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Declan McGurk joins Boatyard Distillery

Former director of bars at The Savoy hotel Declan McGurk has joined Northern Ireland’s The Boatyard Distillery as commercial director.

Declan McGurk has been appointed commercial director at Northern Ireland’s Boatyard Distillery

McGurk, who worked as director of bars for The Savoy from 2013, announced his departure from the hotel in July, claiming it was “not the ending” he had planned.

In his new role, McGurk will be responsible for the global development of The Boatyard Distillery, including strengthening its local base and adding his expertise to liquid innovation.

McGurk said: “I’m very proud to be coming onboard. I fell in love with the gin after a blind tasting in Belfast and it quickly became a favourite at The Savoy.

“To be joining a growing and ambitious Irish business that’s also so close to home is genuinely a dream come true. I look forward to developing The Boatyard Distillery’s position globally and [to sharing] a Martini or two with you all”.

During his tenure at The Savoy, the American Bar was awarded numerous industry titles and McGurk also achieved personal recognition. Prior to his work at the luxury London hotel, he worked with premium spirits agency Speciality Brands and was said to be instrumental in the growth of Venezuelan rum Diplomático in the UK.

Joe McGirr, founder of The Boatyard Distillery, said: “Since our launch, we’ve enjoyed strong local growth and Declan’s wealth of international expertise and innovative ideas will be a great asset as we embark on the next phase of our expansion.”

Earlier this year, Northern Ireland’s Boatyard Distillery secured £634,000 (US$800,000) in funding to support its global expansion.

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