Half Hitch gin appoints UK brand ambassadors

London-based Half Hitch gin has appointed Maya Tarrant and Martin Bilsborough as brand ambassadors to drive growth in the on-trade.

Maya Tarrant and Martin Bilsborough are Half Hitch gin’s new UK brand ambassadors

Tarrant, of JKS Restaurants, first began bartending at Milk Thistle in Bristol, and later moved to London, working at City Social, Tower 42 and Blind Pig. Her new role will see her work alongside Half Hitch’s head of operations in London to develop the drinks offering across the group.

Bilsborough, former Head of Bar at Manchester’s only five star hotel, Hotel Gotham, began his bartending career in the UK before taking his skills to Mumbai, Amsterdam and the Cayman Islands where he trained bartenders and offered drinks service consultation.

The duo are set to work closely with bartenders in their respective cities and around the country to host bespoke training sessions, interactive masterclasses, and consumer and trade tasting events, and will also be responsible for developing drinks strategies including cocktails and signature serves.

Tarrant said: “I love gin and while there are a lot of interesting options out there, the unique approach of mixing the modern and traditional production methods of copper pot still, vacuum distillation and tinctures, alongside distinctive botanicals really makes Half Hitch gin stand out in the category, and I’m delighted to be working for them.”

“Half Hitch gin has a unique personality and isn’t shy about its bold flavour and distinct appearance which really sets it apart from other gins and I’m really pleased to be representing it,” added Bilsborough.

Launched by drinks entrepreneur Mark Holdsworth, the Half Hitch name and label reflects the type of rope knot – a round turn and two half hitches – used to moor up barges along Camden Lock, the brand’s home.

Holdsworth said: “After what has been a whirlwind couple of years with a number of awards along the way, since I launched Half Hitch gin, I am really pleased to be able to announce that Maya Tarrant and Martin Bilsborough have both recently joined our team to lead bar training and education in London and Manchester respectively. This coincides with us now being represented in the UK trade by Catalyst Brands which we hope will take us to the next level of success”