Gin, Food, Laughter And Music…
The success of a local, award-winning gin distillery has led to an exciting new chapter with the launch of a vibrant culinary food yard, writes Katie Hammond
The success story of Cuckoo has thus far culminated in it becoming a well-loved Lancashire staple since the tiny embers of an idea for a small gin distillery was mooted back in 2016 by a Brindle farming family.
The Singletons had farmed for generations and like many, were looking for ideas to address the need for diversification in light of the adverse economic climate facing the farming community.
The Cuckoo brand was born soon after and eight years on, is now supplied to hundreds of hospitality venues throughout Lancashire and is still produced from its original home of what is now known as the Brindle Distillery.
General Manager Jack Connor takes up the story: “A year after we bought the first small still to start making our gin, we invested in a 500-litre copper still whom we affectionately call Maggie – she’s still the heart of the farm today.
“We put out an informal invitation for some of our neighbours and locals to come down and join us for a gin and tonic to celebrate and more than 150 people arrived – we panicked as we only had about 50 glasses!”
Today the success of the distillery’s bar, the Cuckoo’s Nest, naturally brought about the need for a food provision to accompany the delicious gins on offer.
Jack continues: “In the early days, all we could offer in the way of snacks was a packet of Fiddlers Lancashire crisps. We soon realised that our customers were keen on a food offering and wanted to become more of a destination for them to come and enjoy the gins with a bite to eat and some music.
“In the past, we’ve invited some fantastic independent food traders along, which our customers loved, so we wanted to create something more permanent, serving locally-sourced delicious dishes in keeping with the spirit of Cuckoo – pardon the pun!
“We’ve installed two purpose-built, state-of-the-art kitchens to service what will become our new destination food yard.”
The aptly named Peckish offers a vibrant new casual dining experience, bringing together the best of local independent food vendors committed to serving high quality food, all sourced locally.
Leading the way is Meld, known for their delicious steaks sourced from Butcher Farell’s Meat Emporium and Fratelli’s Pizzeria, who are serving up their signature wood-fired pizzas alongside traditional Italian street foods.
Jack continues: “We’ve always had something really special here, but we wanted to create something more permanent, celebrating local producers and craftsmanship. It’s a space where our community can come together over great food and drink – a destination for Brindle and the north.”
Peckish complements Brindle Distillery’s existing offering, providing the perfect spot to enjoy a bite to eat alongside its renowned Cuckoo spirits, locally sourced beers, premium wines and cocktails. With a seasonally changing line-up of food and special events planned, it promises to become a go-to destination for food lovers across Lancashire and beyond.
Peckish @ Brindle Distillery
Holmes Farm
Sandy Lane
Brindle PR6 8LZ
brindledistillery.co.uk
