It had expanded outside of Cornwall for the first time – but it didn’t quite work out, partly blaming the look of the area
Rock Gin Distillery’s shop in Corsham, Wiltshire, has closed 18 months after opening up
A Cornish gin distillery’s first out-of-county shop is to close down because of the downturn in the economy, rising costs and the “daily decline in the appearance and upkeep” in the area.
Rock Gin Distillery’s first dedicated retail store outside of Cornwall opened in the summer of 2024 at the Martingate Centre in Corsham, Wiltshire.
It was brought to the town by Paul Roper and his family, who sold the Cornish-made drink alongside Fever-Tree mixers and a tasting station for sampling the products.
As reported by The Express, the closure of the independent gin shop, only 18 months after first opening, follows the recent loss of the Original Factory Shop branch in the centre, while the former Boots store also remains empty.
Taking to Instagram, Mr Roper said it was with a “heavy heart that we have to announce the closing of our shop in the Martingate Centre in Corsham”.
He said: “We would like to thank everyone who popped in and supported the shop and bought the product. We are forever Thankful.
“Unfortunately due to increasing costs within the sector, increased business rates and the daily decline in the appearance and upkeep of the Martingate Centre, we just can’t continue to trade in this location.”
Wanting to sound an optimistic note, Mr Roper added that while the shop is closing, he will still have a stall selling Cornish gin at the Wells market on Wednesdays and also every Thursday at the Devizes market as well as at various other seasonal and featured markets throughout the year.
The business will also be accepting phone orders where it will be offering free of charge delivery within a 10 to 15 mile radius of Corsham.
Based in Wadebridge, Cornish Rock Gin Distillery produces a range of Cornish spirits and liqueurs including gin, whiskey, rum, and brandy.
Its spirits are made using Cornish spring water, 100 per cent natural ingredients, fragrant botanicals, and fresh citrus fruits, according to the company’s website.
The business will also be accepting phone orders where it will be offering free of charge delivery within a 10 to 15 mile radius of Corsham.
Mr Roper added: “But all is not lost! We are still trading outside of the shop, You can catch us every Wednesday at the Wells Market and every Thursday at the Devizes Market, also at various other seasonal/featured markets throughout the year! Please keep an eye on the socials for dates and events.
“Thanks again for all the love and support! And hopefully we will see you again at one of our outside events soon.”
One person reacted to the news in the comments on Facebook by saying: “So sorry about you having to leave, they’ll be no shops left soon. Good luck for the future.”
Another person said: “Sorry about that but not surprised. Good luck.”
Fellow traders also shared their disappointment.
Oil and Ink Gallery commented on the Instagram post: “Another epic independent gone. Sad about the state of the Martingate, it does Corsham no favours.”
Corsham Creative Market also commented by saying it was “sad news”. Someone else said: “This is very sad, I know how hard you’ve all worked.”
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