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Ciaran Connolly
Ciaran Connolly
Are you a gin lover looking for an exciting cocktail experience in Hampshire? Look no further than the Bombay Sapphire Distillery for events, tours, drinks, and food. Steeped in history, the distillery tour is the perfect way to learn more about this iconic blue bottle full of botanicals.
Table of Contents
Where is Bombay Sapphire Distillery?
Address: Laverstoke Mill, London Rd, Whitchurch RG28 7NR
Opening Hours:
| Monday | 11 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 11 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 10 am–8pm |
| Friday | 10 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 10 am–8 pm |
The Architecture: A Blend of History and Modernity
One of the most striking aspects of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is its architecture. Acclaimed designer Thomas Heatherwick, known for his work on iconic projects like the London 2012 Olympic Cauldron, led the restoration and renovation of Laverstoke Mill. Heatherwick’s vision for the distillery was to create a harmonious balance between the historical and the contemporary.
At the heart of the distillery are the two glasshouses, which form the centrepiece of the visitor experience. These striking structures house the botanicals used in Bombay Sapphire’s unique recipe, growing plants such as juniper, coriander, and angelica. The glasshouses are designed to reflect the two climates influencing the botanicals: a Mediterranean glasshouse for warmer temperatures and a tropical glasshouse for humid environments where some botanicals thrive.
The combination of restored brickwork from the original mill and the modern, eco-friendly glasshouses is breathtaking. As you walk through the grounds, the juxtaposition of old and new and the sounds of the nearby River Test create a serene yet dynamic atmosphere.
The Distillation Process: From Botanicals to Bottle
A visit to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is incomplete without an in-depth look at the gin-making process. Bombay Sapphire is renowned for its vapour infusion technique, which sets it apart from many other gins. This method involves passing the alcohol vapour through a basket of botanicals rather than boiling the botanicals directly in the liquid. The result is a gin with a more subtle, refined flavour profile highlighting the complexity of the ten botanicals used.
During the tour, visitors are introduced to the ten hand-selected botanicals that give Bombay Sapphire its signature flavour. These include juniper berries from Tuscany, coriander seeds from Morocco, and lemon peel from Spain. Each botanical is sourced from a region that produces the highest quality ingredients.
The distillery tour also lets you see the iconic copper stills up close. These stunning stills, named after Queen Victoria and Henry, are where the magic happens. The knowledgeable tour guides explain the science behind vapour infusion and how it precisely controls the gin’s flavour, ensuring every Bombay Sapphire bottle maintains its consistency and quality.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Tour
There are a few options for your Bombay Sapphire experience to choose from; they include:
The Discovery Experience
This experience starts with a complimentary drink in the Turbine Bar and leads you on a guided tour of the distillery with an expert tour guide, including the Botanical Dry Room.
*Tours marked with a star can be booked alongside the Discovery Experience as a bundle.
The Gin Cocktail Masterclass*
Try three excellent Bombay Sapphire cocktails and learn to make two at home during this one-hour guided session.
The Creative Cocktail Experience*
This one-and-a-half-hour tasting includes four gin serves and four Martini vermouths in the exclusive Blue Room. This class is all about tasting gin with mixers that make the gin shine. You are served nibbles throughout, and you create a 500ml and 600ml bottle of cocktail to take home and enjoy in the Blue Room bar.
Want to learn more about Perfect serves? Check out our article here.
The Tasting Experience
A 30-minute tutor-led lesson on Bombay Sapphire and how its botanicals can be complemented with mixers and serving suggestions. Includes a sampling of four types of gin. This experience consists of the full Discovery Experience tour.
Book your tour or experience here.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Events
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery has beautiful spaces that can be hired through its website for corporate events, weddings, and private parties.
When was the Bombay Sapphire Distillery Built?
The distillery is based at the historic Laverstoke Mill, which has existed since the 1086 Doomsday Book. The Doomsday Book is the most complete survey of a society during pre-industry anywhere in the world, and it noted the mill’s presence there.
1761, when Thomas Dakin purchased a site in Warrington, England, his family bought a still in 1831. Bombay Sapphire has been distilling its botanical gin there ever since.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Menu
As you can expect, an extensive range of gin drinks is available at the distillery. You can enjoy various gin serves and cocktails at the Mill bar.
Check out their YouTube for an idea of the delicious cocktails they serve up:
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Food
If you get peckish during your visit to the distillery, you can grab a bite to eat at The Mill Café. It has a seasonal menu, including a range of cakes for the gin lover with a sweet tooth. They also offered to share platters for large groups visiting, in 1761, as a ploughman ”’s-inspired charcuterie.
How to Get and to Bombay Sapphire Distillery er
There are a few different ways to get to the distillery for your gin-tasting visit. For those with and without a designated driver, here are a few options:
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Shuttlebus
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery has cancelled its regular shuttle bus service. However, if you want to get a bus to the distillery, the 76 bus from Basingstoke or Andover will bring you to the front of the distillery.
Alternatively, taxis can be booked to drive you to and from the distillery. If booking a taxi from a local train station, make sure to book in advance, as there is no taxi rank.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery Parking
There is a main car park by the front entrance to the distillery, which provides easy access for cars. At the end of the tour, designated drivers are given an alcohol-free cocktail in place of a gin, as well as a gift pack from the gift shop to enjoy at home.
Satnavs may have difficulty with the original postcode of the distillery; try this one, ‘ RG28 7PH.’
Where to stay near Bombay Sapphire Distillery?
Hotels Near Bombay Sapphire Distillery
There are 8 accommodations within 5 miles of the distillery, with the Watership Down Inn less than a mile away. For a full list of accommodations near the distillery, check out their website.
Things to do near Bombay Sapphire Distillery
The county of Hampshire has an entire heritage and life ready for you to explore during your visit to the distillery, including the Jane Austen House museum and many other landmarks. The beautiful historic city of Winchester is less than a half-hour’s drive away and well worth a visit. It has many activities, cafes, pubs, and heritage sites.
Want to plan your next gin lovers’ trip? Check out our article on the best places to get the perfect serve for your gin in Belfast.
The Botanical Discovery Experience
The Botanical Discovery Experience is an unmissable part of the distillery tour. It provides a more in-depth understanding of the botanicals that go into Bombay Sapphire gin. This immersive experience begins by introducing each of the ten botanicals used in the gin, followed by a sensory exploration of their aromas and flavours.
Visitors are encouraged to engage their senses, smelling and tasting the raw botanicals to identify their unique characteristics. The tour also includes visiting the beautiful glasshouses, where some botanicals are grown in carefully controlled environments. This tour aspect is particularly fascinating for those interested in the natural origins of the flavours in Bombay Sapphire.
The botanical experience deepens visitors’ appreciation for the craftsmanship of creating a gin as complex and balanced as Bombay Sapphire. It reminds them that gin is not just a spirit but a carefully curated blend of nature’s finest ingredients.
A Must-Visit Destination for Gin Lovers
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill is much more than just a place where gin is made—it’s a destination that offers a whole sensory experience. From the mill’s rich history to cutting-edge distillation techniques, every aspect of the distillery reflects Bombay Sapphire’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation.
For gin lovers, visiting the distillery is a chance to deepen your appreciation for the craft behind your favourite spirit. But even if you’re not a gin aficionado, the combination of history, architecture, and immersive experiences make the distillery a fascinating and enjoyable destination for all.
Whether participating in the cocktail masterclass, exploring the glasshouses, or simply enjoying a gin and tonic by the river, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is a perfect day out. It’s an experience beyond just tasting gin—it’s about understanding its artistry and the dedication that goes into every bottle of Bombay Sapphire. For anyone passionate about gin or those looking for a unique and educational experience, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is a must-visit.
