A Gin Lover’s Guide To London | Destination Guides | Corinthia London (2023)

Gin has reinvented itself over the past decade, shrugging off its chequered century-long past and refashioning itself as a refreshingly adaptable mixer. From its humble beginnings as a medicine peddled by London’s apothecaries to today’s sophisticated botanical blends, its renaissance has seen a global boom in micro-distilleries, ingenious ingredients and trail-blazing tonics. Despite all this, the humble G&T with a slice of lemon still has its well-earned place. For gin lovers with a taste for the traditional and aficionados with a hankering for fresher inventions, allow us to introduce the highlights of London’s distillery scene.

Around The World In Hundreds Of Gins

Inspired by the 19th-century globe-trotting adventures of Phileas J. Fogg, Esq. – roving hero of Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in 80 Days – Mr Fogg’s Gin Parlour in Covent Garden is transporting to say the least. Over 200 gins are lined up behind the bar here, including some rare bottles that must be sampled to be believed, and numerous ways to experience them, including tastings and gin-spired Afternoon Teas.

In Pursuit Of Martinis And Gibsons

Drink like James Bond in Dukes Bar. This elegant enclave in London’s Mayfair was the watering hole of author Ian Fleming and is said to have been the inspiration for 007’s unshakeable loyalty to the classic gin cocktail, the martini. It’s not surprising – it’s said that the martinis here aren’t merely some of the best in the British capital, but rank with the world’s finest. Of course, the proof is in the tasting. Select from Dukes’ iconic martini trolley and enjoy the de rigueur tableside theatrics before sipping the cocktail that Dukes has utterly mastered the art of. Channel something of Bond’s sartorial flair if you’re planning a visit – leisurewear is not permitted.

A classic cocktail of similar prestige is the gibson – like the martini, it’s made with gin and dry vermouth, but with the addition of a pickled onion adding a savoury edge. The Gibson on Old Street is a former pub that’s been glossed up with Art Deco glamour and plush layers of style. True to its name, it serves the definitive gibson: ice cold in a stainless-steel martini glass, made with Copperhead Gin, Martini Ambrato Riserva, a house double-pickled onion, a dash of pickling spice and a twist. It’s delicious and crisp, and will win the heart of any gin lover. Catering to those beyond the gin spectrum, too, the cocktail menu here runs the gamut, with plenty of creative, dramatic drinks all served with spectacular flair.

Discover A Gin Brunch

Come the last Saturday of the month, Chapel Down Gin Works in King’s Cross is the place to be for its gin brunch. A celebration of quintessentially English food and drink, the brunch is a three-course affair beginning with Maldon oysters paired with a splash of Chapel Down’s Brut NV – the Kent vineyard is one of England’s leading winemakers after all – and moving through brunch bowls and hearty savoury dishes accompanied by a stiff Bloody Mary or Breakfast Martini. Before leaving, pay a visit to the distillery room to meet Helga, the copper still, and indulge in a quick tasting of one of the Chapel Down gins. They’re made using the grape skins from the wine-making process and are available to try in the bar every day of the week if Saturday brunch feels a little far off. The bar’s interiors are certainly sleek, but those in the know take their drinks to the outdoor terrace to enjoy views out over the canal.