A Site Steeped in History
Laverstoke Mill occupies a conservation area with over 1,000 years of history. For over 225 years, the Victorian and Georgian buildings straddling the River Test produced banknote paper for the Bank of England and the British Empire. Records show that a mill has been located at Laverstoke since 903 AD, initially producing corn before transitioning to paper production for around 250 years.
The site's transformation began when the Bombay Spirits Company acquired it in 2010. After extensive renovation, the Bombay Sapphire Distillery opened to the public on October 1, 2014. What was once a derelict mill has been transformed into a state-of-the-art premium gin distillery and visitor center that reflects the highest standards in design, functionality, and sustainability.
Architectural Innovation
Perhaps the most striking feature of the distillery is the pair of glasshouses designed by renowned architect Thomas Heatherwick and his studio. These magnificent structures showcase the ten exotic botanicals that give Bombay Sapphire its distinctive flavor profile. The glasshouses and the two-hectare grounds through which the widened Test chalk river flows were planted by experts from Kew Gardens, with an on-site horticulturalist maintaining the botanical displays.
This blend of industrial heritage and innovative design creates a unique atmosphere that has earned the distillery numerous architectural awards. The renovation preserved the character of the historic buildings while introducing contemporary elements that reflect the brand's forward-thinking approach.
The Visitor Experience
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery offers several visitor experiences, all of which must be booked online in advance:
The Discovery Experience
Every Discovery Experience begins with a trip to the Turbine Bar, where visitors choose from three Bombay gins to make their own complimentary gin and tonic. Guests then relax in the cinema room for an immersive introduction to the Bombay Sapphire brand before embarking on a guided tour of the distillery.
The tour takes visitors through several key areas:
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The Dakin Still House - Where guests can uncover the unique Vapour Infusion process that gives Bombay Sapphire gin its bright, fresh flavor. This distillation method differs from many other gins, as the botanicals never actually touch the alcohol but instead impart their flavors through the vapor.
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The Glasshouses - Exploring the ten botanicals nurtured in partnership with Kew Gardens Innovation Unit. These stunning structures maintain different climates to support Mediterranean and tropical plant species.
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The Botanical Dry Room - Where visitors can discover the aromas and unique flavor profile of each of the exotic botanicals used in Bombay Sapphire gin.
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The Heritage Room and Gallery - Offering insights into the rich history of both Laverstoke Mill and Bombay Sapphire.
Gin Cocktail Masterclasses
For those looking to deepen their gin knowledge, the distillery offers various cocktail masterclasses. These take place in the exclusive Blue Room where visitors enjoy a Creative Expression cocktail on arrival before learning about different gin expressions and how they are complemented by various vermouths and mixers. Participants even bottle their own recipe to take home.
Specialized experiences are also available, including the Gin Connoisseur class focused on Bombay Infusion Gins, and the Sunset Experience where guests learn to create sundowner cocktails with Bombay Sapphire Sunset.
The Complete Experience
After the tour, visitors are invited to enjoy a complimentary Bombay Sapphire cocktail in the Mill Bar or on the Terrace next to the River Test. The Mill Bar is a beautiful space with two floors of differing levels, a mezzanine, and a terrace that allows guests to enjoy their drinks alongside the river.
The distillery's Gin Shop sells limited editions of Bombay Sapphire and cocktail accessories, allowing visitors to take home everything they need to recreate their favorite drinks. For designated drivers, the distillery provides takeaway sample containers and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience responsibly.
For those wishing to make a day of it, The Mill Café offers delicious food made from the freshest ingredients sourced from local suppliers.
Accessibility and Practical Information
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery has been designed with accessibility as a priority, though visitors should note that sensible footwear is required during the tour, with open-toed shoes and high heels not permitted.
The distillery is located on the B3400 (London Road) between Overton and Whitchurch in Hampshire, approximately 15 miles from Winchester and 10 miles from Basingstoke. It can be reached by various means of transport:
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By Car: From the M3/Basingstoke, follow signs for Bombay Sapphire along the B3400. From the M4/A34, follow signs to Overton.
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By Train: Overton train station is a 2.5-mile drive or a 50-minute walk from the distillery.
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By Bus: The 76 bus between Basingstoke and Andover stops right outside the distillery at Laverstoke Mill. Alternatively, the 86 bus runs between Winchester and Basingstoke.
Beyond the Standard Tour
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the distillery offers opportunities for group bookings of 11 or more people and is also available for hire for corporate events, meetings, banquets, private parties, and wedding receptions.
One visitor reviewing their experience noted: "If you do have any interest at all in gin - whether it be the taste of the spirit, the cocktails, the distilling, or its history - then you could not wish for a better place to visit and whet your appetite for it."
What Sets Bombay Sapphire Distillery Apart
What makes the Bombay Sapphire Distillery experience distinctive is the combination of historical context, architectural innovation, and interactive elements. Rather than simply walking through production facilities, visitors engage with the brand's story through multiple sensory touchpoints.
The tour eloquently demonstrates how the gin's flavor profile reflects its production methods and the carefully selected botanicals, creating a connection between the visitor and the product that extends beyond the distillery visit. The complimentary cocktail at the end of the tour allows guests to taste the culmination of everything they've learned.
As one visitor described it: "The tours here are frequent and friendly... The Bombay Sapphire distillery is not big, it's set on the site of a 400-year-old mill, selected originally for the access to the small river that runs through it and developed over a couple of hundred years to be the perfect place to distill its very fine product."
What to Expect When Visiting a Distillery
The Bombay Sapphire experience exemplifies what visitors can generally expect when touring a quality distillery:
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An educational journey that covers both the history of the spirit and its production process.
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Sensory elements that engage multiple senses - from the visual impact of the production facilities to the aromas of the ingredients and, ultimately, the taste of the product.
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Expert guidance from knowledgeable staff who can answer questions and provide insights not found in books or online.
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Tasting opportunities that allow visitors to appreciate the nuances of the product in its various forms.
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A retail component enabling guests to purchase products, including distillery exclusives not available elsewhere.
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Consideration for all visitors, including designated drivers and those with accessibility requirements.
What distinguishes exceptional distillery experiences, like that offered at Bombay Sapphire, is the attention to detail in creating a cohesive narrative that ties together the brand's heritage, production methods, and flavor profile in a memorable way.
The storytelling element is crucial - visitors aren't just learning how gin is made; they're being invited into the Bombay Sapphire story and experiencing firsthand how the brand's values of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation manifest in their product.
Planning Your Visit
The Bombay Sapphire Distillery is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday every week, plus bank holidays and selected weekdays during school holidays. Opening hours vary seasonally:
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April to September: Monday to Thursday 11:00 to 18:00 (last Discovery Experience entry at 16:00); Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 to 20:00 (last Discovery Experience entry at 18:00).
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October to March: Monday to Thursday 11:00 to 18:00 (last Discovery Experience entry at 16:00); Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10:00 to 18:00 (last Discovery Experience entry at 16:00).
Advance booking is essential for all experiences, with prices varying depending on the chosen tour or masterclass. For the most current information on opening times, experiences, and special events, visitors should check the Bombay Sapphire Distillery website.
Bombay Sapphire Distillery is located at Laverstoke Mill, London Road, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7NR. For more information or to book a tour, visit www.bombaysapphire.com/distillery or call 01256 890090.