Andrew and Emma
03 February 2021
In 2016, Andrew and Emma opened Chestnut House in Pooley Bridge, Ullswater. Vowing to offer something different, they developed a two-storey grocery shop and off licence that sells spirits and liqueurs, clothes, and an eclectic mix of food and drink, all sourced locally. If you're a gin lover or a fan of Cumbria and the Lake District, Chestnut House is a destination shopping experience that's not to be missed!
Cumberland Saucy Gin
Alongside their dream of a unique and wonderful shop, Andrew also wanted to create a contemporary gin that had Cumberland tradition at its heart. Inspired by the famous Cumberland Sauce - delicious when served with cold meats - Cumberland Saucy Gin was created, offering hints of juniper berries, redcurrant, orange peel, black peppercorns and a hint of mustard and coriander. Delicious!
Sweet orange and tart redcurrants to the fore also give Cumberland Saucy Gin a citrus-fresh taste that mellows into warming spicy tones for the perfect finish. In a world where many craft gins stuff tens of thousands of botanicals into their recipes, Andrew was proud to create a Cumbrian brand that stands out for its simplicity.
400 Gins
But your choice at Chestnut House doesn't just stop at one gin! There are over 400 varieties available to buy at the store, with plenty of tasters available free of charge, so you can be sure of picking out your perfect tipple. Just don't go too hard on those samples! Cumberland Saucy Gin is a best-seller, but whether that's because it's distilled locally, has a wonderful flavour, or boasts an apparently risqué name, we're not entirely sure!
We could talk to you all day about all the wonderful beverages on offer, but words can't give you the smell and taste that an actual sample offers. If you're visiting the Ullswater area, then be sure to stop in at Chestnut House and see what samples are available - there are usually around 50 options to try on any given day!
A Shopping Experience
Chestnut House is currently rated on Trip Advisor as number one for shopping in Cumbria and the Lake District. It's thanks to the choice on offer, personal service, and opportunity to try before you buy that really makes this hidden gem a top place to visit. Andrew and Emma are keen to offer something in their shop that can't be found online: localness, tasting, and a personal experience.
With so many gins now available to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones to select, even for the most experienced gin-drinker! Chestnut House combines a stock of one of the widest gin selections in the North of England with an array of samples and a team that know their spirits inside out. If you have any gin questions or need a recommendation, these are the guys to ask! Darren is a real character who can offer bags of enthusiasm and unparalleled knowledge, while Caroline loves to find out what visitors like so that she can make personal recommendations.
The Perfect Gift
There's nothing quite like taking a little bit of your Lake District holiday back home to share with friends and family and Chestnut House has you covered for that, too! Apart from the wonderful team at the shop, who can recommend unique gift ideas, you can also put together a DIY hamper. They've seen it all from classic Cumbrian to a unicorn-themed hamper, so there's something for every taste!
Not Just Gin
From day one, Andrew and Emma have focused on offering as much local food and drink as possible and, with two floors, their shop is a bit of a tardis with a food hall upstairs and their vast collection of gins, whiskies, rums and ales downstairs.
It’s not all about their wall of gin, either: Chestnut House also stocks craft ales, exotic Caribbean rums, and even Japanese whisky! There are plenty of famous Cumbrian favourites, too, including limited-edition whiskies from The Lakes Distillery in Bassenthwaite and Toffee Vodka, made in Newby Bridge.
Chestnut House is open all year round, well into the evening during the summer and closing at 6pm in the winter. If you're staying in one of our holiday cottages around Ullswater, then a visit to this wonderful store has to be on your itinerary!
Find out more:
This is a guest blog written by Andrew and Emma from Chestnut House. You can visit their website to shop online or find them on Facebook.
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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.