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Nothing says British quite like a refreshing gin and tonic! A staple in English pubs, gin now comes in a variety of styles and flavors… From classic dry and spiced to floral and fruity. Whether enjoyed in a sophisticated cocktail or simply with tonic and a slice of lemon, there are countless ways to savor it.
Across England, and especially in London, distilleries open their doors to curious visitors. Most offer guided tours. There, you can unlock the secrets of the still, discover the importance of juniper berries, and learn what gives each gin its distinct character. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a true enthusiast, these immersive experiences take you on a fascinating journey through the history and craft of British gin.
What is the history of gin in London, England?
The history of gin in London is a fascinating and often turbulent tale, deeply intertwined with the social, economic and political landscape of the city.
It’s a captivating journey that begins with its arrival from the Netherlands in the 17th century as jenever. This later on led to the infamous ‘Gin Craze’, fuelled by thousands of unlicensed cheap gin shops springing up across the city and leading to widespread social problems (rampant drunkenness, crime, high death rates and public disorder) and the nickname ‘Mother’s Ruin’ due to negligent mothers giving gin to their children. While attempts at regulation were initially ineffective, the Gin Act of 1751 marked a turning point—it increased licence fees for retailers and gave local magistrates more control over gin sellers. A gradual decline in sales followed.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that gin made a comeback in the grand gin palaces, which were ornate public houses with large windows and elaborate interiors that served a wide variety of gins and cocktails to a sophisticated clientele—a far cry from the squalid gin shops of the earlier era.
Nowadays, London has once again embraced gin, with a thriving craft distillery scene that celebrates its complex flavours. The capital remains a global hub for gin, with a thriving bar scene and a deep appreciation of its history.
City of London Distillery
London and gin share a history that dates back centuries. In the 18th century, the city was filled with distilleries taking full advantage of the foreign spices and citrus fruits arriving at the Port of London. After a long decline, London gin was revived with the opening of City of London Distillery in 2012.
Blending traditional techniques with modern twists, this distillery produces refined gins like City of London Dry Gin, Christopher Wren Gin, and Square Mile Gin. Guided tours offer visitors an inside look at the production process—complete with a tasting, of course.
Plymouth Gin Distillery
Since 1793, the port of Plymouth has been home to Plymouth Gin, crafted at England’s oldest working gin distillery, Black Friars Distillery. Historically carried aboard Royal Navy ships, this gin became a global benchmark for quality.
The distillery building dates back to the 15th century, with a medieval Refectory Hall. It’s said that Pilgrims spent their last night before setting sail on the Mayflower onwards to the New World. In essence, a visit here is a deep dive into history—with a gin tasting as the perfect finale.
The Chase Distillery, Rosemaund Farm, Hereford
Tucked away in the Herefordshire countryside, Chase Distillery is a family-run operation that controls every step of its production. Unlike most gins, which use neutral grain spirit, Chase distills its own base alcohol from King Edward and Lady Claire potatoes or homegrown cider apples.
The result? Distinctive gins like Williams Elegant Gin, GB Extra Dry Gin, and Seville Marmalade Gin, each offering a pure and complex flavor profile. A tour lets visitors explore this unique process and sample the gins straight from the source.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery, Hampshire
Located in the historic Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is an architectural gem. Its design blends historic red-brick buildings with striking glasshouses, where the aromatic botanicals used in the gin are grown.
Visitors can take interactive tours, explore botanical flavor profiles in the Flavor Experience Lab, and enjoy a cocktail at the Mill Bar, set along the scenic River Test.
The Beefeater Distillery
Founded in 1863 by James Burrough, the Beefeater Distillery is a true London institution. Its secret? A recipe unchanged for over 150 years. Here, Seville orange and lemon peels macerate with juniper berries and other botanicals before distillation.
The distillery is located in a Edwardian building in Kennington. It offers tours where visitors can see the original Victorian pot stills and dive into the rich history of London gin. Today, Beefeater remains one of the world’s best-selling gins—a timeless classic.
Sipsmith Distillery
Nestled in Chiswick, West London, this pioneering craft gin maker sparked the capital’s gin renaissance in 2009. The heart of production revolves around three copper stills – Prudence, Patience, and Constance – each playing a vital role in creating exceptional spirits.
In their welcoming botanical room, master distillers showcase the ten carefully selected ingredients that define their signature London Dry Gin. Guests can participate in intimate tasting sessions featuring their acclaimed range, from their classic London Dry to their distinctive Sloe Gin.
The distillery offers an engaging visit where fresh ingredients meet time-honored craftsmanship. Whether raising a glass during their weeknight tours or joining their special cocktail masterclasses, every visit concludes with a cheerful “Cheers” to London’s gin-making heritage.
Other iconic gin making experiences, tastings, tours and distilleries to visit in London & England
Looking to explore authentic distilleries where tradition meets innovation? Here are some of the most renowned:
- The Ginstitute (London) — Right in the heart of Notting Hill is one of the best “Make your own gin” experiences in London. You’ll get to pick your botanicals, learn about the craft, and even create your own label.
- Hayman’s Gin (London) — A family-run distillery preserving a 160-year-old legacy. It’s known for classic styles like Old Tom Gin and London Dry Gin.
- East London Liquor Company (London) — A bold, modern take on gin, producing innovative expressions and limited editions in East London.
- Cotswolds Distillery (Cotswolds) — A beautifully crafted gin with floral and citrus notes. It’s made in a stunning stone distillery in the heart of the English countryside.
- Shakespeare Distillery (Stratford-upon-Avon) — Inspired by the Elizabethan era, this artisan distillery creates gins infused with historical botanicals like elderflower and sage. A perfect way to step into Shakespeare’s world, with tastings in a historic setting.
Each of these distilleries offers tours and tastings, providing a deeper dive into the fascinating world of British gin.
Cover photo credit: Plymouth Gin Distillery
