OXFORD’S new gin joint has offered its supporters a chance to own a piece of the magic.

The Oxford Artisan Distillery at South Park this week launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to build its new visitors’ centre.

The company, founded by Jericho entrepreneur Tom Nicholson, is hoping to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds to create the new timber-clad centre housing a cafe or restaurant and surrounded by a woodland garden.

The distillery, which opened on July 27, has now launched its campaign at crowdcube.com.

Announcing the launch yesterday the company said: “Today, we are launching an exciting crowdfunding campaign to help us finance a permanent visitor centre.

“Our visiting friends are at the heart of TOAD and this enhancement will ensure we continue to deliver a great experience as our popularity grows.

“The last few months have flown by in a blur of visitors to the distillery, farmers markets and visiting what seems like almost every bar in Oxford.”

The visitors’ centre has already been designed by Jessop and Cook and the plans submitted to Oxford City Council.

It is thought once the centre is open the whole site would employ about 25 people.

The company added: “It’s no time to rest on our laurels and we are preparing for the next phase of our adventure and we would very much like you to be a part of what we are creating by investing in the future of TOAD.”

See www.crowdcube.com/toad