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Spirit of Harrogate to enter administration

Tuesday, 20 January 2026 16:21

Spirit of Harrogate has appointed administrators.

A well-known Harrogate gin business is preparing to enter administration, with efforts now underway to find a buyer.

Spirit of Harrogate, the retailer behind the popular Slingsby Gin range, has instructed Lewis Business Recovery & Insolvency to assist with placing the company into administration.

Gareth Lewis and Matthew Russell have been named as the proposed joint administrators.

Founded in 2014 by Harrogate entrepreneurs Marcus Black and Mike Carthy, Spirit of Harrogate employs five people and has built a strong reputation locally and nationally through its Slingsby Gin products.

The move comes amid ongoing challenges facing the drinks and retail sector.

In a statement, Gareth Lewis said:

“Unfortunately the business has, like many in its sector, struggled with rising costs and difficult trading conditions in recent years.

"Spirit of Harrogate is one of Harrogate’s iconic independent retailers and the Slingsby Gin product range is very well respected both locally and nationally.

"We are now actively marketing the business and assets for sale as a going concern in an attempt to preserve jobs and maximise the return for creditors. Any interested parties should contact my colleague Olivia Oates on 0113 2459444”.

Administrators say the business and its assets are being marketed for sale, with the aim of safeguarding jobs where possible and delivering the best outcome for creditors.

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