Distillers & Spirit Producers

Cowmire Hall

Cowmire Hall, Winster Valley, Lake Windermere, Kendal, Cumbria, England, UK.

Cowmire Hall and farm in the Westmorland area is owned and run by husband and wife team, Oliver and Vicky Barratt. The Hall is a 16th century fortified house and pele tower (also spelt “peel”). These fortified tower houses were set up along the English Scottish borders and other parts of Northern England providing the facility for a linked series of signal fires to warn troops of danger.

In the 1930’s the Westmorland area was renowned for their Damsons and were used extensively by large grocery store for producing Jam. This slowly declined but since the 1990’s this once thriving Damson growing area is beginning to boom once more. Vicky Barratt has been a part of this since she started making her Damson Gin in 1998, at first with just a little over 400 bottles and this has risen to over 6,000 per year today. Their son Simon has now joined the venture and is producing hard cider and mulled cider, using apples from the farm and surrounding areas.

The farm also has a simple apartment “The Bothy” available to rent (suitable for two people), with a boat to use on the Lake, perfect for an idyllic weekend or week in the Lake District.

Cowmire Hall. 

Cowmire Hall Damson