New London Gin Trail celebrates the spirit of the capital

Back in September, we reported on the news that Secretary of State for the Environment, Elizabeth Truss, had suggested the organisation of a London distillery tour to drive tourism pounds towards these small businesses. 

Well, the idea has now become a reality thanks to the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA), who have this week announced a new London Gin Trail.

The trail takes in 12 sites in all (see full list below), from big distilleries like Beefeater, to craft producers like the East London Liquor company, top gin bars such as Graphic and Duke’s Hotel and, perhaps less obviously, the Houses of Parliament Shop.

Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA told The Spirits Business: “We are thrilled to be announcing the launch of the WSTA London Gin Trail. This is a hugely exciting time for everyone involved in the UK gin industry and our gin trail is the start of a fascinating venture to share the origins, art and innovations involved in producing this great British spirit. British gin has a strong, vibrant history. By publishing the gin trail map we hope to mark its renaissance and ensure its future as a quintessentially British, internationally recognised spirit”.

Launching the trail, Elizabeth Truss said: “This new trail captures the traditional roots of British gin making, with historic distilleries like Beefeater, and the architects of our gin revival, like Sipsmith, who are creating exciting new twists on a classic."

She continued: “Now tourists from all over the world can come to the UK and experience the very best of the British gin industry.”

Here's the full list of sites on the trail - how many have you sampled?:

• Sipsmith
• Hush
• Graphic Bar
• Duke’s Hotel
• Berry Bros. & Rudd
• Houses of Parliament Shop
• The Savoy Hotel
• City of London Distillery
• Beefeater Gin
• 241 Bermondsey
• Happiness Forgets
• East London Liquor Company