The 50 best drinks made in Britain
From our west-country ciders and hoppy pints to the tipples – such as gin – adopted and adapted from countries around the globe, Britain’s drinks heritage is genuinely world-beating.
And we’re not just talking booze, for where would the English be without a morning cup of tea? Or the Scots without (ahem) Irn-Bru...?
Though we have our favourites – and have invited Telegraph columnists and specialist drinks experts to share theirs – compiling a list of quintessentially British drinks (as we have done with food) isn’t an exact science, nor is it exhaustive. Indeed, we urge you to share your own favourite local brews, drams and cordials, and the places you enjoy them, in the comments section below.
Whether it’s a glass of English sparkling wine sipped at a Hampshire vineyard or a tot of seaweed-infused rum knocked back on the Pembrokeshire coastline that inspired it, our choices champion producers who have preserved historic techniques alongside those securing the future of the drinks scene with bold new ideas.
Cheers to that!
Enjoy a crisp, cold Jarl at the award-winning FyneFest in the stunning surroundings of Glen Fyne - Fyne Ales Brewery
Where: FyneFest, Argyll
FyneFest, May 30-June 1, 2025, Achadunan Bungalow, Cairndow PA26 8BJ; fynefest.com
“One of the best light ales produced in the UK, Fyne Ale’s crisp, citrussy Jarl can be found on bars around the country. Though the hops are American, Jarl owes its name to a high-ranking Viking and Early Middle Ages nobleman; it’s where we get the word ‘earl’. The best place to enjoy it is at the brewery’s own weekend festival, FyneFest. Set near the loch, it’s arguably the most picturesque beer festival in the country. Supping a pint of Jarl there is a bucket-list activity.”
Tipped by Laura Hadland, beer expert and author of Beer Festivals (CAMRA Books, £15.99)
The Craigellachie stands at the very heart of Scotland’s distilling industry - JOHN BRACEGIRDLE / Alamy
Where: The Craigellachie Hotel, Moray
Victoria St, Craigellachie, Aberlour, AB38 9SR; craigellachiehotel.com
“Speyside is the region of Scotland with the most distilleries and you can tick off a few in a day. It’s said that Dufftown in Moray was ‘built on seven stills’ in reference to its concentration of distilleries. There are only six these days, but they include Glenfiddich, Mortlach and Balvenie. In Dufftown you’re also about 10 minutes south of Craigellachie where there are more distilleries and two of the world’s great whisky bars – Quaich Bar at the Craigellachie Hotel and The Highlander Inn.”
Tipped by writer and whisky expert, Joe Rogers (@jpatrickrogers)
Oak sherry casks produce a sweetly spicy and nutty whisky, with Bowmore’s signature gentle smokiness - Dennis Hardley / Alamy Stock Photo
Where: Bowmore Distillery, Islay
School St, Bowmore, Isle of Islay PA43 7JS; bowmore.com
“You’re in for a ferry- or plane-ride to reach it but once you’re on Islay there’s Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Port Ellen, Ardbeg and many more distilleries within a short drive. These will be of significance if you like a peaty, smoky whisky, but the most special place is the No. 1 Vaults at Bowmore: the oldest part of the island’s oldest distillery. Try the sherry oak cask for an exceptional dram.”
Tipped by Joe Rogers
Where: Max’s Bar, Glasgow
73 Queen St, Glasgow G1 3BZ; maxsbar.co.uk
Known as “Scotland’s other national drink”, Irn-Bru was originally sold as “Iron Brew” until 1946 when a law decreed all product marketing must be “literally true”. Given the soft drink contained no iron, nor was it made by brewing, the name was changed. Its recipe, in fact, is a fiercely kept secret, but we can tell you that at Max’s Bar the signature cocktail is an Irn-Bru margarita endorsed by Banksy.
Where: The Orkney Distillery, Orkney
Ayre Road, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1QX; orkneydistilling.com
In the mid-1700s, gin became the go-to drink for naval officers because it wouldn’t spoil. However, its alcohol content needed to be sufficiently high that it wouldn’t cause any powder to ignite if spilt. Fifty-seven per cent was the magic ABV and “Navy Strength” gin was born. Seek out Kirkjuvagr’s Storm Strength gin made on Orkney, the island where the British Navy was based during both world wars, and head out to Scapa Flow to see where the Navy was once on war-footing.
Where: Penderyn Distillery, Brecon Beacons
Pontpren, Penderyn, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF44 0SX; penderyn.wales
Though whisky was produced in Wales from the Middle Ages, it died out during the temperance movement in the 19th century. In 2000, the Penderyn Distillery opened its doors and whisky-making returned to Wales; it has since been joined by Dà Mhìle, Coles, In The Welsh Wind, and Aber Falls. At the original you can take a tour, see the pot stills and enjoy a taster in the bar.
Starting life in a little beach shack, Cafe Môr’s solar-powered seaweed boat kitchen is now anchored at The Old Point House - Steve Bridge / Alamy
Where: Cafe Môr, Pembrokeshire
The Old Point House, Angle, SA71 5AS; bartirum.wales
Named after a local, Bartholomew Roberts, who was forced to become a pirate after his Royal Navy vessel was captured in 1719, spiced Barti Rum is infused with hand-picked Welsh laver seaweed in a nod to the area’s culinary heritage. Try it on the Pembrokeshire coast at its creator’s other great venture, Cafe Môr.
Just a few miles from Ireland’s rugged north coast, Bushmills is the oldest licenced whiskey distillery in the world - Image Source Limited / Alamy Stock Photo
Where: Bushmills Distillery, County Antrim
2 Distillery Rd, Bushmills BT57 8XH; bushmills.eu
“At the distillery you’ll see historic buildings and a new stillhouse: a great place to get a sense of Irish whiskey history. Every whiskey-lover should experience drinking their fruity triple-distilled single malt in view of Giant’s Causeway.”
Tipped by Joe Rogers
Where: The Rum Story, Whitehaven, Cumbria
27 Lowther St, Whitehaven CA28 7DN; rumstoryshop.co.uk
The port of Whitehaven was one of the best places to import rum, sugar, and molasses from West Indian plantations to the UK. From Whitehaven it was carried over land to the opposite coast and then shipped to northern Europe. Rum and sugar made it into local hands thanks to merchants the Jefferson family. The whole tale is told at The Rum Story in Whitehaven, where customers can buy Jefferson’s Rum based on the original 1785 recipe.
Where: Cameron’s Brewery, Hartlepool, County Durham
Stockton Street, Hartlepool, TS24 7QS; cameronsbrewery.com/brewery-tap-camerons-brewery/
“One of this country’s lesser-known beer traditions is the banked pint. From the early 19th- to mid-20th century, pints were poured in batches and ‘banked’ for later under the bar. When the shift changed and steelworkers poured into the pub, the beers would be topped up quickly and served. The tradition endures though the steelworks are closed. You can spot a banked pint by the rich head of foam that sits atop. Get the authentic experience with a pint of Cameron’s Strongarm at their tap, The Anchor.”
Tipped by Laura Hadland
Where: Castle Howard, North Yorkshire
Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA; sloemotiondistillery.com
A precursor to pink gins, sloe gin has offered a sweeter, fruitier twist on gin since the 17th century. At Sloemotion in North Yorkshire, an initiative to improve wildlife habitats at Green Farm, in the village of Barton-le-Willows, resulted in an abundance of sloe berries, and founder Joff Curtoys began turning the unexpected crop into gin. Pick up a bottle at nearby Castle Howard and enjoy it at a picnic on the grounds (perhaps under the juniper and sloe bushes whose berries are used for gin).
Where: Lindisfarne Meadery, Holy Island, Northumberland
St Aidan’s Winery, Holy Island TD15 2RX; lindisfarnemead.com
One of the oldest alcoholic beverages, made since the Neolithic era. Though its popularity has declined, numerous brewers fly the flag for British mead including Gosnells in London, Mountain Mead in Bangor, and Brood Meadery in Manchester. It is believed that Lindisfarne Meadery on Holy Island in Northumberland has seen Christian monks creating mead since the early Middle Ages.
Very few people know the secret recipe to childhood favourite Vimto - Paul Cooper
Where: Vimto Park, Manchester
39 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3WE; vimto.co.uk
Originally sold in the early 1900s as Vim Tonic by John Noel Nichols, a wholesaler of herbs, spices and medicines, the secret recipe containing the juice of grapes, raspberries, blackcurrants and black carrots is only known to a handful of people. Get a flavour of its history by taking a bottle down for a sip at Vimto Gardens (the location of the original Vimto factory) to see an oak sculpture depicting the original bottle and ingredients.
There are few things more British than a cup of Yorkshire tea at Bettys in Harrogate
Where: Bettys, Harrogate, Yorkshire
1 Parliament Street, Harrogate HG1 2QU; bettys.co.uk/cafe-tea-rooms
After Britain’s colonisation of India created more scope to plant tea, the drink became hugely popular. By the 20th century, café tea-rooms were popping up all over Britain and the most traditional of those still operating is Bettys in Yorkshire. In 1962 it merged with Taylors of Harrogate and jointly produces one of Britain’s best-selling brands, Yorkshire Tea.
Where: Fitzpatrick’s in Rawtenstall, Lancashire
5 Bank Street, Rawtenstall, Rossendale BB4 6QS; mrfitzpatricks.com
Produced since the Middle Ages, this can claim to be one of the oldest soft drinks in Britain. The drink, which was originally made from fermented dandelion and burdock roots (many versions now are just carbonated, sweetened confections), was popular at temperance bars around England in the early 20th century. The last of these, Fitzpatrick’s in Rawtenstall, opened in 1890, and it still produces dandelion and burdock to an original recipe.
The Vine (or Bull & Bladder as it’s known locally) is the best place for a pint of Batham’s famous bitter - Steve Sant / Alamy Stock Photo
Where: The Vine, Brierley Hill, West Midlands
10 Delph Road, Brierley Hill, West Midlands, DY5 2TN; bathams.co.uk/pubs/the-vine-inn/
“It’s hard to pick a ‘death row’ brew, but I’d say a pint of the legendary Batham’s Bitter in The Vine, or Bull & Bladder as it’s known locally, in the Black Country. If my last hours were spent admiring the rich amber colour and inhaling the fresh bread aroma, with its hints of mint and marmalade, then taking hefty draughts, I’d consider it time well spent.”
Tipped by Melissa Cole, beer expert and author of The Ultimate Book of Craft Beer (Hardie Grant, £18)
Where: White Heron Estate, Herefordshire
Lyonshall, Herefordshire HR5 3JA; whiteherondrinks.co.uk/
While cassis is famously a product of France, anyone who has enjoyed Ribena knows Britain has its own history with blackcurrants. The White Heron Estate actually supplies blackcurrants to make the stuff but any leftovers become its British cassis. The family estate offers e-bike and walking tours where you can explore its vineyards, orchards, and blackcurrant fields and sample the fruity liqueur.
Where: The Beacon Hotel, Dudley, West Midlands
Beacon Hotel, 129 Bilston Street, Dudley, DY3 1JE; sarahhughesbrewery.co.uk/
“While many mild ales are renowned for their light alcohol content, Sarah Hughes Dark Ruby is part of a proud tradition of strong dark milds in the West Midlands. A well-kept pint of Dark Ruby at the historic brewery’s tap, The Beacon Hotel, is a thing of joy.”
Tipped by Laura Hadland
Where: The Devonshire Arms, Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire
86 Station Street, Burton upon Trent, DE14 1BT; www.facebook.com/devonshirearmsburton
“The red triangle of Bass is the oldest registered trademark in the UK and speaks of a time when Burton-upon-Trent led the world in brewing. There is nothing quite like a pint of the pale ale at The Devonshire Arms. Rest your pint on the well-polished copper bar tables in the company of retired brewery workers who frequent the establishment.”
Tipped by Laura Hadland
Jack Rear paid a visit to Belvoir Farm, which holds an annual elderflower harvest for visitors
Where: Belvoir Farm, Leicestershire
Barkestone Lane, Bottesford, Leicestershire, NG13 0DH; belvoirfarm.co.uk
Elderflower was growing excessively in the garden of the Manners family, so matriarch Mary created a cordial. Her husband, John, began selling it to local shops and the business grew. That was in the 1950s; nowadays, the family’s Belvoir Farm conducts an annual elderflower harvest which you can get involved in from mid-May to mid-June. Once you’ve dropped off your blooms, refresh yourself with the cordial diluted up to 1:10 or splashed into a glass of prosecco; post-harvest, order it at nearby Belvoir Castle for views of the Vale of Belvoir.
Where: Newton Court, Leominster, Herefordshire
Newton, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 0PF; newtoncourtcider.com
“Perry, or pear cider, is at its best sipped in the sunshine. This is a gentle drink, the juicy pear usually delivered with a dab of honey and a light spritz. Newton Court’s Hereford perry is crisp, refreshing and medium-sweet – pair it with local cheeses, such as those from Monkland Cheese Diary, made nearby at the Newton Court Café and restaurant on site.”
Tipped by Telegraph drinks expert, Susy Atkins
Where: The English Distillery, Norfolk
Harling Road, Roudham, Norfolk NR16 2QW; englishwhisky.co.uk
Over the past two decades, English whiskies have enjoyed worldwide success, with the Cotswolds, Lakes, and Spirit Of Yorkshire distilleries winning a treasure trove of gold medals at prestigious spirit awards. The English Distillery in Norfolk was England’s first modern whisky distillery. Go behind the scenes there on a tasting and tour, and even make your own whisky.
The Black Chalk Estate lies on the banks of the River Test, making it a beautiful venue to taste some of England’s finest wines
Where: Black Chalk Winery, Hampshire
The Old Dairy, Fullerton Road, Andover SP11 7JX; blackchalkwine.co.uk
“England has 85 per cent of the world’s chalk streams and one of the most famous is the River Test. The delicate flavour of Test-caught trout is delicious with Black Chalk Wild Rose Brut 2021, made by Jacob Leadley using pinot noir, pinot meunier and chardonnay grapes grown in the same valley. Drop by the Andover tasting room for a sample.”
Tipped by Telegraph wine correspondent, Victoria Moore
Where: Mermaid Bar, Isle of Wight
Pondwell Hill, Ryde PO33 1PX; isleofwightdistillery.com
Created in the 1980s by Dick Bradsell, considered the godfather of modern mixology, this iconically British cocktail (made with dry gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and crème de mûre) was inspired by Bradsell’s childhood picking blackberries on the Isle of Wight. Where better to sip one, then, than at the home of the island’s excellent Mermaid Gin?
Where: North Downs Way, Kent
The Barns, Church Lane, Barham, Canterbury CT4 6PB; simpsonswine.com
“The North Downs in Kent is a superb place to see chardonnay grapes growing, specifically across the Elham Valley, where the grapes for Simpsons Gravel Castle Chardonnay 2023 are grown. I loved smoked salmon sandwiches with this wine so get out your hiking boots, make a packed lunch and set out on (a stretch of) the North Downs Way near the vineyard.”
Tipped by Victoria Moore
Where: White cliffs of Dover, Kent
Upper Road, Guston, Dover CT16 1HJ; tango.co.uk
The location most associated with a can of fizzy Tango (created in 1950 by the now-defunct Welsh Corona soft drinks brand) are the white cliffs of Dover, where an award-winning advert featured a “Tango executive” threatening to take on “France, Europe” and anyone else who doubted the brilliance of the soft drink. Enjoy a sip of the carbonated creation there in the fresh air.
Robinson’s were the official partners of Wimbledon until 2022, but the refreshing squash is still synonymous with tennis - Oli Scarff / Getty Images
Where: Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, London SW19
Church Road, SW19 5AE; robinsonssquash.co.uk
In 1821, a desperate Matthias Archibold Robinson patented a barley and groats crystal powder for thickening soups and broths as a last attempt to pay off his debtors. It became a hit, winning approval from Queen Victoria. In 1930, salesman Eric Smedley Hodgson mixed it with iced water and lemons for the players at the Wimbledon Championships and the public wanted some too. We’ve been slurping it ever since. The official partnership with the tournament ended in 2022, but after a visit to the Wimbledon Museum a bottle of it is welcome refreshment.
Seedlip is the go-to ‘spirit’ for a sophisticated but non-alcoholic tipple - Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
Where: Sprout Bar, London SW5
1-15 Templeton Place, SW5 9NB; miirohotels.com/templetongarden/eat-and-drink/sprout
The world’s first distilled non-alcoholic “spirit” made waves when it launched in 2015, offering a “grown-up” way to drink without booze – thus the massive “low or no” trend began. One of the best spots to try it is Sprout Bar in Earl’s Court, London, whose menu is designed around fresh British botanicals, just like Seedlip.
Where: The Blue Maid, London SE1
173 Borough High Street, SE1 1HR; thebluemaid.com
“Few contemporary beers receive as much adulation from punters and brewers alike as Elusive Brewing’s Oregon Trail. Its resinous pine and citrus flavours, coupled with a striking bitterness, make this a masterclass in the Californian style of India Pale Ale – produced by a small brewery in Finchampstead in Berkshire. Drink it at the Blue Maid in Borough, a refurbished pub that showcases the best in independent British brewing.”
Tipped by Laura Hadland
Where: Beefeater Distillery, London SE11
20 Montford Place, SE11 5DE; beefeaterdistillery.com
The 19th-century creation of the column still allowed for the creation of a clearer, purer spirit than Dutch genever, leading to the “London Dry” style of gin which allows the subtle botanicals to shine. The distillery which has carried the flag for London Dry the longest? Beefeater, which has been producing the gin since 1867.
Enjoy a London Black in the birthplace of stout at Bentley’s in Mayfair
Where: Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, London W1
11-15 Swallow Street, Piccadilly W1B 4DG; bentleys.org
“London is the birthplace of stout and porter. Anspach & Hobday have revived that tradition with their intensely rich porter, London Black, and it is best enjoyed paired with oysters, as Londoners have been doing for centuries. Nowhere is this experience more pleasurable than on the marble-topped bar of Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill in Mayfair.”
Tipped by Laura Hadland
Where: Merchant House Bar, London EC4
13 Well Court, EC4M 9DN; merchanthouse.bar
Though the gin-based summer cup is commonly associated with garden parties and picnics, Pimm’s was originally created to accompany oysters at James Pimm’s Fishmongers. As Pimm became better known for his drinks, the oyster business disappeared from its old home at 3 Poultry in the City of London, but if you visit the area now you can nip round the corner to Merchant House, where Pimm’s is among the thousands of bottles of spirits it has collected over the years.
For premium Cognac-style brandy, tour and taste at the Burnt Faith Brandy House
Where: Burnt Faith, London E17
57 Sutherland Road, Walthamstow E17 6BH; burntfaith.com
Brandy has long associations with Britain thanks, in part, to our fondness for sploshing it in Christmas bakes and cakes. It was also British colonists who brought brandy to the world, promoting its “stimulating” qualities in helping travellers cope with fevers in hot weather. Cognac-style brandy production recently made its way to Britain via Burnt Faith Brandy House in Walthamstow, which claims to house the only Charentais still in the country, where you can tour and taste.
Jack Rear sampled this famous style of gin at the historic Hayman’s Distillery, which has been crafting the spirit since 1863
Where: Hayman’s Distillery, London SW12
8 Weir Road SW12 0GT; haymansgin.com
Drinks historians suggest the name of this style of gin (which is sweeter than London Dry) refers to the cat’s paw sign pubs displayed to illicitly advertise when the government was cracking down on gin in the 18th century. The first “modern” Old Tom gin was crafted by Hayman’s Distillery, which bases its spirit on an 1860s recipe, where it can be enjoyed in the distillery shop.
Where: Bar Soho, London W1
23-25 Old Compton Street, W1D 5JL; barsoho.co.uk/london-bar
According to urban legend, a model (whose identity has been ascribed to Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Madonna, and Linda Evangelista, among others) walked into the Soho Brasserie and told bartender Dick Bradsell (of The Bramble fame) that she needed a drink to “wake me up and f--- me up”. An espresso machine had been installed in the bar so Bradsell created a drink from espresso, coffee liqueur and vodka. Soho Brasserie is long gone, but Bar Soho does the trick.
Whether shaken or stirred, Dukes Bar in Mayfair is famous for his martinis and counts the Bond author himself among its regular patrons - Claude Okamoto
Where: Dukes Hotel, London SW1
35 St James’s Place, SW1A 1NY; dukeshotel.com/dukesbar.html
“Shaken, not stirred...” James Bond’s famous line is not actually spoken in Ian Fleming’s first novel, Casino Royale; instead, Bond orders an intricate martini: “Three measures of Gordon’s, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it’s ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel.” Bond eventually names it after the first Bond girl, Vesper Lynd. In reality, the cocktail was created by Ivar Bryce, a friend of Fleming’s. The author later said he found the drink “unpalatable”, but if you’re game to try it, do so at Dukes Bar in Mayfair, renowned for its martinis and a favourite haunt of Fleming himself.
Where: Sweetings, London EC4
39 Queen Victoria Street, EC4N 4SF; sweetingsrestaurant.com
Created at the Brooks’ gentlemen’s club in 1861 after the death of Prince Albert, this cocktail, featuring chilled stout beer floating over champagne, looks reminiscent of the black armbands worn by mourners. The most famous place still serving it (in traditional silver tankards) is Sweetings fish bar which opened in 1889 and has since become a lunchtime institution.
Where: Upstairs at Rules, London WC2
34-35 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7LB; rules.co.uk/the-cocktail-bar
Yes, this has French origins, but no tipple has become as closely associated with the Royal family as the late Queen Elizabeth’s “favourite cocktail,” Dubonnet and gin made with one part gin and two parts Dubonnet (a sweet, wine-based aperitif). Sip one in Covent Garden at the cocktail bar above London’s oldest and most venerable restaurant.
Where: The Lanesborough, London SW1
Hyde Park Corner, SW1X 7TA; oetkercollection.com/hotels/the-lanesborough/restaurants-bars/the-library-bar/
Created in 1996 by bartender Salvatore Calabrese as an updated version of the 1920s Marmalade Cocktail, the breakfast martini was considered to be a classy way of consuming alcohol early. Gin, Cointreau, lemon juice and orange marmalade star, garnished with a sliver of toast; it was invented at The Lanesborough hotel’s Library Bar, where you can still order it today.
Of all the British vineyards, Camel Valley is a must-visit for any wine connoisseur
Where: Camel Valley, Cornwall
Nanstallon, Bodmin PL30 5LG; camelvalley.com
“Camel Valley is always on any expert’s checklist of quintessential British wineries to visit. Its Darnibole vineyard, a small area planted on flint soil, was the first in England to be recognised with a protected designation of origin. Where better to sip this refreshing white than in the place where it was grown?”
Tipped by Victoria Moore
Visit the former dairy barn to sample their Old Salt dark rum, fermented from 100 per cent pure sugar cane molasses - Sam Potter
Where: Treguddick Distillery, Cornwall
Treguddick Manor, Launceston PL15 7JN; treguddick.com
Rum’s long association with the British Navy dates back to the start of the 17th century, when sailors were given a daily ration as part of their wages, while the smuggling trade brought rum to Cornish coves: the ideal place to hide shipments from the authorities. Reviving the drink tradition is Treguddick distillery: the first ever to produce rum in Britain. Swing by for a tour and tasting of their fine Old Salt dark rum.
Sheppy’s make all their ciders with a high juice content and fruit from their impressive 90 acres of orchards
Where: Sheppy’s, Taunton, Somerset
Three Bridges, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton, Somerset TA4 1ER; sheppyscider.com/the-cider-farm/house-of-cider/
Records of cider production date back to Julius Caesar’s invasion in 55 BCE and Britain now produces approximately 800 million litres of the stuff (dry, sweet, fizzy, flat – every which way) each year – around 40 per cent of the world’s supply. For a traditional experience, visit Sheppy’s in Taunton, a family-run farm which has been making its cider for over 200 years – making it one of the oldest producers in the world.
Where: The Newt, Somerset
Bruton, Somerset BA7 7NG; thenewtinsomerset.com
In the modern era, brands like Strongbow, Thatcher’s, and Bulmer’s have made cider a mainstay on supermarket shelves, but for a spectacular sip, visit The Newt in Somerset for its luxurious “cyder” tour and tasting, exploring the on-site press and cellar.
The building of the the Black Friars Distillery dates back to the early 1400s - Tony Cobley
Where: Black Friars Distillery, Plymouth, Devon
60 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LQ; plymouthdistillery.com
Plymouth gin was separated from other gins during the 19th-century temperance movement due to its standardised and reliable production process. Later, its earthy taste and sweetness became a favourite of Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles. Longstanding tradition dictates that all Royal Navy ships must carry two bottles of Plymouth gin along with glassware. Head to the distillery for a tasting as you watch the ships in the harbour.
Where: Buckfast Abbey, Devon
Buckfastleigh TQ11 0EE; buckfast.org.uk
Originally invented by the Benedictine monks at Buckfast Abbey, this “tonic wine” containing fortified wine and caffeine has been blamed for all manner of social ills, although the monks of Buckfast Abbey steadfastly deny that their product is harmful when enjoyed responsibly. Try it for yourself on a visit to the abbey, where you can buy it at the gift shop.
Where: Burrow Hill, Martock, Somerset
Pass Vale Farm, Burrow Hill, Kingsbury Episcopi, Martock, Somerset, TA12 6BU; somersetciderbrandy.com
The earliest account of cider brandy production dates back to 1560 in Somerset, and it’s a tradition proudly carried to this day by the Temperley family’s Somerset Cider Brandy Company which works alongside its sister company Burrow Hill Cider to make the premium spirit. Guests can attend an orchard tour and tasting during the summer months.
Where: Cobb Arms, Lyme Regis, Dorset
Marine Parade, Lyme Regis DT7 3JF; cobbarms.co.uk
Vodka originated in Poland but Britain has put its own stamp on the drink. Black Cow ferments the normally-discarded whey from the cheese production process then distills it to make “the world’s smoothest vodka”. Explore the West Dorset hills for a chance to meet the cows whose milk is used to make it, then head to the Cobb Arms in Lyme Regis to enjoy a drink on the Dorset coast 12 miles from where it’s made.
Ramsbury vodka is made from winter wheat grown on their farm and chalk-filtered spring water - Jordan Charlesworth
Where: Ramsbury Estate, Wiltshire
Stockclose Farm, Aldbourne, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 2NN; ramsburyestates.co.uk
Created from bakers wheat farmed in the chalky soil of Wiltshire, Ramsbury Estate’s single estate vodka was first produced in 2015. Book a “taste the estate” tour to explore the land, including the precise field where the wheat from your bottle of vodka was grown.
Colwith Farm is Cornwall’s first ‘plough to bottle’ vodka and gin distillery - Steve Dustow
Where: Colwith Farm Distillery, Cornwall
Pelyn Cross, Lanlivery, Cornwall PL22 0JG; colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk/
Derived from Britain’s oldest potato cultivar, the King Edward, this hyper-smooth vodka by Colwith Farm Distillery became the UK’s first to receive the prestigious Platinum Medal in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Enjoy it on site at its new Farm To Fork Café, where there’s a nature trail across the local moorland to explore the terroir too.
Six ‘O Clock’s damson gin is handmade in the traditional way; in small batches, using hand-picked British damson plums - Pete Axford
Where: The Glassboat, Bristol
Welsh Back, Bristol BS1 4SB; 6oclockgin.com
“Damson gins – purple-hued, deeply aromatic and heart-warming – are traditional British fruit liqueurs and few are better than Bramley & Gage, the long-established West country family of liqueur producers which founded Six O’Clock Gin in Bristol. You can visit the distillery for a tour, but why not enjoy it on board the company’s Glassboat moored at Welsh Back in the heart of Bristol. Sip it neat or in a cocktail – anyone for Damson Negronis?”
Tipped by Susy Atkins
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