Make Mine a G&T: Great Gin Bars in Britain

Britain’s relationship with gin goes back a long way. While originally invented in Holland, the spirit – made from juniper berries – was used as a medical remedy. It was the English troops who found new value in gin’s rather pleasant calming properties, and by the 18th century, it was a popular drink in Britain. English government legislation allowed for unlicensed gin distillation, prompting a rather boozy period known as the Gin Craze. Fortunately, once the Gin Act of 1751 was brought in, gin production and consumption became more civilised, and now even the Queen cites gin as her favourite tipple (specifically, one likes a gin and Dubonnet).

For a chance to enjoy a quality gin cocktail in its adopted home country, head to one of the UK’s many great gin-drinking establishments:

Premium Plonk in Plymouth

The UK’s oldest working gin distillery can be found in Plymouth. Since 1793 the Blackfriars Distillery has been creating its exclusive brand of Plymouth Gin, a premium spirit which has won several awards. Here visitors can take a guided tour and learn more about the gin-making process. The building itself is a Grade 2 listed building, and also includes a cocktail lounge called The Refectory, which has a beautiful wooden vaulted ceiling dating back to 1431. Not a bad venue for kicking back with a classic gin and tonic. Helpfully, there are numerous cheap hotels just a stone’s throw away, including the Duke of Cornwall Hotel just down the road from the distillery. Staying just a short stroll away is wise when the afternoon is spent tasting gin!

For more information: http://www.plymouthdistillery.com/age.php

Liquor of London

The Worship Street Whistling Shop in East London was inspired by the gin palaces of the 1920s, and combines modern ingenuity with Dickensian style – from old fashioned afternoon tea to classic cocktails. Their unique Cocktail Emporium is a drinking space like no other, with gin cocktails accompanied by music, aromas, food, lighting and video to create a multi-sensory experience. They also have an old-fashioned dram shop, complete with cast-iron bathtub. For another unique venue in the same part of town, visit the pop-up gin den within Bethnal Green’s Bistrotheque Bar. With decor styled by interior designers House of Hackney, and a cocktail menu sponsored by Bombay Sapphire, the focus is all about gin. It’s only here for a limited time though; the bar reverts back to its former self on December 31st.

For more information:
The Whistling Shop: http://www.whistlingshop.com/Emporium.html
House of Hackney Pop Up Bar: http://www.bistrotheque.com/sub.php?ID=35

Scotland’s Second Spirit

While Scotland is more recognised for its whisky production, Edinburgh actually has a history of gin-making expertise, with as many as 8 distilleries in 1777. Today it’s easy to find good gin cocktails all over the city, and the Bramble bar on Queen Street is a good place to start. This Prohibition-style cocktail bar offers more than 25 different brands of gin, and cocktails are served in teacups. Alternatively there’s The Raconteur on Dean Street, which is the best place to go for more curious cocktail blends, such as sloe gin, apricot brandy and lime juice. Both bars are central, and handy to many Edinburgh hotels; but if you want to stay somewhere with cocktails on site, head to the Point hotel on Bread Street. The last Thursday of every month sees the hotel’s penthouse suite transform into the SKYbar, offering a range of quality gin cocktails as well as incredible, uninterrupted views of Edinburgh Castle.

For more information:
Bramble Bar: http://www.bramblebar.co.uk/
The Raconteur: http://www.theraconteuredinburgh.com/
SKYbar at the Point Hotel: www.pointhoteledinburgh.co.uk

Image by: cyclonebill