city of london distillery tour

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The home of whitley neill gin.

CITY OF LONDON DISTILLERY & BAR

Come and distil your very own personalised gin at our distillery, learn about our gin making techniques with a tour and tasting or simply visit the bar for an award-winning Whitley Neill Gin cocktail

Whitley Neill Gin is distilled at the multi-award-winning City of London Distillery, the first, and still the only, gin distillery in The City of London in 200 years.

The City of London Distillery has been producing award-winning gins for a decade, with 65 medals won across the range of Gins, including 4 Double Golds & 5 Golds at International Wine & Spirits Competition and 6 Golds at San Francisco World Spirits Competition and 3 Spirits Business Gin Masters.

The goal of the City of London Distillery has always been to bring back and maintain the heritage and history of London’s gin production whilst incorporating new contemporary ideas.

WHITLEY NEILL GIN IS THE UK’S #1 SELLING PREMIUM GIN AND THE UK’S MOST LOVED GIN*

To find out more about Whitley Neill Gin, visit our website at WHITLEYNEILL.COM .

Book Distillery Tours

Make your own gin, events & private hire.

RATED 5 STARS WITH TRIPADVISOR

We had a fab time at the Gin Experience creating our own gin, I learnt not only about the process and distillation but also about the flavours that I do enjoy in a gin. Carol D. | Sept 2021

A great hidden place, with a very friendly staff. I highly recommend this place. Can’t wait to go back. Luipe Coe | Jan 2022

Went for the tour and what a great hour it was. It's below ground and small but it is a real working distillery. The tour was really good, no excellent. Razfiend | July 2021

SHOP FOR WHITLEY NEILL GINS

• Whitley Neill Connoisseur's Cut London Dry Gin
• Whitley Neill Original London Dry Gin
• Whitley Neill Rhubarb & Ginger Gin
• Whitley Neill Blood Orange Gin
• Whitley Neill Raspberry Gin
• Whitley Neill Blackberry Gin
• Whitley Neill Pink Grapefruit Gin
• Whitley Neill Gooseberry Gin
• Whitley Neill Parma Violet Gin

CITY OF LONDON DISTILLERY

22-24 Bride Lane, London, EC4Y 8DT

Monday to Saturday 4pm - 10pm

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City of London Distillery

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www.cityoflondondistillery.com

22-24 Bride Lane, London, EC4Y 8DT

The only working distillery in the City of London. Located behind Fleet Street in the historic Bride Lane, an area steeped with distilling history.

The City of London has a rich gin history. During the Gin Craze in the 18th century there was a gin distillery or gin shop in every street in the City benefiting from the spices and citrus fruits coming in to the port of London.

When the Gin Craze ended, very few gin distilleries survived, and for nearly 200 years there wasn’t a single gin distillery in the City. That is until the City of London Distillery opened in 2012.

Pop-in to the bar for an award-winning Whitley Neill Gin cocktail - or book ahead to join workshops and events. Every Friday & Saturday, learn about gin making techniques with a tour and tasting. The tour includes a Gin & Tonic on arrival followed by a 4-flight gin tasting.

Private hire also available.

Listing location

Related experience, london symphony orchestra, the lookout, new street square, carter lane gardens, st botolph-without-bishopsgate, leadenhall building (the cheesegrater), smithfield market, lloyd’s of london, street food market at the leadenhall building, paternoster square, the old bailey – guided tour, st lawrence jewry, dabbers social bingo – city, bishopsgate institute, city bouldering, the london centre, dutch church, inner temple, gresham college, holy sepulchre, the national musicians church, barbican centre, barbican cinemas, swingers city, the garden at 120, la scuola cooking school at eataly, st bartholomew’s hospital museum, beers london, barry’s, the spa at four seasons london at ten trinity square, st dunstan in the east church garden, jeff wayne’s the war of the worlds: the immersive experience, barbican architecture tours, city of london information centre, axeperience, sculpture in the city, puttshack bank, city of london guides – private tours, the gunpowder plot, st bartholomew the great church, tower of london, bridewell theatre, guildhall school of music & drama, barbican art gallery & the curve, bloomberg arcade, eastcheap records, barbican theatre, concerts at the barbican, london stone, mansion house, guildhall great hall, guildhall yard, city of london heritage gallery, london’s roman amphitheatre, guildhall art gallery, billingsgate roman house and baths, barbican conservatory, heavenly spa by westin, st mary-le-bow, st. stephen walbrook, the charterhouse, city of london guides – daily guided walks, the monument, st paul’s cathedral, red eight gallery, dr johnson’s house, st bride foundation, the guild church of st dunstan-in-the-west, all hallows by the tower, bank of england museum, tower bridge, london mithraeum bloomberg space, leadenhall market, one new change.

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Gin distillery tours in London

Gin is huge in London, with a new wave of amazing gin distilleries and tours to explore

London has a collection of amazing gin distilleries, while  a growing number of bars specialise in the fragrant spirit . But there are even more ways to get stuck into the juniper-based drink and distil your knowledge in London. Get to grips by making your very own variant on the spirit, learn the complicated and clouded history of London’s favourite tipple and test out more of the stuff than you can shake a stick at. It’s a dreamy gift to give to any gin lover in your life, should you be stuck for inspiration. Here's our pick of the best gin distillery tours and experiences in London, giving drinkers access all areas to mother’s ruin.    

RECOMMENDED: The best cocktail bars in London .

An email you’ll actually love

Gin distillery tours in London for tasting the best botanical notes

1.  City of London Distillery

• Bars and pubs
• Blackfriars

Get up close and personal with the custom-made copper stills at City of London Distillery. Enjoy a £25 session that lasts an hour and 15 minutes and takes in London’s unique gin history. You’ll be fuelled by a flight of three gins, and you can purchase more gin tipples at the distillery's slick cocktail bar straight after.  Alternatively, you can design and distil your very own gin for £125 in the 'gin lab'.

2.  Hayman's Distillery

• Things to do
• Food and drink events

Take a tour of Hayman’s, a distillery that made its return to London in 2018, setting up shop in Balham. Tours cost £25, last 90 minutes and include an all-important G&T, plus a tutored tasting. Cocktail masterclasses are also on offer for £35.

3.  Beefeater Distillery

The granddaddy of London gin traces its origins back to 1829 and has been distilling on this site since 1958. Amazingly, London's oldest and most internationally renowned distillery is open to visitors. Tours last around an hour and a half and cost £25 (G&T included). Plus, there’s a particularly enlightening sniff-tour of the major botanicals that give gin its characteristic flavour.   

4.  Jensen's at Bermondsey Distillery

Easily slotted in alongside a visit to Maltby Street market, Jensen’s is made at the Bermondsey Distillery and you can drop in for a tasting on weekend market days. Admission is free, and you can bring in food from the market. If you want a proper tour, groups can email requests to gain access all areas on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

5.  Sipsmith Distillery

Sipsmith was the first of the new wave of London gin distilleries, and is still the best-known. The company runs tours (£25 including a G&T) at 6.30pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and at 4.30pm on selected Fridays. Sip a G&T while listening to a little history of gin in London, then tour the stills – Prudence, Patience and Constance – and get a tutored tasting. For £65 you can drink deeper with a two hour gin cocktail masterclass on Tuesday evenings.

6.  Gin Journey

For those who like their gin in the fast lane, it’s time to clamber on board The Gin Journey’s ‘gini bus’ . The chauffeur-driven evening tour, led by a gin-ius team, takes in five bars and one distillery for £75, with a gin cocktail served at each location. Tours take place on Saturday afternoons and take place across either Soho and Shoreditch . Chauffeur: provided. Ibuprofen: BYO.

7.  Half Hitch Gin School

They’re producing gin down by Camden Lock again for the first time in fifty years, and you have Half Hitch gin to thank for it. You can get hands on with this history at the micro-distillery’s very own Gin School. You’ll have a tutorial on the gin-making process before your chance to make your very own batch of the juniper-led spirit. You’ll leave with a bottle of your own booze, all for £70 per person. 

8.  58 Gin

Make your own small batch gin out east at 58 Gin’s Hackney Downs distillery. Over the course of three hours you'll settle in with a G&T before sampling three different gins to find what flavour profile most takes your fancy. Then select your botanicals and watch them as they work away in the still (with another gin cocktail in your hand all the while as well as some  charcuterie nibbles ). It costs £125 per person.

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Gin Travel Food

26 July 2019

City of London Distillery – tours & tasting in the heart of London

I first visited the City of London Distillery (COLD) back in 2014. (If you read that first visit on my blog you can see how far I’ve come since I started blogging). This time Joe their brand ambassador invited me back to check out the changes and the new additions to their gin range.

The striking back bar at City of London Distillery

*Full disclosure – my tour and gin tasting at COLD was hosted by them for free*

City of London Distillery

Where is city of london distillery located.

City of London Distillery is just off Fleet street right in the middle of the old City of London. The green lights projected on the pavement are the first sign that you are approaching the distillery.

The first sign of the City of London Distillery is this projection on the pavement outside

When you approach the door you spy the green paneling and a cat statue:

Entrance to City of London Distillery

Close up of the cat ‘statue’ mounted on the door

The cat is a nod to the ‘Puss and Mew shop’ – a way for the gin addicted to get their fix after the Gin Act of 1736. There would be a slot that a coin could be dropped into and as a result the cat would dispense a shot of gin via a pipe in its mouth. Inginious!

Head downstairs to access the bar and distillery area:

The City of London Bar

Walking into the bar it has a speakeasy vibe, with the dark green extended in and complemented with pieces of vintage furniture and wood panelling.

This is an impressive display on the back bar

Whilst City of London have an impressive array of their own gin, there are other gins available at the bar. It’s a full bar that includes other spirits and the makings for cocktails too, more on that later…

You can sit at the bar or at one of many lower tables in the room

All  around the room are gin memorabilia – including this Gin Lane game:

Gin Lane game

There’s even a large print of Gin Lane – the famous etching from William Hogarth referenced in the game

Bits of old still kicking around – does this count as distillery chic?!

The bar is a great place to pop in and grab a gin and tonic or cocktail. You can also visit to do a gin tasting or actually make gin with City of London Distillery:

The new gin experience rooms

Since I last visited the distillery has developed the space to showcase the Gin Lab and ‘make your own gin’ experiences. They also do tours and gin tastings that are less involved than the gin making experiences.

Create your own bottle of gin at the Gin Lab

When you make your own gin at City of London Distillery, there are loads of botanicals you can choose from.

A professional set up in miniature!

The session starts with smelling and selecting your ingredients (with a guiding hand from the staff). You then add these to the mini stills and distill your own gin!

The stills are all named after the 7 dwarfs from Sleeping Beauty!

Can you see all the names of the dwarfs?

The actual distilling for City of London Gin isn’t done on the mini stills (although Joe says they still use them to play around with ingredients). The actual distillery where the magic happens is next door (& also fully visible from the bar due to the large window).

Inside the City of London Distillery room:

This bottle represents the botanicals that make up the City of London, London Dry gin – only 8 botanicals (can you see the layers of botanicals?)

Botanicals for their London Dry gin

Inside the still!

Yes I do go around sticking my head in stills (but only when they are cold).

When I first visited City of London Distillery they had 2 stills – Clarissa and Jennifer, named after the two fat ladies.

The stills at City of London Distillery

This shot was trying to get the full length of the stills in the picture – I think I failed!

The latest girl in the distillery – Elizabeth

COLD are currently replacing Jennifer (the tall column still) with another pot still (the rounded ones with copper tops).

Tasting City of London gin

City of London distillery has expanded their range considerably since 2014. Now they have 9 gins in total, with 5 being part of the core range, the others more seasonal/limited edition.

Some of the different gin bottle labels on display in the bar area

COLD Dry gin

• Fresh lemon and grapefruit
• Dried orange

Pretty tasting glass too!

Christopher Wren gin

The core City of London Distillery line up in those unique bottles

The Square Mile

Look at the legs on this one!

My Old Tom Martinez – I’m totally suggestible!

Murcian Orange gin

Warming Winter orange, but it would also be refreshing in the Summer!

R&R – Rhubarb and Rose

When I visited the distillery this one was literally hot out of the still! As it was only cut with water that day it needed some time for the alcohol and water molecules to distribute and ‘mind meld’ (not a technical term!). At 41.3% this gin has tart rhubarb notes on the nose. It’s a London Dry style gin and has a light mouthfeel, with lemon and tartness. There isn’t strong rose note coming through and Joe explained that the rose was added to lift and add softer notes to the overall mix.

This was a collaboration between Head Distiller Guy and Jonnie Neill from Whitley Neill gin. They wanted to make a different take on a Rhubarb gin, whilst maintaining London Dry status.

This was the bottle I tried

Now that it’s out in full production you can identify it from the pink bottle:

Pretty in pink

Newest release – Strawberry gin

Strawberry gin in it’s dark pink bottle

Katie with her outfit matching the COLD gin bottle colours! Ps this is Joe – say hi if you see him around!

Cocktails at the City of London Distillery bar are good. The list is extensive and they can make all the classics too. As I mentioned from my first visit, they make a great martini and you have plenty of choices for gin and tonics too.

I love this red embossed menu!

When I visited this time I enjoyed a Martinez cocktail made with City of London Distillery Old Tom gin. This cocktail is a precursor to the martini, and is made with gin and sweet red vermouth, a little maraschino liqueur and a dash of bitters. Mine was garnished with orange peel to complement.

A perfect martinez cocktail – such pretty glassware too!

Visiting City of London Distillery:

If you are in the City of London or wandering Fleet Street, then I highly recommend popping into City of London Distillery for a drink. The COLD bar is open from 4pm-11pm Monday through Saturday, and you can book a table for drinks online.

If, like me on my first visit, you want to know more about gin, City of London Distillery and to taste their gin range, then I’d recommend pre-booking a distillery tour and tasting (£25).

You can also book for the Gin Lab experience (£125) where you will make your own gin in one of the seven dwarfs stills. You can also buy vouchers for the experiences as gifts. The distillery is open 9am-5pm Monday through Friday

Find City of London Distillery:

Visit other London based gin distilleries, find out more here:

Related posts:

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Reader Interactions

26 July 2019 at 4:54 pm

Always wanted to visit there! I just don’t seem to get to London that often these days!

26 July 2019 at 5:06 pm

Well next time you are over you need to pop in for a drink!!

TravelingTulls says

28 July 2019 at 3:51 pm

Interesting idea for our next trip to London. We’ve never taken a distillery tour before. The memorabilia alone would make it worth the trip.

28 July 2019 at 4:06 pm

I’d recommend it for a taste of London’s renown gin!

29 July 2019 at 11:52 am

What fun! This is right up my alley. I just moved from a wine region where I did wine tasting at least once a month. I took a wine blending class and created my own wine. I’ve also visited sake and rum distilleries. The gin lab would be such a fun, hands-on way to learn more about gin.

29 July 2019 at 11:55 am

Yes I think you’d love it Ava!

Lindsey Puls says

29 July 2019 at 12:33 pm

I really need to try gin again. It’s been years since I decided I didn’t like it. But some of these gins you listed sound really good! And this distillery looks like so much fun!

29 July 2019 at 12:47 pm

I’m sure we can find you one that you’d love Lindsey – the selection in the market is huge now!

Renata says

29 July 2019 at 2:28 pm

I haven’t been to London for quite a while – and this tour would be another reason to go back. Artisan gin is getting really big everywhere and I guess, the best one will be distilled in the UK, still. I’d love to try the rhubarb one.

29 July 2019 at 2:37 pm

There’s definitely a huge selection available in the UK Renata – so it’s a great place to start!

CARMEN | Wellington World Travels says

29 July 2019 at 9:32 pm

Wow. It’s interesting that they use those botanicals, and I never knew there are different kinds. I guess I wasn’t paying attention. I like the Old Tom for its sweeter taste. For £25, it’s not a bad price for tour and tasting.

29 July 2019 at 9:36 pm

It’s a great place to get an introduction to London gin Carmen!

Andrei Salokhin says

1 August 2019 at 10:04 am

Awesome photos! Interesting idea for our next trip to London.

1 August 2019 at 10:07 am

Thanks Andrei – I hope you get there!

Kelsey says

21 August 2019 at 6:45 pm

That looks like so much fun – I’ve never made my own gin before! And love that the stills are named after the seven dwarves.

I was literally JUST in London and wish I saw your blog post earlier!

21 August 2019 at 6:56 pm

Ah I have plenty of gin based activities to recommend Kelsey!

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City of London Distillery & Bar

Top ways to experience City of London Distillery & Bar and nearby attractions

• Blackfriars • 4 min walk
• St. Paul's • 7 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

CITY OF LONDON DISTILLERY & BAR: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Whitley Neill Gin is distilled at the multi-award-winning City of London Distillery, the first, and still the only, gin distillery in The City of London in 200 years. The City of London Distillery has been producing award-winning gins for a decade, with 65 medals won across the range of Gins, including 5 Double Golds & 5 Golds at IWSC and 6 Golds at SFWSC and 3 Spirits Business Gin Masters.

The goal of the City of London Distillery has always been to bring back and maintain the heritage and history of London’s gin production whilst incorporating new contemporary ideas.

OUR GIN STILLS

Since 2012 the distillery began producing gin on a pair of 200 litre copper pot stills called Clarissa and Jennifer (named after ‘The Two Fat Ladies’ of the BBC food show).

In 2016 as the distillery grew, a larger 500 litre pot still was brought in alongside the original pair to scale up production. This new larger still was launched on the Queen’s 90th Birthday and named Elizabeth accordingly.

OUR DISTILLERY & BAR

Often referred to as a hidden treasure, the bar at the City of London Distillery, is a cocktail bar that overlooks the striking copper stills of the distillery. The faint aroma of gin vapour that hangs in the air all add to the bar’s unique atmosphere.

We can cater for private events as well as romantic nights for two or getting together with friends and colleagues.

OUR GIN SCHOOL

We welcome visitors to our Gin Lab, to learn about distilling, explore the whole range of botanicals, design your own unique gin recipe then distil your very own personalised bottle of gin on one of the mini-stills.

The Gin Lab Experience takes approximately 2 hours, with as much guidance as you need, and includes three drinks to get you inspired.

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• United Kingdom
• City of London
• Blackfriars

The City of London Distillery and Bar

• Great for creative cocktails
• Good for special occasions

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Additional information.

• Dining style Casual Dining
• Price £26 to £40
• Cuisines Cocktail Bar
• Hours of Operation Shop Opening Times Mon–Sat 16:00–22:00 Bar Mon–Sat 16:00–22:00
• Phone number 020 7936 3636
• Website http://www.cityoflondondistillery.com/
• Payment Options AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
• Dress Code Casual Dress
• Catering We have simple snacks available to order from our bar (deli meat and cheese boards, olives, nuts).
• Private party facilities Please email [email protected] detailing the number of guests, date and time, and if you require any catering for your private event. A member of our team will be in touch to help.
• Location 22-24 Bride Ln, London, EC4Y 8DT
• Area Blackfriars
• Cross Street Fleet Street
• Parking Details None
• Public Transit Blackfriars, City Thameslink, St Paul's
• Additional Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Late Night, Wine

What 83 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews.

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• 4.4 Service
• 4.5 Ambience

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How is The City of London Distillery and Bar restaurant rated?

The City of London Distillery and Bar is rated 4.4 stars by 83 OpenTable diners.

Is The City of London Distillery and Bar currently accepting bookings?

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

22-24 Bride Ln, London, EC4Y 8DT

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City of London Distillery & Bar

Top ways to experience City of London Distillery & Bar and nearby attractions

• Blackfriars • 4 min walk
• St. Paul's • 7 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

City of London Distillery & Bar - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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City of London Distillery

Address: 22 – 24 Bride Lane, London, EC4Y 8DT

Availability:  Monday & Tuesday: 18:00 & 19:30 // Wednesday: 16:30 & 18:00 // Friday: 16:30, 18:00 & 19:30 //   SATURDAYS is  15:30, 17:30, 19:00, 20:30

Duration of Tour: 45 minutes

Book a tour HERE .

For Your Money:

This guided tour of the distillery will take you backstage to peer at the three copper stills and give you some insight onto the history of gin as well as the work that goes into making it today. The tour is followed by a 3-flight gin tasting, and also gets you £5 off a bottle of gin should you want to get one at the end of the night.

Alternatively…

Book yourself into the Gin Lab, the City of London Distillery make your own gin experience. You get to learn about distilling and the different botanicals, design a recipe of your own and to distill your very own personalised bottle of gin (70 cl) on one of the mini stills.

The Gin Lab Experience takes approximately 2 hours and includes a G&T.

A few thoughts from Gin Foundry:

The distillery tour is fun, and the tour and tasting makes for a fun flight, but in our opinion, you get to see it all from the bar anyway, so grab a pew, buy a couple of cocktails and just basque in the glory that is the gentle glow of copper stills. If you want to do something different, the make your own gin experience is well worth it though, with some great tutors often drafted in to help lead sessions and educate too.

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Posted on Published: 27th April 2023  - Last updated: 10th May 2023 Categories Bars + Pubs

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

The Best London Gin Distilleries for Tastings, Tours and Experiences

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London has had a long love affair with gin – no surprise then that there are a tonne of cool gin distilleries, tours and experiences in the city. These are the gin experiences and gin distilleries in London that you shouldn’t miss. 

We’re pretty sure that London is at least 50% fuelled by gin. Our obsession with all things gin has been going for centuries and, with a slew of cool distillery openings in the past few years, shows no sign of abating. 

But where can you find the really good stuff? You know, the kind of gin that makes you stop after your first sip to bow down and recognise the fact that what you are drinking is pure fabulousness – almost, but not quite too good for the likes of you. 

Gather round, friends, we’re about to discover the best gin experiences in London. Cool distilleries, tastings and experiences for your next tipple. 

Best Gin Distilleries in London 

After more than a century where gin fell out of favour in the capital, it’s back with a vengeance. Praise be for that. Here are our favourite gin distilleries in London.

The London Distillery Company

If you like a bit of variety with your liquor, then you’ll love visiting The London Distillery Company .

They were the first whisky distillery in London in over a century, and their fabulous rye Whisky will make you glad it came back.

Of course, we’re all about the gin – and it’s excellent. Inspired by the botanicals of English gardens, the ‘Kew’ series really is a masterclass in British gin (and one of our favourite tipples in the summer months).

You can discover what we’re talking about yourself with a tour of the tiny Bermondsey gin distillery. It’s one of our favourite gin tasting experiences in London, walking you through their entire collection and the production process.

Half Hitch London 

There’s a certain thrill that comes with sampling a small and exclusive batch of gin like that distilled at Half Hitch London .

Even better if it’s concocted from all kinds of carefully-selected and obscure ingredients, like Malawian black tea and bergamot.

Located in the bustling Camden Market, we love swinging by this stall to sample some gin. There’s also usually a batch being distilled right before your eyes, in a copper pot.

Don’t let the humble setup fool you; owner Mark Holdsworth knows his stuff. He spent fifteen years working for Bacardi, before venturing off to do his own thing. And a great thing it is.

City of London Distillery 

Gin has been a country-wide obsession for many centuries, however there was a long lull in production in the heart of the capital.

All that has well and truly changed now, and the City of London Distillery was at the forefront of that revolution. 

Since launching their flagship gin back in 2012, they’ve expanded their range to include six delicious tipples.

Our personal fave is award-winning City of London Dry Gin, although we also get a hearty dose of local pride sipping The Square Mile with its distinctive logo.

The best way to experience their range is to take their famous City of London gin distillery tour in London. You’ll get a behind the scenes peek at production, as well as a taste of three gins. 

They also do a “design your own” gin lab experience as well (we’ve done it and it. is. brilliant ). Otherwise, head down to their subterranean bar – one of the best gin bars in London – for a cheeky tipple or two.

Read More: Here’s why I picked the City of London’s distillery bar as one of the coolest bars in Farringdon 

East London Liquor Company 

So we all love gin (obviously), but sometimes it’s nice to have a little bit of choice. Enter the East London Liquor Company , that also produces whisky and vodka as well.

It’s hard to believe that not long ago, this was the first gin distillery in East London in over a century. It might have been awhile, but gin (& co) was back with a bang.

Today the distillery has won many awards and also runs some of the best London distillery tours. 

There are three standard tours to choose from (from 30 minutes to an hour-and-a-half), as well as a regular calendar of special events as well.

If you ask us, you can’t miss the classic London Dry Gin, with its subtle but noticeable hit of cardamom. 

Beefeater Gin 

With all these new-fangled hipster distilleries, you’d be forgiven for thinking gin in London is a young person’s game. 

You’d be sorely mistaken, however. In fact, there are still a few old timers around the place such as the famous Beefeater Gin .

The unusual name is drawn from the nickname for royal palace guards. It was bestowed upon the distillery soon after it opened its first factory in Chelsea in 1876.

Well over a century later, it’s still one of the most popular British gin companies. They also run one of the best gin tours in London. 

These include a “smell tour” of ingredients used to give gin its characteristic flavour.

Mother’s Ruin 

Walthamstow

Before gin became the tipple of choice for stylish Londoners, it was feared it would be the downfall of society as the Georgians knew it.

It was a ‘mother’s ruin!’, it was declared – responsible for turning otherwise prim and proper women into utter drunkards (we can relate).

Fears of the impending social apocalypse didn’t come to fruition, luckily. Instead, ‘ Mother’s Ruin ’ became the name of a pretty fantastic gin distiller in London.

We particularly love the ‘Gin Palace’ in an old WWII munitions factory. Inside, you can sample over 80 different types of gin, guilt-free.

Sipsmith 

Who hasn’t dreamed of starting a bar or distillery with their best friend, especially after a few fine drinks have been consumed?

Well, the brains behind Sipsmith actually put the chatter into action. The two best friends opened their distillery in 2009 and have been going strong ever since.

Numerous awards show it was a mighty fine call, while we can certainly attest the gin is delicious.

To find out what all the fuss is about you can take a distillery tour. The standard price includes a behind-the-scenes look as well as some tastings.

They also do a fabulous cocktail class, which is one of our favourite gin experiences in London. 

Graveney Gin

Graveney Gin is just the small-batch London gin distillery that Tooting needed – even if it didn’t know it.

Distiller and long-time gin fanatic Victoria Christie (who was drinking G&Ts well before it became cool again) first started producing this organic gin in South London after a masterclass at The Ginstitute. Fast forward a couple of years and she’d released her first batch of the stellar Graveney Gin.

The rest, as they say, is history. Each batch is made using a 30l copper still and fresh botanicals – making it one of the most unique tipples in the city.

Portobello Road Gin

Notting Hill

If we haven’t yet convinced you that London is really, really into its gin – we present to you: The Distillery .

This simply-named venue is basically a gin lover’s playground, offering up four enticing levels of gin-related debauchery and its own distillery producing Portobello Road gin.

Amongst the fun there are multiple tasting spaces, including the oh-so-fancy Boardroom for group tastings. Then there’s two bars, the distillery and the Ginstitute (scroll up for more information about that).

If you’re looking to wow the gin lover in your life or just experience one of the best gin tastings in London, then you’d better head on over to this gin paradise.

Read Next: Cool Things to do in Notting Hill

Highwayman Gin 

Kentish Town 

When we call this one ‘small batch’, we mean really small batch. As in, sixteen bottles a day, distilled in a humble copper pot behind the bar.

Plus, it’s not just the teensy tiny production that makes Highwayman Gin one of the most unique gin tastings in London. 

There’s also the fact that the best place to taste it is at nearby Ladies & Gents , a tiny bar in Kentish town that holds gin masterclasses using Highwayman. It’s located in a former public loo.

What a place to enjoy a gin night in London. Sure, that’s pretty much peak London. But we are here for it. 

Jensen’s Gin 

There are plenty of London gin distilleries trying all kinds of weird and wonderful things. Then there’s those that remain true to traditional methods and ingredients.

Jensen’s Gin proudly produces ‘gin as it should be’ – gin that’s true to its origins and traditions. Their fabulous Old Tom gin is even replicated from an authentic 1840s gin handbook.

It’s obviously working, as this Bermondsey gin distillery is one of the best loved in the city. 

You can sample their gin from their home in one of the archways at the end of Maltby Street Market on weekends, or email them to book in for a distillery tour.

Heading to Bermondsey? Why not combine a visit to Jensen’s with a trip to the Bermondsey Beer Mile – London’s coolest collection of craft beer breweries . 

The Aussies have certainly made their mark on the London food and drink scene, and it’s not just with coffee shops. We’ve also got the Land Down Under to thank for what’s on offer at 58 Gin .

Coming from abroad, owner Mark isn’t afraid to tear up the rule book and do things his own way. It was this attitude that saw him garner the nickname “Moonshine Mark” as he tinkered away with his recipe.

Eventually, he hit the jackpot and the first batch of 58 Gin was crafted. Crisp and soft with nine distinct botanicals, the gin was an immediate hit.

58 Gin runs a gin distilling experience in London, where you can learn more about the process. You’ll then have a chance to craft your own gin to take away with you (more on that later).

Hayman’s Distillery 

They say if you’re onto a good thing then why change it – and that’s certainly the ethos of Christopher Hayman, chief gin maker at Hayman’s Distillery .

Considering that Christopher is a fifth-generation London gin producer, we’re certainly not about to disagree with him. 

Then there’s the fact that his gins – and especially the ‘Deeply Rested’, if you ask us – are pretty damn fantastic.

All in all, his traditional approach and recipes have obviously paid off. If you want to learn more about Hayman’s methods and sample some delicious gin (and of course you do!), then they run both tours and a cocktail masterclass.

Sacred Distillery

Back in the 1800s, as gin mania really took hold in London, times got desperate. Such was the demand for gin that pretty much anything that could be distilled, was – regardless of taste.

It would take centuries for London to shake off its bad gin-related hangover, and it wasn’t really until the late 2000s that people started taking London gin seriously again.

At the forefront of that movement was Ian Hart of Sacred Distillery . 

If there was someone to lend a hand to restoring London’s gin reputation, he was a good pick, having a degree in science from Cambridge. As well as a pretty intense passion for gin.

Ian blended his analytical approach and passion for gin to create a pretty amazing product. Each bottle of Sacred gin is well-thought out and exceptionally produced, but with plenty of heart.

To experience it for yourself, you can tour the distillery, learn to make your own gin or try your hand at a cocktail masterclass. 

King of Soho

Soho is proudly unique and non-conforming, so you’d expect any gin distilled there to offer something that bit different.

With 12 botanicals and made according to 11th century methods, the King of Soho doesn’t disappoint. Made by the son of late Soho personality Paul Raymond, this tipple is a love letter to the borough.

You’ll find this gin on offer at various bars and clubs around London. They also have semi-regular pop-ups where you can give it a try. 

Gin Lane 1751

London Bridge 

Named after the infamous painting that depicted the debauchery caused by gin in the 1700s, Gin Lane 1751 is one of my favourite distilleries.

They hark back to a Victorian style of gin, complete with charming vintage bottles. You know, the kind you finish and then can’t convince yourself to throw away.

The ‘Victoria’ pink gin is my go-to for a cocktail, however all of their four gins are pretty fantastic. 

Other Gin Tastings, Tours & Experiences in London 

Discovering london’s gin in a mini cooper.

Looking to dive deeper and learn more about gin on a gin tasting in London? Here are some great tours which will take you under the surface and introduce you to some of London’s best gin experiences.

It’s more British than crumpets and corgis – discovering London’s gin in a retro Mini Cooper .

We know there’s some steep competition, but this might just be the best gin distillery tour in London.

Over two hours, you’ll drop by two gin bars and also tour a distillery. A passionate local will be your driver, full of insider information and gin history.

Three gin drinks are included in the price, so you can expect to step out of the Mini feeling quite merry.

Borough Market & Beefeater Gin Tour

Take in some of the best tastes on offer in London with the Borough Market and Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour . 

They’re two of our favourite hotspots in the capital for food and drink and we’re pretty confident you’ll love them too. 

Get the insider perspective on the market’s history and premier stalls. Then, move on to Beefeater’s gin where you’ll tour the distillery and – of course – sample some varieties.

As it’s a small group tour, you might even meet some new gin-obsessed buddies.

Gin Journey 

If you love drinking gin, be assured you’re in good company worldwide. Knowing this, Gin Journey has set up gin-related events in cities all over the globe.

Of course, any company that specialises in gin journeys has to have plenty on offer in London. After all, it is the home of gin (and that’s not just my London bias talking).

Every Saturday, three separate tours are run visiting the neighbourhoods of Soho, Shoreditch and Bermondsey. On each journey, you’ll get to explore five amazing venues and sample the gins at each.

Led by a gin expert, it’s a great way to learn about gin and also meet some other gin enthusiasts to drink with.

The Ginstitute

Tucked inside the four-storey gin wonderland that is The Distillery, the Ginstitute is a mecca for gin lovers from all over the world. 

Learn everything you could possibly want to know about the history and production of gin at their London gin masterclass.

Once you’ve filled up on gin knowledge, and, of course, gin – you’ll have the chance to craft your own. You never know, yours might just be the next big thing!

What sets this London gin distillery “make your own” tour apart is that they keep your recipe on file. So, if you do fall madly in love with your personal recipe you’ll be able to re-order it forever more.

Make Your Own Gin at 58 Gin 

We’ve already mentioned how 58 Gin’s owner got the moniker ‘Moonshine Mark’ thanks to his constant tinkering. Well, it makes sense that he’d offer you your own chance to experiment with gin.

This gin class in London will help you learn about what goes into a perfect bottle of gin. You can also hear about the history of the drink in London and further afar.

From there, it’s your turn to have a go at distilling the perfect bottle for yourself. Someone will be on hand to help you from going astray, but you’ll have definite creative control.

As well as your own wax-sealed 500ml bottle, you’ll also leave the three-hour experience with a ‘gin gift bag’, which sounds pretty good to me.

Sipsmith Supper Club 

Sipsmith have a good range of gin-related activities you can take part in. Some of these are the kind of straightforward fun you’d expect from a distillery: tours, tastings, the occasional cocktail masterclass.

But they also have something else that should be on your radar – a gin supper club . That’s basically exactly what you’d think it is: a supper club with gin pairings. Wait, it gets better. 

The people they team up with to do the cooking are the folks from La Trompette, a Michelin-starred restaurant and neighbour to Sipsmith. They cook up a delicious menu of French food that goes rather well with a few of Sipsmith’s drinks. 

Secret Gin Tour 

Perhaps you want to learn more about gin. Perhaps you want to drink a lot of the stuff while you do – it’d only be right, in the name of education that is. Then, perhaps you’d not want to restrict yourself to just one distillery.

We understand your predicament. Not to worry, we can also highly recommend this distillery tour from Secret Food Tours . It’s so good they actually won awards for it. So what do they do?

Well, they’ll take you on a tour of some of London’s best, including a few that are mentioned in our guide here. 

You’ll be starting off at an emporium with hundreds of bottles to taste and once you’ve completed your research you’ll be off on your way to cruise through the streets of Soho and track down a few more distilleries, and then a few more. 

When all’s said and done you’ll have hit all the top spots in under four hours and learnt a whole lot about England’s gin culture in the process. 

Map of London’s Gin Experiences and Distilleries

Click here for a map of the distilleries and experiences featured in this guide. 

Practical Tips for Exploring London’s Gin Distilleries 

• Want to taste gin like a pro? The first step is to ditch the tonic, ice and garnishes and taste the gin neat then dilute with some water for the second tasting. 
• There are a lot of different opinions about which glass is best for sampling gin – whichever you go for, make sure it’s sparkling clean so nothing interferes with the flavours and aromatics of the gin. 
• Gin should be tasted at room temperature – both extreme heat and cold can affect the flavours. 
• Smell first – swirl the gin and smell it from a couple of inches away. 
• Taste the gin neat first and then diluted with water – both will help you pick up the flavours and botanicals of the gin. 
• If you really love gin and want to try even more delicious concoctions, try the Craft Gin Club – they deliver great gin straight to your door. 

London Gin Guide: Read Next

• Gin Distilleries Delivering to Your Home
• The Best Bars in London
• London’s Coolest Secret Bars

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Take a Journey on the Ohio Distillery Trail

Photograph by flordigitalartist via Adobe Stock

T he Ohio Distillers Guild recently announced the launch of the Ohio Distillery Trail , in celebration of National Craft Distillery Day on May 22. The new trail features a number of craft distilleries across the Buckeye State.

The trail aims to capture Ohio’s storied history in distilling and craft spirits, while highlighting the close community of distilleries around the state through experiential tours, spirit tastings, and distilling classes. Participants can collect a passport to be marked at each location of the trail, which can be redeemed for a prize.

Here are the distilleries from the Cincinnati region that have signed up for the official trail:

Brain Brew Custom Whiskey

From humble beginnings in a garage at Eureka! Ranch , Brain Brew Distillery was founded by a love for whiskey. Beginning in 2016, this distillery creates high quality whiskey and bourbon, with a “product first” emphasis, which contributed to its two of eight double gold medals at the North American Bourbon & Whiskey Competition within 18 months of starting. The venue can be reserved for private events and offers a custom bourbon blending experience and bourbon blender machine rentals. Mocktails are also available for those looking for non-alcoholic drink options. Brain Brew Custom Whiskey , 3849 Edwards Rd., Newtown, (513) 271-9911

Cincinnati Distilling 

Cincinnati Distilling has been creating traditional spirits with a unique spin since 2017. Residing in the former Millcroft Inn in Milford, this distillery hosts a number of special events including tastings, cocktail classes, and bottle releases. In addition to its drink menu, Cincinnati Distilling serves food and has a rooftop bar, overlooking the Little Miami River. While recognizing the rich tradition of distilling in the area, Cincinnati Distilling remains “delightfully unpredictable” when it comes to its spirits – which led them to become Grand National Champions at the 2023 US Open Whiskey and Spirits Championship. Cincinnati Distilling , 203 Mill St., Milford, (513) 835-3075

Lost Bridge Beverage Company 

Lost Bridge Beverage Company opened its doors to the public in 2022. Located at the family-owned Carriage House Farm , Lost Bridge produces a variety of drink options: beer, wine, ciders, small batch spirits, craft cocktails and seltzers, and more. Patrons can find food at the nearby Chloe’s Eatery and shop for locally produced food at the Carriage House Farm Market. The distillery hosts a number of special events–such as its summer music series, with live music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from May until November–as well as yoga on the farm, and game nights. Party rentals and venue options are available on its website. Lost Bridge Beverage Company , 2872 Lawrenceburg Rd., North Bend, (513) 467-009

Northern Row Brewery & Distillery

Northern Row Brewery and Distillery is located in Over-the-Rhine’s brewery district. Inside a pre-prohibition era building, this distillery features a taproom, patio, and scratch kitchen. It produces a collection of beers and spirits, such as gins, vodkas, and rums, and serves a variety of food with a farm-to-table focus–sourcing all of its food locally and preparing by scratch. The restaurant is family friendly and welcomes pets on its outdoor patio. Northern Row Brewery & Distillery , 111 W. McMicken Ave., Over-the-Rhine, (513) 620-8302

Woodstone Creek Winery & Distillery

Woodstone Creek Winery and Distillery is Ohio’s first microdistillery. It produces a number of handcrafted wines, meads, and spirits–all barreled, bottled, and labeled by hand. It inhabited its current location in 2013 to make way for a tasting room, which is open to the public on Saturdays from 2-5 p.m. Private tastings are offered Monday through Friday by reservation via email. Woodstone Creek Winery & Distillery , 4712 Vine St., St. Bernard, (513) 569-0300

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10 of the best days out to treat dad this Father’s Day

Quality time with your paternal figure is a great way to celebrate this 16 june, article bookmarked.

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As the summer season slowly creeps into sight, there are just two weekends to go until it’s time to celebrate Father’s Day on Sunday 16 June.

With this inevitably comes last-minute card shopping, serious sibling negotiations on dad’s favourite beer and religiously checking the weather forecast in the run-up to the family barbeque.

If gifts prove too tricky and socks for the third year in a row feel like a step too far, why not give your paternal figures the gift of quality time? Food, football, booze and golf are often a good place to start – but there are also plenty of options that are a little more original. There’s whiskies to taste, tandem bikes to pedal and facials to relax dotted across the UK , along with days out doing everything from embracing the Euros to taking a steak-searing masterclass or hurtling down a zip line over a quarry in Wales .

Here are our top picks of things to do with dad for some slightly stereotypical but failsafe fun this Father’s Day.

Read more travel inspiration :

• The tiny twin-island nation that’s become a celebrity holiday hotspot
• Barcelona for Valencia and other holiday swaps to avoid the crowds
• The best family adventure holidays in Europe that adults, teens and kids will love

Catch the first UEFA Euro England match

To put your best foot forward with football-fanatic dads, the first of England’s Euro 2024 group games has fallen on Father’s Day. Bond over some sport with beers and burgers at your local from 8pm for the England v Serbia game or fire up the barbeque in the garden if the British weather is on side.

England v Serbia 8pm 16 June on BBC One

Whet your palette at a whiskey tasting

Whiskey connoisseurs (over 18) can spend the afternoon at a range of distilleries across the country this Father’s Day. To enjoy a whiskey tipple in Stourton with Dad, visit the Cotswolds Distillery for their daily hour-and-a-half cask warehouse tour and tasting session of award-winning spirits and liqueurs.

Cotswolds Distillery Tour & Tasting from £25 per person, Cotswoldsdistillery.com

Take a steak cooking class at The Langham

To fine-tune the steak skills of culinary-inclined fathers, a Shaken & Seared cooking masterclass at Sauce by The Langham promises to teach all things preparation, seasoning and sauce. With a welcome cocktail, steak dinner with wine and sharing dessert included in the class, it’s sure to get the well done from Dad.

Shaken & Seared cooking class, from £145 per person, Saucebylangham.com

Relax with a Donnington Valley spa experience

There’s an activity for every proud parent this 16 June, no matter how you choose to unwind. Treat fathers to a spa day – with a side of golf – at Donnington Valley in Berkshire for some R&R and a round of nine holes. Think energising facials, rolling countryside and a terrace bar for the ultimate family kickback.

For Men C+ 55-minute Energy Facial, £80, Donningtonvalley.co.uk

Brave a ghostly walking tour in Edinburgh

A ghoulish walk through the dark streets of Edinburgh is not one to be forgotten in a hurry. Thrill-seeking families in the Scottish capital will feel shivers down their spine on this free walking ghost tour through the Old Town, alleyways and graveyards after dark.

Free 1.5-hour ghost tour from 7pm daily with Edinburgh Free Tour, Fareharbor.com

Pedal in pairs on a tandem bike ride

Why not scrap competitive cycling sessions and take a tandem pedal through the Sussex countryside to relive arguments past on who is doing most of the legwork this Father’s Day? We forecast great views, light squabbling and a lot of laughs.

Sussex Countryside Four Hour Tandem Bike Hire, £51, Virginexperiencedays.co.uk

Fly through the sky on a Welsh zipline

Tick off a first this Father’s Day with a bucket list 100mph zipline over the Penrhyn Quarry in Bangor. With Snowdonia views and space for a family of four to fly at the same time – 700 feet high – a voucher for Zip World is a great gift for adrenaline junkies to race 1,555m to the bottom of the ‘Velocity’ line.

Zip World Velocity day flight for four people for £295, Zipworld.co.uk

Get adventurous at Lainston House

For a rustic adventure in nature, Lainston House in Winchester has a full-day itinerary including clay pigeon shooting and archery followed by a hog roast with all the trimmings on 16 June. The ‘fit for a king’ fete of activities kicks off at 10am for families to practise their aim and hit bullseye before sitting down for lunch.

Hog roast, clay pigeon shooting and archery experience, from £75 per person, Exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house

Venture off-road on a 4x4 driving experience

If fast cars are dad’s thing, an off-road G-Wagon adventure at Mercedes Benz World offers a nerve-wracking drive through a variety of terrains, inclines, water crossings and obstacles on a foot-to-the-floor 10-acre circuit in Weybridge. Whether learning the skills as a driver or feeling the thrill as a passenger, there’s something for everyone on and off the track.

4x4 G-Class Passenger Ride for three people from £40, Mercedes-benzworld.co.uk

Immerse yourselves in a virtual reality experience

Although you won’t find a journey back to Ancient Egypt on the departures board at Heathrow, at Horizon of Khufu in Westfield Stratford a virtual reality experience transports visitors into the Great Pyramid of Giza and tombs of Pharaoh Khufu. The 45-minute break from reality is great for a rainy day in London – the whole family will enjoy crawling through ancient burial chambers and navigating the Nile.

Horizon of Khufu, £21 per person, Horizonkheopsexperience.com

Read more: The best London hotels for afternoon tea

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