Micro-distillery launches Yorkshire's first motorbike delivery service exclusively for gin

A micro-distillery in Huddersfield has launched Yorkshire’s first dedicated motorbike delivery service exclusively for gin.

The delivery service will allow gin-lovers who live in Yorkshire and order Divine Gin online via the company’s website to have it delivered to their door by founder and head distiller, Ray Woolhead, on his KTM 190 Super Adventure motorbike.

Mr Woolhead and his wife, Rachel, have launched the service to mark World Gin Day (Saturday 13 June).

Mrs Woolhead explained: “We lost around 70% of our on-trade sales when pubs and bars were forced to close, so we have had to think on our feet to keep things moving. We have had quite a bit of success with online gin tasting classes which has helped drive sales, and we think the motorbike courier service is something unique that gin enthusiasts will enjoy.”

Mr Woolhead added: “It’s not very often people meet the very person who made the gin they’re drinking, let alone have that person deliver it to them on a motorbike, so we think this is something a little bit different that provides that bit of light relief most of us are looking for at the moment.”

Mrs Woolhead said: “While most pubs and bars remain closed, we wanted to give the people of Yorkshire a chance to enjoy a gin and tonic with their family or friends over video call or while socially distancing in their gardens.

“So, we decided to combine our two greatest passions in life, motorbikes and gin, and take two wheels to launch a dedicated motorbike delivery service exclusively to deliver gin to people’s doors.”

In the run up to World Gin Day, the couple has taken to social media to ask people to nominate the person they are most looking forward to having a gin and tonic with when pubs and bars re-open.

Mr Woolhead explained: “We’ve had a fantastic response from across the region and now have six winners who will each have a bottle of Divine Gin delivered to them by me on my motorbike and who will then take part in an online gin masterclass with Rachel and I to celebrate World Gin Day.”

Divine Gin was founded by Ray and Rachel in 2014 and currently produces London Dry and Raspberry versions at its distillery in Holmfirth. In March it became only the second gin brand in Yorkshire to be awarded the prestigious SALSA food and drink safety accreditation recognised by major retailers including Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Morrison’s .