Slingsby Gin owner saved from administration
The company behind North Yorkshire-based Slingsby Gin, Spirit of Harrogate, has been purchased by Brightside Spirits after entering administration this month.
In January this year, Spirit of Harrogate instructed Lewis Business Recovery & Insolvency to assist with placing the English gin maker into administration. Matthew Russell and Gareth Lewis were appointed joint administrators of Spirit of Harrogate on 18 March 2026.
The administrators have now confirmed that the Harrogate-based business and its assets were sold to Brightside Spirits after an ‘intense period of marketing’.
The Slingsby brand and product range will be maintained along with some jobs. However, the Spirit of Harrogate shop in the town’s Montpellier Quarter has been closed due to ‘large overheads’.
At the time of its administration announcement, the business had five employees. The Spirits Business has asked how many jobs have been saved.
“I am pleased to report that the pre-packaged sale will see the continuation of the well-respected Slingsby Gin product range and brand, maintaining continuity of supply to customers across the UK,” said Gareth Lewis.
“The sale has maximised the return for creditors and preserved some jobs, all of which will be reported on in line with my duties as joint administrator.”
Spirit of Harrogate was founded by two local businessmen, Marcus Black and Mike Carthy, in 2014. The company’s debut Slingsby expression, a London Dry gin, was launched in 2015.
In a joint statement, Black and Carthy added: “We are pleased that the brand will continue and that some of our colleagues will support the new owners in their future journey with Slingsby.
“We wish them all every success and are proud that Slingsby will still be available to its loyal and longstanding customers.”
Carthy will continue to be involved in the spirits industry. He joined Hacien Tequila’s advisory board as a shareholder in November last year.
Brightside Spirits is a newly established alcohol wholesale business, according to Companies House, set up by Chris Williams on 11 March. Both Williams and his business are based in Harrogate.
Williams expressed his delight at being “part of bringing this much-loved gin back to life”, adding that he and his unnamed partner are “long-time supporters of independent Yorkshire producers”.
“We couldn’t stand by and watch a brand with such strong heritage potentially disappear,” he continued.
“When the opportunity arose to acquire the business out of administration, we knew we had a responsibility, not just to the product, but to the community that has championed it from the very beginning.
“Our immediate focus is on stabilising the business, rebuilding production, and ensuring that the outstanding quality and character of Slingsby remain at the heart of everything we do.
“Over the coming months, we will be investing in the brand, strengthening local partnerships, and exploring new ways to celebrate the craftsmanship that made this gin so special.”
Williams also added that further updates will be shared on the Spirit of Harrogate website and social media channels.
Related news
Ukiyo showcases Japanese gin at Changi
