Sheffield born John Cherry formed Locksley Distilling Co Ltd after two decades working in the wine and spirits industry in France and New York. He moved back to Sheffield with his family at the start of 2013 and his wife persuaded him to pursue his dream of setting up an English distillery.
The first gin, Sir Robin of Locksley, was released at the start of summer 2014. It was named in honour of local legend, Robin Hood, who is also referred to as Robin of Loxley (Locksley) as a tradition dating back at least to the end of the 16th century gives Robin Hood's birthplace as Loxley, Sheffield, in South Yorkshire.