Bombay Sapphire Distillery: A mecca for gin lovers

The humble gin and tonic is having a moment. Almost forgotten when classic cocktails fell out of fashion in the 70s and 80s, the G&T is back with a vengeance. From Spain, where gin and tonics are practically the national drink, to the UK, where gin is being matched with premium tonics like Fever-Tree, this refreshing cocktail has seen international gin sales rise by 37% in the past five years.

Discover Bombay Sapphire Distillery with Tagvenue

The Home of Gin

Celebrated British designer Thomas Heatherwick was commissioned to transform a former paper mill in beautiful rural Hampshire into a gin mecca for Bombay Sapphire Distillery. Heatherwick, who is the man behind the Olympic cauldron, worked his magic at the site by creating a pair of coppery claws that burst through the windows of the old mill hall, then bulge out to form two enormous glass bell jars before they plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the River Test below.

But it appears as if this location was always destined for great things. First mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, the former mill enjoyed prosperity as a banknote manufacturer during Queen Victoria’s long reign. Gin entered the picture in 1831 when the Dakin family purchased a still and adapted it to separate the exotic botanicals from the neutral grain spirit. This same artisanal distillation process, which captures the flavours of the botanicals in the vapour rather than boiling them directly in the spirit, is still faithfully used by Bombay Sapphire today.

Just the Tonic

Uncover the secrets of Bombay Sapphire’s world-famous gin by hosting your next event at their historic distillery. Their flagship event space, The Gallery, is situated along the River Test and can be hired out for wedding receptions, gala dinners and private functions.

For gin aficionados looking to host an experiential event, The Empire Bar is the perfect place to combine an interactive cocktail masterclass with a corporate drinks reception, bridal shower or private party. The jewel in the crown of the historic distillery, this bar is home to Bombay Sapphire Senior Ambassador Sam Carter. Nicknamed the ‘Gin Professor’, Sam regularly plays host to the world’s top bartenders, designing Bombay Sapphire’s signature cocktails in this very space.

The ultimate G&T

With pop-up gin bars in Manchester and dedicated gin clubs in London, the quintessentially British gin and tonic has never been so popular. Don’t miss the distillery’s ultimate version of this classic cocktail, which features Bombay Sapphire, premium Fever-Tree tonic water and a squeeze of fresh, fragrant lime.

Clink, Clink, Fizz

Expert when it comes to celebrating, Bombay Sapphire Distillery offer bespoke Christmas party packages, which include a four-course meal in their stunning gallery space followed by cocktails in their spacious Mill Bar. To top it off, you can send your VIP guests home with engraved bottles of Bombay Sapphire, gift cards or cocktail kits, so they can enjoy a tasty tipple whenever the mood strikes.