Bombay Sapphire opens doors to new distillery

Bombay Sapphire will officially open the doors of its new “brand home” and distillery Laverstoke Mill to the public tomorrow (1 October).

Bombay Sapphire’s new home at Laverstoke Mill will be officially unveiled to the public tomorrow

The gin brand has transformed the site a of a historic paper mill in the southern English county of Hampshire into a multi-million pound “state-of-the-art” distillery and visitors’ centre.

Opening one year later than expected, the distillery will officially welcome visitors to the new site tomorrow.

The centrepiece of the distillery is a Victorian inspired glass house, featuring two Botanical Glasshouses – one tropical and one temperate – displaying 10 hand-picked botanicals from all over the world used to create Bombay Sapphire Gin.

The new site was renovated in collaboration with award-winning designer Thomas Heatherwick, famous for the 2012 London Olympic Cauldron.

“We fully respect the importance of heritage and have made every effort over the last four years to ensure Laverstoke Mill is a place that is reflective of its past, and holds the fundamental principles of creativity, integrity and beauty at its centre,” said Ben Farlow, global category director for Bombay Sapphire.

“It is fantastic to witness the opening of Laverstoke Mill and show-off the incredible design and splendour of the site which we are proud to call our home as it provides the perfect setting to showcase an elegant brand as Bombay Sapphire.”

Interactive maps will be provided to help guests guide themselves through the distillery, including the Botanical Glasshouses, Botanical Dry Room with dakin stills and the Heritage Room depicting the mill’s history, before finishing in the Mill Bar.

The Empire Room will also be opened to visitors interested in participating in brand training masterclasses.

Bombay Sapphire appointed Nik Fordham, former distillery manager for Beefeater gin, as its master distiller in March last year.