New Bombay distillery wins licensing appeal

Bombay Sapphire’s new Hampshire distillery will soon be able to host public events after the gin producer eased objections raised by local residents.

An artist’s impression of Bombay Sapphire’s new Hampshire distillery when plans were revealed in 2012

In 2012, the gin brand unveiled multi-million pound plans to turn Hampshire’s historic Laverstoke Mill into a distillery and visitors centre.

Following granted planning permission in February 2012, restoration of the derelict former paper mill has been underway, but local residents recently objected to the site’s proposed licensing hours.

Some told the borough council’s licensing committee they were worried about potential noise following Bombay Sapphire’s bid to hold events until 2am every night of the week.

However, since the gin brand has now agreed to stop event held at the site at midnight and will not hold any events on Sunday evenings, the borough council approved the amended licensing application.

Will Brix, estate manager for the site, said: “We have worked very closely with the local councils on our plans and we will continue to work with them moving forwards.

“We’re very excited to see the plans come together which will ensure that we can offer an exciting experience to local residents and all our guests.”

The original plans included a heritage centre, café, shop and licensed bar.

“We have some very interesting buildings on site that give us a range of options with regards to our event offering and as such we applied for a license to run the bar as part of the experience at the distillery,” continued Brix.

“As well as serving the ultimate gin and tonic and imaginative cocktails in the bar next to the river Test we’ll also be able to offer a range of scheduled events and masterclasses.”

Bombay Sapphire officially moved into Laverstoke Mill in August 2013, moving from its previous abode at G&J Distiller’s – formerly G&J Greenall – in Warrington.

The site, which won a sustainability award in March last year, will start to host events this spring.

Bombay Sapphire was recently named by The Spirits Business as a gin brand to watch in 2014.