Southend’s first-ever distillery has revealed it has its sights set on opening a seafront premises during a meeting with the area’s Member of Parliament.
Bosses from Pigs Bay Distillery, a local family-run distiller, recently sat down with James Duddridge MP to explain the business’ ambitions for the future.
The firm, a first of its kind in Southend and named after the area of coastline between Shoebury East Beach and Foulness Island, launched in 2021, creating premium gins, vodkas, rum, and liqueurs in the heart of the city.
Now, Pigs Bay hopes to continue to expand, opening the distillery to the public with the goal of opening a seafront shop and restaurant.
James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East, said:
“It is fantastic that Southend now has its very own distillery – a first of its kind for our city, and I thank the Pigs Bay Distillery team for meeting with me to share their ambitious plans.
“At just under a year old, they seem to be doing remarkably well, and I wish this local firm every success for the future.”
Dale Smith of Pigs Bay Distillery added:
“I was delighted to meet James Duddridge MP, who had a keen interest to learn all about Pigs Bay Distillery and our ambitious plans for its future.
“We now wish to continue our growth in order to move to the next phase of our plan to open the distillery to the public for visits and tours.
“As I outlined to James, our ultimate goal is to have the distillery in a seafront location with shop, restaurant, hosting tours and events.”
