After a steady night out in Nottingham turned into one much different after me and a few friends discovered the latest gin bar Gincident just off Friar Lane, which has a very industrialised yet sexy feel, I began to ask my self if gin is still the drink of the decade.
Gin has been in our glasses for over 900 years and lately, as a nation, we’ve been discovering new ways to make drinking savoury, and sweet with the low-calorie liquor.
Fever Tree tonic water inspired by Indian flavours has no doubt flew off shelves at supermarkets due to their unique blends and taste when added to gin.
One of our earlier blogs ‘There’s been a re-Gin-eration of Britain’s favourite beverage!’ describes to you all about the history of gin, why it’s so popular now and what other common alcohol it could be replaced with very soon!
But for now, it’s time to think about the distilleries opening in and around the East Midlands for our own gin consumption.
More distilleries and places to enjoy Gin in the Midlands
Bawdon Lodge Farm – the home of Burleigh’s Gin
Bawdon Lodge Farm, Nanpantan Road, Loughborough, LE12 9YE
On Friday, April 6 there will be a movie premiere of Dirty Dancing the hugely popular film from the 80’s. It will be shown on an indoor cinema screen in the barn, where there will also be a licensed bar and various Burleigh’s gin and products available to purchase to take home. There are two ticket options available one being gin tasting and cinema tickets which are £34.50 per person, and doors open at 6.30pm.
You’ll be greeted by #TeamBawdon with one of their gin cocktails (designed by their mixologist) then the gin tasting and talk will start at 7.15pm. There will also be a gin cocktail demonstration and they will offer suggestions for serves to ensure you get the best from your gin. There will be the opportunity to purchase Burleigh’s Gin along with associated tonics and cordials to take home, including special offers.
You’ll be able to enjoy pizza from Biddulph’s Pizzeria, with a selection of toppings to suit all tastes and the equivalent of a 10″ pizza per person. If you just fancy coming to watch the film alone, cinema only tickets are £9.50 and arrival is from 8pm!
Redsmith Distillery
Redsmith Distillery, based in Sneinton Market, opened in May 2016 and produces around 200 bottles of its London Dry Gin per week. Its second creation, a pink gin made of pomegranate and sumac, is set to be all the rage this year.
It was the first gin producer to open in the city since the last working distillery closed in the 1860s. Wayne Asher decided to self-build his tiny set up and bring the process back to the county.
Mr Asher, of West Bridgford, said: “There were already distilleries making gin in Leicestershire and Yorkshire but there hadn’t been one in Nottinghamshire for more than a century so there was a gap in the market, especially with the rise in popularity of gin.
“Gin is exploding at the moment and I think it’s mainly because there are so many producers making a diverse range of products. For a long time, gin production had been carried out by a few very large companies with little change to their expressions. But now customers have a huge choice available and are keen to try something new.”
The Distillers Kitchen
The Collection Yard, Bawdon Lodge Farm, Charley Road, Leicestershire, LE12 9YE
“Since we first opened our doors 4 years ago, your loyal support has helped us grow, and now we need more space to serve you better.
We are relocating to our fantastic new bespoke Gin School set in the heart of Leicester’s old town, just 1 hour from London and with excellent commuter links from every region in the UK.
Located in the oldest retail building in Leicester, close to both 45 bars and overlooking Market Place, our stunning new venue offers you a unique insight into the magical world of distilling.
Your 45 Gin School Experience includes – Cocktail & Gin infused Masterclass, Questions & Answers by our Distiller, complimentary Burleighs Gin & FeverTree tonic, choosing and blending botanicals to create your own unique recipe before distilling, bottling and labelling your craft gin creation ready to take home and drink at your leisure.
All Experience vouchers purchased from the 2nd of April onwards can only be redeemed at our new venue The Distillers Kitchen.”
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