A Cumbrian distillery has been given good reason to celebrate and raise a glass after it secured a deal to have three of its lines stocked on the shelves of one of the country’s biggest retailers.

Asda has agreed to sell vodka, gin and whisky produced at the Lakes Distillery in 18 of its stores across the north west.

Paul Currie, founder and managing director of the firm which is based near Bassenthwaite Lake, was delighted.

He said: “This achievement really demonstrates how our brands are growing, building momentum and the positive reaction from our customers.

“Asda seek quality and provenance within their spirits range and we recognised these qualities in abundance within our portfolio.

“Asda customers will be able to experience the Best of British via our award-winning portfolio – The ONE, The Lakes Gin and The Lakes Vodka.”

It comes as the demand for artisan spirits among consumers continues across the United Kingdom.

Alan Jackson, buying manager – Local BWS and Core Ambient, said: “The culture of artisan spirits continues to grow in the UK and it is clear customers are trading up to more premium spirits, particularly ones which come from local distilleries.

“The new spirit lines we have launched are all premium quality and will give customers access to multi award-winning, locally distilled products that truly are Best of British.”

The Lakes Gin is a classic artisan gin, described as having “floral notes and vibrant citrus”. The vodka is marketed as ultra-smooth with a distinctive crisp, clean finish and The ONE is a classic blended whisky.

All three lines will be stocked in 70cl bottles.

The Lakes Distillery, which is housed in a restored Victorian model farm, opened its doors in December 2014 when HRH the Princess Royal unveiled a commemorative plaque.

It received the Master award in the Global Distillery Masters 2016 best whisky distillery facilities.

Mr Currie comes from a family of whisky men. His father is the managing director of a global whisky business, something he thinks has equipped him well for his own distilling ventures and proving English distilling is a force to be reckoned with.