Bombay Sapphire renovates visitor experience
Bacardi-owned Bombay Sapphire has upgraded the visitor experience at its brand home in Hampshire, England, with a newly reimagined Botanical Room that celebrates the artistry behind its gin.
The distillery brand home in Laverstoke first opened to the public in 2014. It offers visitors a unique glimpse into the world of Bombay Sapphire’s gin production, including its vapour infusion process. The site features ‘iconic’ glasshouses, designed by Heatherwick Studios.
This latest upgrade represents a key milestone in a series of ongoing investments into the brand home, including the installation of a cinema room in 2022, visual updates to the outdoor areas, an expanded café menu, and a gin tasting flight bolt-on experience.
The new Botanical Room celebrates the gin’s 10 carefully selected botanicals that define its ‘distinctive’ flavour. It is described as a multi-sensory space that brings guests ‘closer than ever to the natural treasures at the heart of the brand’.
Inspired by Thomas Heatherwick’s glasshouses, the space blends innovative design with immersive storytelling to highlight the sustainable sourcing practices, trusted suppliers, and meticulous care behind each core botanical – as well as their influence on the overall flavour.
Alessandro Garneri, master of botanicals at Bombay Sapphire, commented: “Our botanicals are the jewels of Bombay Sapphire. Each one of the 10 ingredients is sourced from certified sustainable suppliers and handled with the utmost respect, reflecting not only their natural beauty but also the communities and landscapes from which they come. The new Botanical Room allows us to share that story in a way that truly connects people with the essence of our gin.”
Now with the addition of the Botanical Room, the distillery’s tour experience begins with a welcome note from Garneri. Expert hosts then guide visitors through the story of each botanical – from bright, zesty lemon peel to warming cubeb berries – and their role in shaping the distinctive taste of Bombay Sapphire.
Visitors then move on to the still room to discover the vapour infusion techniques used to extract flavour from the botanicals. The tour concludes with a personalised cocktail at the Mill Bar, tailored to each guest’s individual flavour preferences.
The brand said this renovation builds on its commitment to creating unforgettable experiences at Laverstoke Mill. Beyond the distillery tour, guests can enjoy cocktail masterclasses, cinema nights, and expertly crafted drinks at the Mill Bar, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the River Test. The Mill Café also offers locally sourced snacks and refreshments.
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