Imagine spending a relaxed afternoon in one of London’s most charming neighborhoods, mastering the art of gin making—then leaving with a personalized bottle as a souvenir. This Make Your Own Gin Workshop in Greenwich promises not just a chance to learn about gin, but to create your own unique recipe, taste expertly curated botanicals, and enjoy a fun, hands-on experience. It’s perfect for lovers of spirits, curious travelers, or anyone interested in adding a personal touch to their cocktail repertoire.
What we find particularly appealing about this experience is its location within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Greenwich, offering a picturesque backdrop to your creative journey. Plus, the focus on sustainability and ocean preservation adds a meaningful layer to the fun. However, it’s worth noting that while the workshop is quite interactive and comprehensive, it doesn’t include a formal distillery tour, which some might expect on a spirits-focused outing.
For those seeking a memorable activity that balances learning with entertainment, this workshop suits couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for an authentic, craft-focused experience in London. If you’re after a relaxed, informative afternoon with a tangible takeaway, this could be just the ticket.
Good To Know
- Location: Situated in Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage site with plenty of nearby attractions.
- Duration: 2.5 hours, ideal for a relaxed yet engaging experience.
- Included: Tasting, cocktail, and your personalized gin bottle to take home.
- Focus: Hands-on blending, professional guidance, and sustainability themes.
- Group Size: Available as a private experience or small group activity.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, multiple languages offered including English, French, and Spanish.
An In-Depth Look at the Experience
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The Setting: Greenwich’s Historic Charm
The workshop takes place at the Greenwich Distillery Shop & Tasting Rooms, located inside the Old Royal Naval College. This spot offers a stunning historic ambiance, with views that make the experience even more memorable. It’s an ideal starting point as you arrive just a minute from Greenwich Pier if you’re arriving by river boat—a relaxing way to get into the heart of London’s maritime history.
What to Expect on Arrival
As soon as you walk in, a welcome Greenwich gin and tonic awaits, setting a friendly, laid-back tone. This isn’t a formal lecture but an engaging, interactive session led by knowledgeable guides. You’ll be told a brief history of gin and familiarized with distillation techniques and flavor profiles. According to reviews, guides such as the Greenwich Spirits Company staff are well-informed and approachable, making the learning process enjoyable rather than overwhelming.
Sampling Botanicals & Choosing Flavors
Next comes the fun part—sampling a variety of pure botanical distillates. Guests have the chance to taste different flavors, from classic juniper to more exotic botanicals, helping you understand what suits your palate. Reviewers have appreciated how “the guided sampling of botanicals and flavors” was both educational and enjoyable, with some noting the guide’s patience in helping them craft their perfect recipe.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCrafting Your Unique Gin
After tasting, you’ll select your favorite botanicals to blend into your own gin. The process is taken step-by-step, with guides helping you develop a flavor profile that aligns with your preferences. You get to label, name, and seal your bottle, making it a personalized keepsake. Many reviews mention how the guide’s expertise made the process straightforward and fun, even for first-timers.
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Enjoying Your Creation and More
Once your gin is bottled and sealed, you get to enjoy it in a G&T onsite—an ideal way to taste your creation fresh. The experience also includes a full bottle of your bespoke gin to take home, perfect for future cocktails or gift-giving. Plus, you’ll receive a 10% discount on bottle purchases and cocktails, which adds extra value for those keen to explore more spirits during their visit.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Stop 1: Greenwich Distillery Shop & Tasting Rooms — your starting point, with a warm welcome and views to match.
Stop 2: A quick 10-minute cocktail session where you can sip on a G&T made with your own gin, savoring the fruits of your labor.
Stop 3: A 20-minute guided tour that offers insight into the distillery processes, history, and the philosophy behind the spirits—valuable for those interested in the craft.
Stop 4: The core of the experience—a 1.5-hour spirits workshop where you blend, label, and seal your own gin. This is the highlight, where your creativity truly shines.
Stop 5: Return to the original location, bringing home your custom gin and memories of a fantastic, hands-on activity.
Practical Details and Value
Price and What It Gets You
At $81.83 per person, this experience offers excellent value considering it includes not just a tasting and cocktail, but also your own personalized gin bottle. When you compare this to typical gin tasting or cocktail classes, the added element of creating and taking home a bespoke spirit makes it a worthwhile investment.
Duration & Group Size
The 2.5-hour timeframe is well-balanced—long enough to enjoy the process without feeling rushed. The option for private groups makes it ideal for celebrations or special occasions, while the regular small-group setup fosters a friendly, engaging atmosphere.
Accessibility & Languages
The venue is wheelchair accessible, accommodating a wider range of guests. Guides speak English, French, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication for international visitors.
Location & Accessibility
Set in Greenwich, the experience benefits from excellent transport links, especially via river boat, adding an extra scenic element to your day. The proximity to other attractions means you can easily make this a part of a broader sightseeing itinerary.
Authentic Insights from Reviews
Guests highlight the knowledge and approachability of guides, with many appreciating how they felt supported throughout the process. For example, one reviewer said, “The guide’s patience in helping me develop my blend made the experience really enjoyable.” Others enjoyed the “relaxing atmosphere and the chance to learn about gin in a fun way,” emphasizing that it’s accessible even for complete novices.
Some mention the value of the take-home bottle as a memorable souvenir, while a few note that the distillery tour isn’t included**, but the guided process still gives a solid understanding of gin-making.
The Sum Up
This Make Your Own Gin Workshop in Greenwich offers a rare chance to get hands-on with spirit blending in a historic, scenic setting. It’s perfect for curious travelers, cocktail enthusiasts, or groups celebrating special occasions. With professional guidance, a relaxed atmosphere, and a personalized bottle to take home, it delivers both education and entertainment in a way that feels genuine and accessible.
While it doesn’t include an official distillery tour, the workshop’s core focus on blending and tasting ensures you leave with a newfound appreciation for gin and a bespoke product to enjoy later. Its value for money, combined with the picturesque Greenwich backdrop, makes it a memorable addition to any London itinerary.
If you’re after a fun, authentic, spirits-focused activity that balances learning with creativity, this workshop is a top pick. It’s particularly suited for those who want a meaningful souvenir and an engaging experience rather than a standard tasting or class.
FAQs
Is transportation to the workshop included?
No, but the Greenwich Distillery Shop & Tasting Rooms is easily accessible, especially via river boat services from central London, just a minute walk from Greenwich Pier.
How long does the experience last?
The entire workshop runs for approximately 2.5 hours, providing enough time for tasting, blending, and enjoying your gin without feeling rushed.
Can I book a private group?
Yes, private group bookings are available, making it perfect for celebrations or special occasions.
Is the activity suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are friendly and helpful, making it easy for first-timers to learn and enjoy the process.
Are the guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, they speak English, French, and Spanish, accommodating international visitors comfortably.
What is included in the price?
Your ticket includes a welcome G&T, guided botanical tasting, your custom gin in a sealed bottle, and a G&T made with your own creation.
Can I buy more spirits or cocktails during the visit?
Yes, guests receive a 10% discount on bottle purchases and cocktails.
Does the experience include a distillery tour?
No, but the guided spirits workshop provides detailed insights into gin blending, which many guests find equally informative.
Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the Greenwich Distillery Shop & Tasting Rooms is wheelchair accessible.
What kind of flavors can I expect to blend?
You’ll sample various botanicals, potentially including juniper, citrus peels, and exotic spices, to create a unique flavor profile.
This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect, so you can decide if crafting your own gin in historic Greenwich is the right activity for your London trip.
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