A LAKE DISTRICT spirit company are hoping to add to the many 'vibrant, high quality businesses' on a Lake District town hospitality court - following the granting of a premise licence by the council.

Lakes Limoncello started life as a product on the shelves of Wild Sheep Distillery, run by Jo & James McIntyre (55 & 52) who started trading on Keswick market 14 years ago before moving in to the premises on Bank Street in 2014.

It has been produced at the distillery since 2021 but has now outgrown the production capacity and needed to find a new home. 

The couple applied to the council for a premise licence for units 17 and 18 at Packhorse Court, which was approved at a meeting of Cumberland Council's licencing sub-committee on Wednesday, September 25.

The new venue will the licencing application says 'the unit will be used for the production and sale of Lakes Limoncello products both on and off the premises'.

There will also be a tasting room which will be open to the public, when the venue is not being used for private bookings and Limoncello making classes.

The application grants licence for the premise to be open from 10am until 11am, seven days a week.

A small number of objections were lodged against the application with worries from nearby residents that their properties would affected by noise and added bars in the town.

One objector said: ""In my opinion this will be one more bar in Keswick where it seems every other residence has an alcohol licence.

"Keswick already has a reputation for stag and hen parties and this will only add to an increase in anti-social behaviour and more misery for residents."

However, the new owners have said they are 'thrilled' to be opening in the vibrant court and have said their venue will allow people to shop the popular spirit and have access to a 'relaxed, intimate' social space.

Following the granting of the licencing application, owner James McIntyre said: "We are thrilled to have had the premises licence granted and plan to add to the other vibrant, high quality businesses in Packhorse Court by producing and showcasing Lakes Limoncello in the heart of town.

"There will be a viewable production area and shop, alongside a social space where we can offer talks and tastings in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere."