Thu, 17 Jul 2025 | ADMINISTRATION
An administrator is seeking a buyer for an artisan spirits brand following its collapse, with a sale of the business and its assets targeted before the end of the month. Nelson's Distillery & School Limited was founded in 2016 and gained prominence with its flagship London Dry No.7 gin and Signature Blend Rum.
Operating from premises in Uttoxeter, the business includes a fully-equipped distillery, as well as a 14-station Gin School.
Following its launch, the company went on to craft exclusive blends for high-profile figures and restaurants, producing private-label spirits in collaborations with the likes of Michel Roux Jr, Matt Tebbutt, Roy Wood and La Gavroche.
However, the business experienced operational disruption following the sudden passing of founder Neil Harrison in March 2025. Following a formal review in May, Martin Williamson, a licensed insolvency practitioner at IPD, was appointed as administrator of the business on July 9.
Following his appointment, the administrator is now seeking to conclude a sale of Nelson’s Distillery & School's business and assets by July 31 2025, with all expressions of interest and indicative offers required to be submitted by 5:00 PM on Monday July 21.
Martin Williamson commented: "This is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-loved, award-winning British spirits brand with growth potential. Despite recent setbacks, the core offer remains strong due to its production infrastructure and unique gin recipes to its customer base and tourism accolades."
In accounts for the year to December 31 2023, Nelson's Distillery & School Limited reported fixed assets valued at around £232,000 and current assets totalling close to £363,000. However, the company’s net liabilities at the time exceeded £570,000.
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