THE Lakes Distillery is bolstering its presence in the south after relocating its events and business development executive to the capital.

Poppy Fisher, who lived in the original distillery farmhouse as a child, has been with the Setmurthy-based distillery since it was launched in 2014.

Miss Fisher will be taking up post as the newly-formed, business development and events executive for London and the south east.

Around 34 per cent of online visitors to the distillery’s site originate from London and its brand presence is already established within some of the city’s best known stores including Harvey Nichols and Fortnum & Masons.

Miss Fisher’s role will primarily be focused on driving sales in the South, event management and furthering brand awareness in the region.

Based out of Yacht London, a partner of The Lakes Distillery, she will also be heavily involved in Junipalooza, Tobacco Dock’s renowned gin carnival, The Telegraph Whisky Experience and Whisky Lounge London 2017, one of the capital’s biggest whisky festivals, due to take place this year.

Miss Fisher said: “It’s an exciting time for me, making the move down to London.

"Both Cumbria and The Lakes Distillery are something I have been passionate about from the get-go and I can’t wait to help play my part in driving forward Cumbrian business to the southern market.”

Maria Duddin, of The Lakes Distillery, said: “Poppy has been with us since day one and understands perfectly the heritage of both Cumbria and the distillery."