A popular gin distillery’s first dedicated retail shop outside of Cornwall has announced it will soon be closing its doors for good. The shop, located in the Martingate Centre in Corsham, Wiltshire, posted the news on social media. Corsham Rock Distillery said the decision was taken “with a heavy heart” and that it had been driven by “increasing costs within the sector, increased business rates and the daily decline in the appearance and upkeep of the Martingate Centre”.

The shop was launched by Paul Roper and his family, bringing the Cornish brand to the town alongside a selection of mixers and an in-store tasting experience. 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% natural ingredients, fragrant botanicals, and fresh citrus fruits, according to the company’s website.

Mr Roper, in a social media post said : “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the closing of our Shop in The Martingate Centre in Corsham. We would like to thank everyone that 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.”

However, Mr Roper said the business is still trading outside of the shop on market stalls including every Wednesday at the Wells Market and every Thursday at the Devizes Market.

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.”