Beefeater Gin Distillery tour (London)
1 / 3
Beefeater Distillery - by Carsten Koch on Google
Description
The Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour is split in 3 steps: access to background information behind the rise of Gin production in the British Empire, a hosted tour of the distillery with explanation of the production process, and a comparative tasting complemented by a glass of Beefeater G&T (soft drink for the under 18). The brand name refers to the Yeomen of the Guard (who can be seen at the Tower of London). The manufacturer has been in operation since the 1860's and the gin is distilled from 100% grain spirit with no less than 9 botanicals being used for flavour: juniper, coriander seeds, liquorice, angelica root, angelica seeds, Seville oranges, lemon peel, orris root and almonds. Note that this is not a 24/7 operating distillery as steeping is involved and distillation is therefore on alternating sides. The bottling is carried out in Scotland.
Access & Transport
The distillery is in Kennington, next to Vauxhall in Southern London. Kennington underground station (Northern line) is a 12mins walk away (1km) and the closest bus stops are very close (2mins walk) on Kennington rd and Kennington Lane. The distillery is accessible to wheelchair users (lift access).
Instructions & Recommendations
The tours start at 11h00 / 13h00 / 15h00 / 17h00 and space is limited so best to book early. Because alcohol is involved, children must be at least 8yrs old and must be accompanied by an adult - their experience will not include a glass of G&T but ticket price is nil for them.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally this activity is quite neutral. Socially slightly negative as it effectively encourages the consumption of spirits.
Conclusion
If you are naturally curious and unfamiliar with spirits production process then this all-weather activity is worth considering - especially if you like G&T. The history of gin in Great Britain is also quite interesting (we recommend listening to BBC In Our Time podcast on that topic) and the brand has become a bit of an institution in the city.
Key positive
Quite informative, not a shallow excuse for drinking during the day
Very good feedback about the guides
Key negative
You will miss out on part of the experience if you do not like gin
Might not be of much interest for younger kids (<12)
Significant price rise over the last few years
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but children under 12 might not find it very interesting. Accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 35m
est. visit time:2h
Monday -
Tuesday -
Wednesday11:00 - 18:45
Thursday11:00 - 18:45
Friday11:00 - 18:45
Saturday11:00 - 18:45
Sunday11:00 - 18:45