A distillery and gin school which went into administration after the death of its founder has ceased trading after failing to secure a buyer.
Nelson’s Distillery & School Ltd went into administration on 9 July following the sudden death of its founder and sole director Neil Harrison, a former chef who established the business in 2016.
Administrator Martin Williamson, of Cheadle-based insolvency firm ipd, has now confirmed that the company ceased trading on 31 July.
He said: “Despite receiving over 30 expressions of interest following the company entering administration a going concern sale of the business and assets was not achieved. The offers received were below the level required to take forward.”
A sale of the company’s physical assets – including the complete distillery set-up, gin school equipment and bottled gin stock – was concluded by online auction on Monday (25 August).
A separate sale of the trademarks, recipes for Nelson’s award-winning gins and rums, and its established brand and digital presence has been agreed, allowing the name to continue with a third party.
Nelson’s featured in TripAdvisor’s global top 10 per cent of attractions for seven consecutive years won numerous awards for its spirits.
The company, based in Uttoxeter, also produced private-label spirits for high-profile chefs and restaurants, including collaborations with Michel Roux and La Gavroche.
And in 2023, it teamed up with Wizzard frontman Roy Wood to mark the 50th anniversary of the hit I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday by creating a gin with the same name and spearheaded a campaign to get the song to number one.
A statement by the Nelson’s team on the company’s website when it went into administration thanks past customers and visitors.
It reads: “On behalf of Neil’s family and the entire Nelson’s team, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for your incredible support, enthusiasm and love for Nelson’s products and experiences over the years. Thank you for being a part of our story.”
