Laverstoke Mill, 10 miles from Basingstoke, has a history that dates back 1000 years to a mention in the Doomsday Book. The mill, which straddles the River Test, was purchased in the 18th century and became the site of a printing business manufacturing bank notes. During this period, the mill expanded to include a collection of distinctive brick-built buildings. Papermaking continued at Laverstoke until the 1960s but by the early 2000s the site had fallen empty.
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In 2010, the mill received a new lease of life when it was purchased by Bombay Spirits Company, producers of Bombay Sapphire gin. Bombay Sapphire began life in Warrington in the 1980s. But in 2012, planning permission was granted to transform Laverstoke Mill into a distillery for Bombay Sapphire, complete with a visitor centre. The elegant buildings were conserved and adapted for their new purpose. The site’s regeneration included the commissioning of two striking glasshouses that appear to flow out of the brick still house and contain specimens of the many botanical ingredients used in gin.
The new site has been designed with sustainability in mind. A hydro-electric turbine harnesses the energy of the River Test, which powered the paper mill for so many years, to generate renewable low-carbon energy.
Today, Laverstoke Mill attracts eager gin fans keen to explore the site and learn about the distilling process. The Discovery Experience sees visitors tour the historic site with a guide who explains the array of botanicals that produce gin’s distinctive taste. Gin fans won’t be disappointed, as the tour starts with a trip to the Turbine Bar for a cheeky G&T, with the option to choose from three Bombay Sapphire gins.
Those seeking a more hands-on experience can add a gin cocktail making masterclass to their tour. In a sleek tasting room, a Gin Expert will guide would-be mixologists through three cocktails during a fun 1-hr session. Once the tour is complete, visitors can relax in the trendy Mill Bar, where yet more cocktails are on offer for the dedicated gin fan.
How to visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery
Tickets for tours and experiences are available from Bombay Sapphire Distillery.
The distillery is located between the village of Overton and the small town of Whitchurch in Hampshire. Trains from Waterloo stop at both Whitchurch and nearby Quidhampton. The distillery is about a 50-minute walk from either station. Alternatively, the number 76 bus from Basingstoke stops right outside the distillery car park.
Why not make a weekend of it? The Bombay Sapphire Distillery is on the edge of the beautiful North Wessex Downs. Fans of Downton Abbey could venture north to Highclere Castle, which offers pre-booked tours throughout the year. The cathedral city of Winchester is also a short drive away.
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