Maidstone Distillery receives planning permission

Plans to build a new distillery in the English town of Maidstone have progressed after the local council granted planning permission.

Artist’s impression of Maidstone Distillery, provided by RAP Interiors

Maidstone Distillery will form part of the Market Buildings, a historic building that dates back to around 1835 and used to house the county’s Towns Corn Exchange.

Husband and wife team Darren and Sam Graves are the brains behind the project, and intend to build a distillery and bar. They have also been permitted to make alterations to the interior of the building, including the modification one of the arch-shaped windows for access.

The distillery will open later this year and will produce gin, vodka, liqueurs and whisky.

Once up and running, Maidstone Distillery will offer tours and the chance for guests to make their own gin on mini copper stills. There will also be a small shop on site.

RAP Interiors has been recruited to design the distillery, and the renovation is expected to take between 10 to 12 weeks to complete. The initial focus will be on creating the distillery and experience room, and then adding a “high-end” bar at a later stage.

Darren Graves, co-founder of Maidstone Distillery, said: “The local authority has been very helpful in advising us on our planned distillery, culminating in today’s wonderful news that we are granted permission.

“The distillery has gained a lot of local support and interest and we are delighted to be taking our plans forward.”