The Oxford Artisan Distillery (TOAD) is set to return to its original home in Oxford, following the announcement that the pioneering distillery will reopen at its historic site in Headington next year (2027).

Oxford’s first distillery originally operated for seven years from a converted Grade II listed barn at Cheney Barn in South Park before ceasing operations in the city in 2024, when production was consolidated at partner facilities in Yorkshire under The Yorkshire Distilling Company.

The company has now confirmed plans for a full revival of the Oxford site, which has remained closed since TOAD’s departure. Directors have described the move as an “amphibious resurrection in full spring”, signalling a return not only to the original location but also to the brand’s founding identity.

In a further significant development, the business has successfully reacquired its original stills – Nautilus, Nemo and its column stills – alongside full ownership of the TOAD trademarks and intellectual property. The distillery confirmed that

“Oxford’s first distillery, The Oxford Artisan Distillery, will reopen on its original site in June 2027”.

Founded in 2017 by Tom Nicolson, TOAD quickly gained recognition for its award-winning gin, later expanding into whisky and vodka production with a distinctive focus on biodiversity-led grain sourcing and regenerative agriculture principles.

The company has previously explored relaunch plans under the proposed name The Oxford Spirit Group, though those applications did not progress.

The distillery stated that the return marks “an exciting new chapter” and highlighted TOAD’s established heritage as “the first distillery in Oxford’s history, the UK’s first registered organic distillery, and the world’s first biodiverse distillery”.