Gin lovers, this one’s for you! Bombay Sapphire, the world’s leading premium gin, has its very own distillery just an hour from London.
It’s more than worth the trip: discover an immersive experience that blends fascinating storytelling with stunning architecture, all topped off with an exquisite cocktail tasting. A perfect escape for a quick city break!
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON takes you inside the Bombay Sapphire Distillery in Hampshire, an unforgettable journey into the heart of gin.
Bombay Sapphire at Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire
I had planned to surprise my husband with a tour of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery for Valentine’s Day in February 2020… and though it was postponed a few times, the anticipation only made the experience more special.
A couple of weeks ago, I finally made it happen by booking a Discovery Experience directly through the distillery’s website.
We were blessed with glorious weather, and escaping London for the day truly felt like a mini-holiday 😊
It took us just an hour’s drive from West London to reach the Bombay Sapphire Distillery. The final stretch was especially charming, as we passed through quaint villages and admired the rolling countryside.
Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by a guide who introduced us to the highlights of the tour.
The Discovery Experience is just one of several tours offered at the distillery. Lasting around 90 minutes, it kicks off in style at the Turbine Bar, where you select a Bombay gin to craft your very own complimentary gin & tonic. After all, isn’t that precisely how every great tour should begin?
Cocktails in hand, we made our way to the cinema room to watch a short film tracing the history of Bombay Sapphire.
A perfect introduction before the tour began!
Bombay Sapphire Discovery Experience
We began our exploration of the Bombay Sapphire Distillery with our guide, who first brought the history of the site to life, sharing the stories hidden within its old factory walls.
We were all struck by the stunning architecture of the glasshouses at Bombay Sapphire, an elegant nod to the copper stills essential in the distillation process.
Step inside the beautifully designed glasshouse, and you’re greeted with a captivating presentation of the ten exotic botanicals that give every drop of Bombay Sapphire its signature flavour.
We wrapped up our visit with a hands-on exploration of Heatherwick Studios’ inspired design, where we could smell, touch, and truly understand each stage of gin production.
Our guide also explained the rare vapor infusion distillation process that gives Bombay Sapphire its distinctive character.
After the visit, you can explore a treasure trove of gin cocktail recipes online and bring a little Bombay Sapphire magic into your own home. Because the fun doesn’t have to end when you leave the distillery!
A delicious pause: lunch at Bombay Sapphire
We had an exquisite time at Bombay Sapphire and lingered a little longer to enjoy lunch at their café, which offers a delicious mix of hearty ham and cheese plates, comforting jacket potatoes, and a selection of lighter bites.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are about to book a discovery tour or other experiences at Bombay Sapphire Distillery soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON!
Explore more of my handpicked little escapes around England here!
Looking for more inspiration?
To go further:
Bombay Sapphire Distillery: London Road Whitchurch Hampshire RG28 7NR
Bombay Sapphire website
Note that some vouchers may be available from Virgin Experience website
