LIFTING YOUR SPIRITS
BY PAUL FRASER
If you ’ re looking for somewhere to hold a Christmas party this year , Aycliffe Business Park already has the perfect place . The Aviator Gin Bar is offering up different Christmas party packages to enjoy in an environment that is going to provide something a little bit different .
Just a four-minute walk from Aycliffe train station , the Aviator is more convenient than you might think for that festive night out – and it ’ s suitably located for every other company on the business park .
It claims to stock the best selection of 14 beers in the town as well as the best selection of whisky , rums and cocktails – all handmade with many using the Herbal Gin distillery on the same site .
Wayne Richardson , managing director , said : “ In the bar we have live music and DJs most weekends .
“ We have seating for 120 people , so it is a pretty large setting for such office parties or gatherings .
“ We also have fresh authentic Greek food , providing the Greek style buffets with gyros wraps , it can really be a Christmas party with a difference .
“ We do the best hand-shaken cocktails , using the gins and vodkas we make on site because the distillery is literally behind the bar .
“ The Aviator Gin Bar is a truly unique venue , we even have a full-size helicopter above the bar which I swapped for six bottles of gin believe it or not . It ' s the most photographed item in the bar and really is the coolest thing you will ever see .”
The Aviator is currently getting a DJ booth
Aviator Gin Bar boss Wayne Richardson is delighted with the venue ’ s progress . PIC BY CHRIS BOOTH
made from a jet engine too , to enhance the theme , and it will be broadcasting all of England ’ s World Cup games through November and December .
Wayne said : “ Ideally , we would like to have the businesses on Aycliffe Business Park having their Christmas parties here . It would be fantastic to host in our unique venue
“ We have drinks packages to suit everyone – named Business Class and First Class – and you can choose in-flight meals centred on the Greek theme .
“ The room hire is free and we think and we are constantly told , we are the coolest venue in Aycliffe .”
To book call 01325 589076 or email info @ theaviatorginbar . co . uk .
GIVE THE GIFT OF GIN
BY PAUL FRASER
The Herbal Gin Company ’ s managing director Wayne Richardson wants to put your company ’ s logo on his bottles of gin .
Sounds interesting , doesn ’ t it ? The production of corporate gins to be labelled to suit another business ’ needs …
Herbal Gin has already made bespoke gins for many customer-focused businesses including Gestamp on Aycliffe Business Park and the nearby Kudos Accountants , producing bottles of gin with their own corporate logos on , so they can be handed out as gifts .
It has also worked with high end interior designers and restaurants , including one in Edinburgh which has had a bespoke orange and samphire gin produced to complement its own theme .
Wayne said : “ It ’ s been exciting . I want to make people aware of the white labelled , corporate branded gins that we are already producing for quite a number companies
Herbal Gin managing director Wayne Richardson is producing personalised commercially labelled bottles for a growing list of local and national clients . PIC BY CHRIS BOOTH
nationally and locally already .
“ It has been a terrible few years because of Covid and whatever else , and I think if you can thank a client , customer or member of staff in some way then that is nice .
“ What we are doing is labelling up a bottle of our gin so that businesses – or anyone for that matter – can pass it on to a client . It is better than going to a supermarket to buy some alcohol and just hand that over as a present as it is personal touch .
“ People tend to keep hold of gin bottles , so they will continue to see your business logo .”
The idea started when Wayne wanted to make a wedding present for a friend more personal . He printed a memorable photo to label the gin . He has since had requests for more , so has decided to open the idea to businesses too .
He said : “ We already have a section on the website where people can make their own labels . Now it ’ s about opening that up to focus on the business community .”
For more information about The Herbal Gin Company check out theherbalgin . com .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 27