Plymouth Gin is ‘as English as sandwiches’

The Plymouth Gin Distillery has been ranked alongside sandwiches, James Bond and Shakespeare as an icon of England.

The Plymouth Gin Distillery has been votes by the public as one of England’s greatest icons in food and drink

Thought to be England’s oldest working gin distillery dating back to the 13^th century, Plymouth Gin Distillery was nominated in the Food and Drink category of Visit England’s Hall of Fame awards, taking the top spot alongside the Bakewell Pudding and sandwich.

The distillery produces the only English gin with a geographical indication (GI).

Also know as The Blackfriars Distillery, the Plymouth Gin Distillery is based in a converted Dominican Order monastery which was first built in 1431.

The distillery itself has been in operation since 1793 and is the last working distillery in Plymouth.

Opening onto the city’s Southside Street, the original building still sits in the heart of Plymouth and displays its original distillation equipment.

Beating 10 other shortlisted finalists, Plymouth Distillery will be featured at a pop-up exhibition on London’s Southbank running from St. George’s Day (23 April) to 30 April.

The other categories include: History & Heritage; Culture & Entertainment; Inventions & Discoveries; and Sport & Leisure.