Whether you enjoy a classic gin and tonic, a shaken not stirred martini or something altogether more adventurous, there’s never been a better time to be a lover of all things gin in Surrey. Here’s a selection of the best distilleries, from world conquering to exceedingly micro, on our doorstep
Beckett’s, Kingston
Not intent to purely carry a torch for this modern instalment of the Surrey gin craze, Kingston’s Beckett’s has gone one step further by teaming up with the National Trust in their efforts to repopulate Box Hill with the juniper that is so fundamental to the production of the spirit. The gin itself also features Moroccan lime and coriander, Spanish sweet orange peel and Italian orris root, and even a touch of mint grown in Kingston.
• Kingston: https://beckettsgin.co.uk
Broker’s, Shepperton (sort of)
Before Surrey’s recent gin explosion, Broker’s Gin was about as close as you were going to get to the good stuff outside of home distilling. They’re award-winning, their gin is exceptional and they’re based in Shepperton, sort of. So there is Surrey in the brain, but the 200-year-old building housing their distillery heart is actually near Birmingham. Still, it’d be a shame to miss those rather excellent bowler hats and this top, well connected tipple from this list.
• Shepperton via Birmingham: www.brokersgin.com
The Gin Kitchen, Dorking
There can’t be many towns in the UK to boast their own exclusive gin, but that’s where Dorking finds itself at the moment with Gutsy Monkey. A winter gin created by the town’s first micro-distillery, The Gin Kitchen, it’s so new that it only launched in November. Made in tiny quantities at this point, with a lot of love and laughter, you might be lucky enough to find a bottle at Dorking Butchery, Village Greens Farm Shop or Red Bar and Lounge - if you happen to time your visit perfectly.
• Dorking: http://gin.kitchen/
Mews Gin, East Horsley
Originally created for a family wedding back in 2014, recent months have seen East Horsley’s Mews Gin become an increasingly common sight in connoisseur-led local wine and spirit stockists. Their traditional copper pot still, Betty, was handmade by Guildford-based firm John Dore & Co - still makers for over 180 years. This subtle, vapour distilled gin is created by father and son team, Richard and Daniel Mew.
• East Horsley: mewsgin.co.uk
Silent Pool Distillers, Albury
In seemingly no time at all, Silent Pool Gin has gone from the new kid on the block to an internationally in demand tipple of choice. Created by Silent Pool Distillers, this rich and clean juniper-driven spirit is produced using 24 botanicals and spring water from the mysterious Silent Pool beauty spot found next door to the distillery. Two times innovators of the year at the Surrey Life Food & Drink Awards, there’s definitely something in the water here and their most recent releases have included a Wry vodka and a series of liquid garnish sprays.
• Albury: silentpooldistillers.com
Stovell’s, Chobham
One of Surrey’s top fine dining restaurants, Stovell’s has always taken its drinks offering seriously with a hugely impressive cocktail list (including barrel-aged varieties) to complement one of the best wine cellars around. This passion eventually led them into the world of spirit production themselves. The result is a wildcrafted, small batch gin crafted on site and with its own unique twists and turns – the sold out, Batch 11, featured a small drizzle of Chobham honey in its intricate ingredients list. We can’t wait to taste what comes next…
• Chobham: stovells.com
Hidden Curiosities Gin
With 20 botanicals and the fragrant spices of five different peppercorns used to make this artisan gin, Hidden Curiosities is a taste sensation to behold. The face behind the bottle is Cravat Club director, Jenny who spent a year sampling over 100 different craft gins in order to fine tune and develop her own unique gin recipe (it’s a tough job but somebody’s got to do it). Hidden Curiosities is best served with a dash of tonic and a garnish of pink peppercorns and green cardamom.
