A GIN company has bid an emotional farewell to Warrington after it has called time on its seven-year tenure.

3 Pugs Gin, based at Penketh Business Park, became renowned for its unique take on gins thought up by the owners, Christine and Stephen Ditchfield.

The business is named after the couple's three pugs; Pepsi; TuTu and Mojo.

“It has been the most fantastic period of our lives,” said an emotional Christine.

“To have been involved and to have been instrumental in what we have done in engaging and supporting local communities during the pandemic whilst having a blast making gin and letting people know how unique it can be, it’s indescribable.

“I’m forever grateful that we chose to take this direction and had that opportunity.

“Having had so many opportunities with awards, meetings, dancing and to host Kwasi Kwarteng, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy of United Kingdom and to have him drinking our gin was amazing.

“It’s been incredible and the people have been so supportive.”

 

The couple have three pugs - Joanne Photography

The couple have three pugs - Joanne Photography

 

The decision wasn’t taken lightly.

In December, the pair said that given they are approaching a tough few months for hospitality and had found recovery from the pandemic being tougher than they expected.

Christine said if they can turn over enough in the first quarter, they would continue for a while.

The 63-year-old, who launched the business in her garden shed, added: “Last year turned out to be worse than the previous year as it did for all small businesses. Cash flow is being used up, you start to wonder where the recovery is going to come from and I think I hit a brick wall in August and September time.

“I really started to worry where the business was going to go.

“Given our age, in the back of my mind I was thinking do I have the energy and drive to drive it back up for another seven years as you were almost starting from scratch.

“When you have got an established brand it’s twice as difficult to establish that brand because people don’t see it as new, they just see it as something they have seen before.

“The gin market is becoming oversaturated as there are new distillers opening up every day. It was becoming really, really difficult.”

 

Christine described the change as the end of one chapter and the start of another

Christine described the change as the end of one chapter and the start of another

 

The pair, who moved to Latchford more than a year ago, decided to call time on the business on their own terms.

“Sadly it wasn’t to be. The turnover and the sales wasn’t there,” continued Christine.

“When we made the decision, we knew it was the right one for us because of our age.

“We have done an incredible job, we have got a lot to be proud of and I didn’t want to continue doing it until I was forced to make a decision.

“We wanted to be in control of that demise so that’s what we have done.”

READ> Blending two loves: The rise of 3 Pugs Gin

Going forward, Christine has managed to secure a part-time role with Warrington Disability Partnership, a cause that she cares a lot about.

“Moving into semi-retirement, I’ve always supported charities and to start working for one helping people unemployed in the town is something that I’m really looking forward to.

“I didn’t think I’d ever be as well-known in the town as I am. People do know me now as ‘Mrs Warrington’ in some quarters thanks to the business, I’m sure that will disappear over time.

“It’s the end of one chapter and the opening of another.”