire distiller Batch Brew.

The firm will continue to manufacture its spirits at its Burnley facility, and will use the new location for events such as gin-tasting and cocktail evenings. Once open it will employ ten people.

Barnfield has begun the work after planning permission was secured in May.

Phil Whitwell, founder and director of Batch Brew, said: "We are incredibly pleased to be one step nearer to opening to the public. The SubStation Bar at Northlight will be a new destination for all with a taste for quality drinks.

"It is an exciting time for the team and a momentous time for the brand, from humble beginnings making gin in a Burnley terrace basement we have witnessed solid growth and the new distillery and bar is the next step to allow us to serve the local population.”

Northlight is being brought to Pendle by PEARL – Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration (Brierfield Mill) Ltd, a joint venture company between Barnfield Investment Properties and Pendle Council.

The development has received funding from the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal and Lancashire County Council. The former Brierfield Mill complex is over 350,000 sq ft across a seven-acre site alongside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and is also home to a complex of 80 quality apartments, Group First head quarters, Store First Self Storage, Burnley FC in the Community’s Leisure Box, Fundaland, In-Situ Garage for arts and cultural opportunities and Lancashire Adult Learning’s HQ.

Tracy Clavell-Bate on the project team of PEARL (Pendle Enterprise and Regeneration Ltd.) said “The SubStation Bar is a great addition to Northlight and undoubtedly will become a popular destination for our local community and tourists. It is great news that Batch Brew have chosen Northlight as their base and further evidence of Northlight’s appeal as a place to work and live.”

“Northlight embodies everything PEARL was set up to do. Once complete it will take centre stage in the economic fortunes of Lancashire and be a Northern Powerhouse once again, bringing jobs, quality homes and tourism to Pendle.”