Sipsmith distillery late night licence refused

Sipsmith Gin has been refused a late night premises license for its distillery in Chiswick after nearby residents rallied against it.

Sipsmith founders said they were “sad to see so much speculation and misunderstanding”

The company has been operating the distillery on Cranbrook Road, a small residential street in the area, since last year, and recently applied to the local council for permission to sell alcohol between 12pm and 1am Monday to Saturday for private pre-booked events.

The distillery moved to Chiswick so that it could accommodate third copper pot still, named Constance, to operate alongside existing stills Prudence and Patience.

After complaints from residents who said the proposal would affect quality of life in what is a “quiet family area”, the distillery amended the application to apply for a license between 12pm and 8pm Monday to Saturday, with permissions to host tour groups of up to 45 people.

Despite the compromise, the council decided Sipsmith would be granted a license from 5pm to 7pm on weekdays only, with a restriction of 25 people on site at one time.

Fairfax Hall and Sam Galsworthy, Sipsmith founders, said in a statement: “As locals ourselves we have always striven to be an integral part of the community here in Chiswick. And, as the first traditional Distillery to open in London for nearly 200 years, our responsibility in the industry for educating, and sharing the knowledge of what truly well made spirits are, is central to who we are.

“The main focus of the application was our distillery tours – where visitors consume less than two drinks in total – which are a critical way that we responsibly engage and educate about gin.

“In applying for a license to sell where we currently distill we were sad to see so much speculation and misunderstanding about the nature of the application and business at the distillery.
“However, we have been granted a license for week night tours and warmly continue to invite any Cranbrook Road neighbour to experience one themselves at any time.

“We originally set up six years ago in Nasmyth Street, where we enjoyed five fabulous years with our Brackenbury Village neighbours, and taking all the additional feedback from a number of Cranbrook Road neighbours we do hope to continue that spirit in Chiswick going forward.”

Sipsmith recently announced a partnership with family-owned ice cream firm Jude’s to create a limited edition summer offering – Jude’s Sipsmith Gin and Tonic Ice Cream.