Gin enthusiasts have another compelling reason to visit the United Kingdom beyond seeing the spirit’s historic roots: a whole hotel devoted to gin. Since December 2016, The Distillery has welcomed guests to a gin-focused experience in the upscale Notting Hill neighborhood of London. The ground floor features a tasting room where gin is served from barrels suspended from the ceiling, creating a distinctive and memorable introduction to different expressions of the spirit.
Upstairs, the second floor houses a Spanish-inspired GinTonica bar and restaurant. There, bartenders prepare the classic gin and tonic in the traditional Copa de Balón glass, offering variations finished with orange peel, sprigs of lavender, or cocoa notes to highlight different botanicals and serveings.
For visitors who want to learn as they taste, the hotel includes a Ginstitute — a visitor center and educational space that explores the history and craft of gin. Guests can attend talks, demos, and hands-on sessions to mix their own cocktails while learning about the ingredients and techniques that shape each bottle.
The gin revival isn’t limited to London. The trend has spread across the UK and beyond, with innovative projects such as a dedicated distillery set up inside Gatwick Airport’s terminal, bringing craft gin sampling to travelers on the move.
Whether you’re a casual drinker curious about flavor profiles or a devoted gin aficionado seeking immersive experiences, The Distillery in Notting Hill offers a curated blend of tasting, education, and dining that celebrates the contemporary renaissance of gin.