First batch of gin under way at new distillery
Copper still at Hinckley gin bar which opens soon
A TOWN’S first gin distillery is making the debut batch of its own branded spirit ahead of its opening.
The 700-litre copper still at Bond Street Distillery in Hinckley will produce 600 bottles of Hinckley Number One gin, to be sold in the area in painted and numbered bottles.
Owner and distiller Sally Faulkner said: “This is a monumental day personally and for the business.
“As everyone has seen for the past year, we have been restoring, rescuing and renovating 127 Upper Bond Street and it seems such a long time ago that this dream started.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming everyone to Bond Street Distillery to enjoy what we have created in Hinckley, and can’t wait to meet all the gin enthusiasts, budding distillers and the community.”
The first blend has seven botanicals including fresh orange peel. Sally hopes to do another two distillations before the end of the year, with the next one to include different ingredients.
The business is in a three-floor red brick former hosiery factory and includes a ground floor bar, with a window where people can view the still, a gin school and a top floor function room, the Crow’s Nest, which has its own bar.
Managers said the renovation has meant a lot to people who live nearby, many of whom used to work at the factory, which was previously occupied by Bond Street Glass and Glazing Services.
Stills are traditionally given a name. Sally named hers Claire, after her late sister.
She hopes to install another two if the business takes off, with many bookings already in the diary, including a couple from Australia who want to visit in the new year.
Sally, from Burbage, previously worked in the hospitality industry.
She said: “I wanted to bring something new to Hinckley, dazzle them and give the community something to talk about and be proud about.
“So many people have told me how exciting it is to have a new industry, somewhere different to go, and most of all something that will grow and develop and be synonymous with Hinckley.”
The business will open on Friday December 6, with the ground floor bar, Bond Street Social, initially open Thursday to Sunday, 5pm to midnight.