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A rum distillery and bar is opening in Bristol next month and is set to create 30 jobs.

Halewood Wines & Spirits is launching the Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery on the former site of Jamie’s Italian on Park Street.

The business is currently recruiting new members of staff to work in the bar, distillery and rum school, which opens its doors on Friday (September 26).

The 7,500 sq ft craft distillery will take up four floors and will house a 500-litre double retort rum still - a device for making rum that is traditionally used by many Caribbean distillers.

(Image: Christopher Linaker)

Chris Hotson, general manager of the Bristol & Bath Rum Distillery, said: “It’s an exciting time for us.

“Bristol has a rich rum heritage and we’re really looking forward to adding to that story with a brand-new chapter, offering something we truly believe is different for those working with us and drinking in the distillery.

“As with any venue, having the right team is crucial to its success. We know the food and drink scene in Bristol is second to none so we’re over the moon to be tapping into the city’s talented hospitality pool.

"There are still a few roles to fill so anyone interested in securing a job is welcome to get in touch.”

The Bristol & Bath Distillery will stock more than 150 rums and will distill Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced Rum. The rum will be shipped from Bristol for sales across the UK and around the world.

It will also be home to a Rum School, where visitors can distill their own spiced rum in small copper stills, as well as housing a 200-litre working gin still.

The opening comes as the rum sector continues to experience significant growth, according to a report by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association.

In the latest quarter, flavoured and spiced rum saw double digit-growth - the second-strongest after gin - adding £3.1million to the sector compared to a year ago.

Spirit sales are up three per cent in the last 12 months, which is equivalent to more than two million extra bottles compared to 2018.