Winchester, the gin capital
As Britain’s appetite for cocktails continues to flow, Winchester’s local businesses have made the city a perfect destination for lovers of gin.
Britain’s appreciation for gin is on the rise –and locally this has been evidenced as 250 tickets to the Mid-Hants Railway Watercress Line’s ‘Gin Train’ event sold out in just two minutes. Passengers will enjoy cocktails created by official partner, Winchester Distillery using local Twisted Nose Gin, whilst travelling in style on the steam train through the rolling countryside of the South Downs National Park.
Woodies Mountford, Marketing Manager at the Mid-Hants Railway Watercress Line, said:
With the popularity of gin, we expected the event to be popular, but we are blown away by the speed that people snapped up tickets.Gin fans will already know of Winchester Distillery’s Twisted Nose Gin and we are delighted to offer a delicious food offering from Pulpo Negro.
We hope everyone will enjoy this new experience at the Watercress Line and will have a great time on-board. And for those wanting a drink or two, there is a bus service that runs from Alton and Winchester to Alresford station.
Visitors can discover more about their favourite tipple by taking a distillery tour at either Winchester Distillery in Old Alresford or Laverstoke Mill – home to the world famous gin Bombay Sapphire with their award-winning state-of-the-art sustainable distillery with iconic glasshouses designed by Thomas Heatherwick Studios. Learn about the 10 botanicals that make the distinctive Bombay flavour and discover your personal taste profile which will identify your perfect complimentary cocktail.
Visit Winchester is celebrating World Gin Day on 9 June - grab a glass at the Ginchester Fête, hosted by Cabinet Rooms in the stunning setting of the Great Hall. A complimentary drink on arrival and tasting glass, gin sampling and a quintessential English summer fête await you from 12pm – 2.30pm and 3pm – 5.30pm with local distilleries joining the celebrations from all over Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.
Gary Whiter, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Cabinet Rooms, said:
The Ginchester Fête is a celebration of all things gin with an emphasis on the amazing produce being created in and around Winchester. Now in its third year, we’re excited to welcome the region’s gin lovers to the historic heart of the city for what promises to be the biggest and quirkiest gin event of the summer!
The newly refurbished tourist information centre now stocks Winchester Dry Gin, Twisted Nose Watercress Dry Gin and Conker Gin – a great reminder of your Winchester gin experience.
Gin is the thing in Winchester - a visit is sure to leave you in fine spirits.