Bombay Sapphire Distillery: A Perfect Gin-Lovers Experience

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   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.

Where is Bombay Sapphire Distillery?

Address: Laverstoke Mill, London Rd, Whitchurch RG28 7NR

Opening Hours:

Monday	11am–6pm
Tuesday	11am–6pm
Wednesday	11am–6pm
Thursday	11am–6pm
Friday	10am–8pm
Saturday	10am–8pm
Sunday	10am–8pm

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 how to make two at home during this one hour guided session.

The Creative Cocktail Experience*

Taking place in the exclusive Blue Room this 1 and a half hour session includes tasting of four gin serves as well as four Martini vermouths. This class is all about how to taste gin with mixers that make the gin shine, you are served nibbles throughout and 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 lead lesson on Bombay Sapphire and how its botanicals can be complimented with mixers and serving suggestions. Includes sampling of four types of gin. This experience includes the full Discovery Experience tour.

Book your tour or experience here.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery Events

The Bombay Sapphire Distillery is full of beautiful spaces which are available to hire through their website for corporate events, weddings, and private parties.

When was Bombay Sapphire Distillery Built?

The distillery is based at the historic Laverstoke Mill, which has existed on the site 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 presence of the mill operating there.

in 1761 when Thomas Dakin purchased a site in Warrington, England and his family then purchased a still in 1831. Bombay Sapphire has been distilling their botanical gin there ever since.

Bombay Sapphire Distillery Menu

As you can expect there is a large range of gin drinks available at the distillery, you can enjoy a range of 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 which has a seasonal menu including a range of cakes for the gin lover with a sweet tooth. They also offer sharing platters for large groups visiting including tapas and a ploughman’s inspired charcuterie.  

How to Get to Bombay Sapphire Distillery

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 have cancelled their regular shuttlebus 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 carpark by the front entrance to the distillery giving easy access for cars. Designated drivers are given an alcohol free cocktail in place of a gin at the end of the tour 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 for details.

Things to do near Bombay Sapphire Distillery

The county of Hampshire is full of heritage and life that is ready for you to explore around your visit to the distillery. Including Jane Austen House museum and many other landmarks. The beautiful historic city of Winchester is less than a half hours’ drive away and well worth a visit with lots of activities for everyone and a wide range of 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.