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Bombay Sapphire reveals plans for first gin distillery

Bombay Sapphire gin has unveiled plans for the brand’s first distillery and visitor centre in a multi-million pound restoration of a derelict paper mill.

An artist’s impression of Bombay Sapphire’s first dedicated distillery in Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire

The two-hectare distillery site at Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire will house three still houses, a tank farm and other facilities to produce Bombay Sapphire, which is currently distilled by G&J Greenall in Warrington.

The restoration of the site, on the banks of the River Test and 60 miles from London, also includes a glass house for the gin’s 10 signature botanical ingredients.

“As the particular flavours of Bombay Sapphire gin are derived from 10 botanicals, the centrepiece of the site is a glass house, within which visitors will experience the specific horticultural specimens infused in the spirit,” said Thomas Heatherwick, the London designer behind the project.

He explained that the glass house would have two structures, providing a humid environment for spices from the tropics, as well as a dry, temperate zone for Mediterranean plants.

Bombay Sapphire global category director John Burke said of the plans: “It’s a very exciting time for the Bombay Sapphire team, especially now that we’re seeing our plan for Laverstoke Mill come into fruition.”

Planning permission for the restoration of Laverstoke Park was granted in February 2012. Building is now under way, and brand owner Bacardi hopes to open the distillery in autumn 2013.

The plans also include a heritage centre, licensed bar, café and shop, along with the restoration of the water mill, which was historically used to produce bank notes for India and the British Empire.

The mill stopped producing paper in 1963, and was used to make water treatment equipment until 2005, since when it has fallen into disrepair.

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