Frequently Asked Questions
About Square Mile Distillery
What is Square Mile Distillery?
Square Mile Distillery is a small-batch spirits producer located on Bride Lane, just off Fleet Street in the heart of the City of London. We specialise in handcrafted gin, rum experiences, tastings, distillery tours, and interactive gin-making events inspired by London’s rich distilling heritage. Square Mile Distillery is the only distillery in the heart of the city. There were originally around 1500 distilleries and now there is only one.
Where is Square Mile Distillery located?
You’ll find Square Mile Distillery on Bride Lane, a historic street connecting Fleet Street and New Bridge Street in the City of London. Our central location makes us easily accessible from Blackfriars, St Paul’s, Chancery Lane, and Temple.
What makes Square Mile Distillery different?
As a small-batch producer, we focus on quality, craftsmanship, and hands-on experiences. Guests can learn about distillation, taste award-winning spirits, create their own bespoke gin, and enjoy immersive events in one of London’s most historic districts.
About City of London Distilling
What is the connection between Square Mile Distillery and the City of London?
In the 1730s, the Square Mile was home to an estimated 1,500 gin distilleries. Today, only one remains. Square Mile Distillery stands in the heart of the City, reviving a tradition that helped make London the home of gin.
Why is the City of London important in gin history?
London played a pivotal role in the development of modern gin. The city’s merchants imported exotic botanicals from around the world, helping shape the distinctive styles of gin enjoyed today.
London Gin
What is London Gin?
Our London Dry Gin is called London Gin. It is aptly named as we are in the heart of the City of London, the birthplace of London Dry Gin. It is a recognised style of gin known for its juniper-forward flavour profile and carefully selected botanicals. At Square Mile Distillery, our gin is distilled, bottled, and celebrated in the City of London itself. From our home on Bride Lane, we continue a tradition of craftsmanship in the very place that inspired one of the world’s most famous gin styles.
What does London Gin taste like?
London Gin typically features prominent juniper notes balanced with citrus, spice, floral, or herbal botanicals.
Old Tom Gin
What is Old Tom Gin?
Old Tom Gin is a traditional gin style that sits between London Dry Gin and Dutch Genever. It is slightly sweeter than London Dry, creating a smoother, richer character that works particularly well in classic cocktails.
Which cocktails are best with Old Tom Gin?
Old Tom Gin is often used in historic cocktails such as the Tom Collins, Martinez, and Ramos Gin Fizz, where its subtle sweetness adds depth and balance.
Navy Strength Gin
What is Navy Strength Gin?
Navy Strength Gin is a higher-proof gin, typically bottled at 57% ABV. The style originated with the Royal Navy, where spirits needed to remain flammable even if spilled onto gunpowder.
How should I drink Navy Strength Gin?
Navy Strength Gin can be enjoyed in a Gin & Tonic, although many enthusiasts prefer it in cocktails where its higher strength helps the botanical flavours shine through.
Martini Gin
What is Martini Gin?
Martini Gin refers to a gin crafted to perform exceptionally well in a Martini cocktail. These gins often showcase bold juniper, citrus, and aromatic botanical notes that complement dry vermouth beautifully.
What is the best gin for a Martini?
A classic London Dry Gin is traditionally considered ideal for Martinis, although individual preferences vary depending on desired botanical intensity and flavour profile.
How should Martini Gin be served?
Martini Gin is best served cold – even from the freezer with a frozen glass!
London Spiced Rum
Do you produce London Spiced Rum?
Yes. Our London Spiced Rum is crafted using carefully selected spices and botanicals to create a rich, warming spirit inspired by London’s historic trading routes and maritime heritage.
How should London Spiced Rum be served?
London Spiced Rum can be enjoyed neat, over ice, with ginger beer, or as the base for classic and contemporary rum cocktails.
Gin Making Experience
What is a Gin Making Experience?
Our Gin Making Experience allows guests to learn about botanicals, distillation, and flavour creation before crafting their own personalised bottle of gin to take home.
How long does the Gin Making Experience last?
Most gin-making experiences last between 2 and 3 hours, providing plenty of time for tasting, learning, and creating your own recipe.
Do I need any experience to take part?
No prior knowledge is required. Our team guides you through every step of the process.
Make Your Own Gin
Can I make my own gin in London?
Absolutely. At Square Mile Distillery, guests can create a completely bespoke gin recipe using a range of botanicals and a personal mini still.
Do I get to take my gin home?
Yes. Participants typically leave with a bottle of their own handcrafted gin, complete with a personalised label.
Gin School London
What is a Gin School?
A Gin School is an interactive workshop where participants learn about gin production, botanicals, and distillation while creating their own unique spirit.
Why choose a Gin School in London?
London is the historic home of many iconic gin styles, making it the perfect setting to discover the spirit’s fascinating history and production methods.
Gin Tasting London
What happens during a gin tasting?
A gin tasting introduces guests to a range of different gin styles and botanical profiles while exploring the history, production methods, and tasting techniques used by distillers.
Is a gin tasting suitable for beginners?
Yes. Whether you’re new to gin or an experienced enthusiast, tastings are designed to be informative, enjoyable, and accessible.
Cocktail Classes London
What can I learn in a cocktail class?
Guests learn how to make classic and contemporary cocktails using professional techniques, quality spirits, and fresh ingredients.
Are cocktail classes suitable for groups?
Yes. Cocktail classes are popular for birthdays, celebrations, corporate events, and team-building activities.
Distillery Tour London
Can I visit the distillery?
Yes. Our distillery tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at small-batch spirit production, including equipment, ingredients, distillation techniques, and tasting opportunities.
What will I learn on a distillery tour?
You’ll discover how gin is made, explore the role of botanicals, and gain insight into London’s long-standing distilling traditions.
Corporate Events London
Do you host corporate events in London?
Yes. We offer bespoke corporate experiences including gin-making workshops, tastings, cocktail masterclasses, and private events tailored to your organisation’s objectives.
Why are gin experiences popular for corporate events?
They combine education, collaboration, creativity, and entertainment, creating memorable experiences for clients and colleagues alike.
Team Building London
Are gin-making workshops good for team building?
Yes. Creating a bespoke gin encourages teamwork, communication, creativity, and friendly competition, making it an engaging team-building activity.
Can large groups be accommodated?
We can tailor experiences for a variety of group sizes and event formats. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Award-Winning Gin
What does award-winning gin mean?
Award-winning gin refers to spirits recognised by respected industry competitions and judging panels for excellence in flavour, quality, and craftsmanship.
What makes a gin award-winning?
Judges typically assess aroma, balance, complexity, mouthfeel, finish, and overall character when evaluating spirits.
Bride Lane & Fleet Street
Where is Bride Lane?
Bride Lane is a historic lane in the City of London, connecting Fleet Street with New Bridge Street and located close to St Bride’s Church.
Why is Fleet Street famous?
Fleet Street is renowned for its association with Britain’s newspaper industry and remains one of London’s most historic and recognisable streets.
What can visitors see near Fleet Street?
The area is home to historic churches, traditional pubs, legal landmarks, cultural attractions, and centuries of London history.
The City of London
What is the City of London?
The City of London is the historic and financial heart of London, often referred to as the “Square Mile.” It is distinct from Greater London and has its own unique governance and traditions.
Why is it called the Square Mile?
The name comes from the City’s approximate size of just over one square mile, which formed the original Roman settlement of Londinium.
What attractions are near Square Mile Distillery?
Visitors can easily explore nearby landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, St Bride’s Church, Temple Church, and the historic Fleet Street district, all within walking distance of the distillery.