The Nytimber Group has closed the on-site shop and bistro and ceased offering tours at The Lakes Distillery, resulting in around 15 job losses.
In a letter penned by Nyetimber CEO Eric Heerema and seen by The Grocer, the English winemaker said the decision had been driven by the “rising cost of living, consumer spending habits and broader commercial pressures”.
“The Nyetimber Group acquired The Lakes in summer 2024 and we are incredibly proud of the Brand Home and the team who work there,” Heerema said. “However, the financial realities of running it have become increasingly challenging; with factors such as rising cost of living, consumer spending habits and broader commercial pressures all having an impact.
“Financially subsidising this part of the business has been diverting funds away from the core financial objectives and growth plans for The Lakes, and as a result, the difficult decision has been made to close the shop and the bistro and stop offering distillery tours.
“Sadly, this has also resulted in job losses for a number of valued staff.”
Approached for comment by The Grocer, a spokeswoman for Nyetimber said around 15 jobs had been affected by the move.
“We would like to stress that our commitment to The Lakes brand and products remains unchanged,” Heerema insisted. “The closure of the shop and the bistro will not impact the distillery, and we will continue to produce luxury English spirits, with a particular focus on single malt whisky, whilst also carefully considering how The Lakes site can best support our ambitious, strategic goals.
“We look forward to sharing these at an appropriate time.”
The Lakes Distillery is yet to file accounts for 2025, but grew revenues by 48.3% to £8.6m in the year ended 31 December 2024.
The company remained heavily loss-making, however, with losses before tax surging by 600% from £1.1 to £7.7m.
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