Gin · London
Gin Distilleries in London
Tour 5 gin distilleries in London. Each offers visits, tastings or experiences you can book directly — including Sipsmith, Beefeater Distillery, Hayman's Distillery.
5distilleries
Beefeater Distillery
Historic London Dry gin with Victorian pot stills
About gin distilleries in London
London and gin are practically synonymous, and not just because of the style that bears the city's name. The capital has a long, sometimes scandalous history with the spirit, from the gin craze of the eighteenth century to today's craft revival, and it remains one of the best places in the world to understand how gin is made and how it should be drunk. The modern resurgence owes much to Sipsmith, which in 2009 became the first independent distillery to win a traditional copper pot still licence in London in nearly two centuries, helping to reopen the door for small producers. Since then the scene has flourished: City of London Distillery returned gin-making to the Square Mile after more than two hundred years, the East London Liquor Company brought distilling back to the East End, and long-established names such as Beefeater and the family-run Hayman's continue to carry the city's gin heritage. For visitors, that means a rich choice of tours, tutored tastings and cocktail masterclasses, almost always finished with a proper London gin and tonic.
What makes London gin distinctive
London Dry is a style as much as a place, defined by a clean, juniper-forward character and a method that adds no flavourings or sweeteners after distillation. The capital's distilleries interpret that framework in different ways. Beefeater, made in Kennington, is one of the classic benchmark London Dry gins, built on a recognisable juniper-and-citrus backbone. Sipsmith reintroduced small-batch copper pot distilling to the city, naming its stills Prudence, Patience and Constance and reviving a hands-on approach. Hayman's draws on five generations of family gin-making, representing one of the most continuous lineages in the trade. City of London Distillery and the East London Liquor Company show the contemporary, neighbourhood side of the scene, distilling on-site in central and east London respectively. What unites them is craft and provenance: real botanicals, copper stills you can often see during a visit, and a city that takes its juniper seriously.
What to expect from a gin tasting
A London gin experience usually blends history, production and, of course, drinking. Many tours open with a gin and tonic in hand while a guide runs through the spirit's colourful London story, before walking you among the copper stills, this is the format at Sipsmith, where sessions take in the famous named stills and finish with a tutored tasting. Hayman's runs around ninety-minute tours that include a G&T and a guided tasting, and also offers cocktail masterclasses for those who want to mix as well as sip. City of London Distillery pairs its working stills with a speakeasy-style bar, while the East London Liquor Company offers a more relaxed, bar-led take on the distillery visit. Tastings typically guide you through nosing and the botanical building blocks before sampling, so you leave understanding why a London Dry tastes the way it does. Do note that not every historic brand is open to the public, so check before planning a visit.
Best for and planning your visit
London gin tours suit just about everyone, from first-timers wanting a fun, social afternoon to enthusiasts keen to nose botanicals and talk distillation. Couples and small groups will enjoy the cocktail masterclasses at the likes of Hayman's, while City of London Distillery's central location and bar make it an easy add-on to a day in the Square Mile. Because the distilleries are dotted across the city, from Kennington and Chiswick to the City and the East End, plan around public transport, which is the simplest way to hop between them. Book in advance, as tours run on set days and times and popular slots sell out. Prices commonly land around the cost of a couple of cocktails and usually include a drink and tasting. Confirm opening status before you go, as some heritage distilleries are not open for public tours.
Frequently asked
- Why is London so associated with gin?
- The city has centuries of gin history, from the eighteenth-century gin craze to the modern craft revival, and London Dry is a globally recognised style. A wave of small distilleries since 2009 has revived hands-on production across the capital.
- What is London Dry gin exactly?
- London Dry is a style defined by a clean, juniper-led character and a method that adds no flavourings or sweetening after distillation. It can be made anywhere, but London's distilleries are its spiritual home.
- Which London distilleries offer tours?
- Sipsmith in Chiswick, Hayman's, City of London Distillery in the Square Mile and the East London Liquor Company all welcome visitors. Some heritage brands such as Beefeater are not always open to the public, so check first.
- What happens on a typical gin tour?
- Most tours combine a gin and tonic with a guided history, a walk among the copper stills and a tutored tasting. Some, like Hayman's, also offer cocktail masterclasses where you mix your own drinks.
- How much do tours usually cost?
- Prices vary by distillery but commonly sit around the cost of a couple of cocktails, typically including a drink and a tasting. Masterclasses cost a little more. Always check current pricing when booking.
- How do I get between distilleries?
- Public transport is easiest, as the distilleries are spread from Kennington and Chiswick to the City and East End. Plan your route in advance and book set tour times to avoid disappointment.