Staycation Location: Bombay Sapphire Distillery
While the tourism industry is slowly opening up to Brits, a lot of us are still yet to go for our first international holiday in nearly two years. For those looking for exciting experiences in good old Blighty, Bombay Sapphire distillery has got all gin lovers covered.
The state of the art Bombay Sapphire distillery unveiled a series of new upgrades to its experiences, inspiring creativity in its visitors as they are guided through the secrets of its world-famous gin.
Featuring a brand new Cinema Room and interactive cocktail bar, the visitors are in for a wonderful day of exploring the best gin has to offer. Located in a leafy conservation area on Hampshire’s River Test and within day-trip’s distance of the capital, the home of the iconic gin has welcomed a 35% increase in footfall compared to last year. Having amasses sustainability accolades (BREEAM Outstanding) for its renovated distillery building, Bombay Sapphire Distillery is located amongst a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills.
Ikon London Magazine team discovered new cocktail masterclasses, newly built cinema screen screening one short and taking visitors to a journey of discovery.
Personalised Cocktail Experience
Visitors begin the tour by bringing their own personalised twist to the much-loved Gin & Tonic. Selecting an iconic Bombay Sapphire balloon glass and filling it with ice, guests use dispenser system to self-serve their choice of Bombay Sapphire, Bombay Sunset, or new Bombay Bramble, finishing by selecting a garnish of their choice to match their personal taste preferences.
Cinema Room
Sipping their cocktails, guests are taken into the new cinema room, where they will be shown a film documenting the heritage of Bombay Sapphire. Including an overview of the ten natural botanicals that are sustainably sourced by Master of Botanicals, Ivano Tonutti from the four corners of the world and used to make the award-winning gin.
The film is followed by an impressive reveal of the stunning botanical glasshouses – a wonderful juxtaposition to the surrounding Georgian and Victorian architecture. We were invited to explore these futuristic-looking botanical gardens.
Gin Cocktail Masterclasses
Finally Bombay Sapphire distillery visitors can choose to upgrade their experience by opting in for a Gin Masterclass session to expand their cocktail-making skills. Led by a specially trained Gin Expert who can teach guests the tricks of the trade, this intimate experience is the perfect way for cocktail aficionados to flex their creative prowess, as the trend for recreating premium cocktails at home continues to prosper.
Guests can then head to the distillery bar to sample the new cocktail menu, featuring new expressions Bombay Bramble, Bombay Sunset and Bombay Premier Cru.
Staycation Options
With local delights such as the Michelin Star restaurant The Black Rat and The Woodspen Cookery School, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery makes for an idea day trip or weekend away for those looking to escape the big smoke. Forest Holidays offer premium self-catering cabins in the nearby Blackwood Forest or for rooms with country style interiors, the renowned Watership Down Inn is situated just a stone’s throw from the distillery.
All tours and experiences can be booked at the Bombay Sapphire website.
Editor in Chief of Ikon London Magazine, journalist, film producer and founder of The DAFTA Film Awards (The DAFTAs).
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