Lygon Street in Carlton has another incredible hospitality venue, after Mildura-based Fossey’s Distillery opened its second venue, with Fossey’s Lygon now operating as well as the Ginporium in Mildura.
Owner Steve Timmis started Fossey’s Distillery in 2017 and has built a strong reputation after winning awards for its venue, products and also building a brand that is true to the family-operated business.
“We started Fossey’s as a little bit of fun. Something we could do a day or two a week with a focus on tourists coming in to the cellar door, online sales, and just have great time doing something we loved. Looking back at our initial business plan, we were going to open one day a week on a Thursday afternoon and run the still once a month.
“We take so much pride in what we do, and we think that shows in every single thing that we put our name to. We give 110 per cent every time and we love being able to have a brand and a product that truly reflect who we are as a family and embraces the many incredible personalities that work with us.”
As with all distillery and hospitality businesses the pandemic created many challenges, but the team also looked at opportunities, deciding to open the second venue.
Cherie Gowers, Manager of Fossey’s Distillery and daughter to Steve, said: “Every lockdown was different, and with every announcement came challenges that we very quickly had to navigate through not only for our staff, but we also had to very quickly pick the ‘vibe’ and try to provide our amazing customers with what they were needing at that time – be it humour, thoughtfulness, gifting opportunities or just a bit of fun. It was a difficult time to run a business that’s for sure as you needed to be so reactive to the circumstances all whilst trying to plan ahead for a world that we weren’t even sure would return to normal.
“Opening another venue had always been a conversation that just quietly tinkered in the background. We had considered other regional towns and but Melbourne hadn’t been considered until during the covid years. An opportunity came up with the venue and just looking at the pictures and the location, it seemed like the perfect place to call our new home.”
Speaking about opening the Melbourne venue, Steve said he hopes it will help build the brand further and help people understand Fossey’s flair.
“Being located in Mildura, we’ve always been geographically challenged,” he said. “It made attending metro events and supplying wholesale customers extremely challenging. But now with a Melbourne based venue, we are able produce and sell with more ease and also enjoy the company of Melbourne based customers when they come in for a tasting or a cocktail.”
Located at 209 Lygon St, Carlton (in between the ANZ bank and Papa Gino’s) Fossey’s Lygon is open Wednesday to Thursday from 12pm, offering gin and whisky tastings, a stunning cocktail bar and a full retail store featuring not only their own products, but other amazing Australian spirits and local Mildura wine.
