ULVERSTON gin company husband and wife team Andy and Zoe Arnold-Bennett were given a tonic when they saw one of their finest products being stocked behind a parliamentary bar.
The couple, who have been running Shed One Distillery for nine years, accepted an invitation from Furness MP Michelle Scrogham to visit Westminster.
Ulverston-born Mrs Scrogham took the visitors on a tour of parliament before stopping off in the Strangers’ Bar where Cuckold’s Revenge is proudly on show.
Mrs Scrogham is a supporter of small and medium enterprises, including Shed One Distillery and Wolftown Gin which is also based in the market town.
She said: “I know how hard Andy and Zoe have worked in creating some quality craft gins and vodkas and it’s great to see one of their best tipples guesting in the Strangers’ Bar.
“I want to see small and medium businesses getting as much help as they need and in the last autumn budget the government announced a range of support measures for small businesses, including help for the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.”
The Ulverston couple launched their business in 2016 from their seven foot-by-seven-foot garden shed.
They re-potted to the Old Calf Shed in 2019 and from their 100-litre still they produce around 100x70cl bottles per batch, using locally-grown and foraged botanicals.
They employ three part-time shedders and work with other individuals and businesses to produce limited edition, bespoke spirits.
Zoe said: “We have got to know Michelle over the years as a fellow business owner and her many activities in support of the local community. We were so pleased when she was elected our local MP, giving her the ability to continue and expand on the work she does.
“On a visit to the House of Commons to discuss matters around our micro distillery, Michelle proposed the idea of one of Shed One spirits being showcased at the Strangers’ bar at the House of Commons.
“We were thrilled to get the call to say that our Cuckold’s Revenge Gin would be served as a guest spirit in June. Michelle then invited us to come down and see it in situ.
“It is so exciting see our gin in such a setting. Little did we think when we launched in our 7×7 foot garden shed that one day our first creation would be gracing the shelves of a House of Commons bar. It was great to speak with the stewards who asked questions about our processes and best serves. They were so welcoming and interested.
“As a small business it can be a challenge to get our award-winning spirits in front of a wider audience. We are so grateful to Michelle, and her team, for making this happen. She has always supported us and has been instrumental in promoting the South Lakes and the Furness peninsula.”
PICTURE CAPTION: Here’s to a successful local business. Michelle Scrogham MP (left) and Zoe Arnold-Bennett (right) at the launch of Shed One Distillery’s Cuckold’s Revenge Gin at the House of Commons Strangers’ Bar
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