Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour: FAQs

By Matthew Pearson
Published: July 17, 2024

Do I get to drink some gin?

gin-tag-on-glass-bottle-full

Woah, straight off the bat. Yeah, yes, you can. At the end.

OK, so what happens first?

First off is a self-discovery tour -

‘Self-discovery’? I don’t go to gin distilleries to discover myself.

It’s just the term they use...how is ‘self-guided’ for you?

Yeah, that I can deal with. Go ahead.

Thanks. So first off is a self-guided tour around a museum revealing the history of gin in London. You’ll find out how gin was first created and how international factors and bold personalities turned it into London’s drink of choice and the world’s most popular cocktail spirit. And, of course, you’ll learn about how Beefeater Gin came to be and how it set itself apart as an iconic London gin. And then -

I get to drink some gin.

Nope, not yet. You still haven’t had a distillery tour. This part is guided. You’ll head into the distillery and learn about the hand-crafted production process behind every bottle of Beefeater Gin. The Kennington distillery still hand-crafts their gin to a secret recipe that hasn’t changed since the 1800s. So there’s a lot of history in this place, and totally authentic London Dry Gin is all they produce. Your tour guide will also break down the different ingredients that go into their gin, and you’ll learn just what a sensory balancing act is going on inside it. And then -

I get to drink some gin?

Yes, you get to drink some gin. But this is a tutor-led comparative tasting session of gins from across the Beefeater range. You’ll be picking up on differences both clear and subtle, and learning all that gin-tasting vocab that will make you so fun to talk to at parties.

OK, I’ve finished that. My favourite was that one. And that one. And....that one.

Well, that’s all of them.

Yeah, I’m pretty keen on gin. Something of a connoisseur.

I see. Well, the bold finish to the Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour is a complimentary Beefeater Gin and Tonic. If you’re under 18, you get a complimentary soft drink.

Suckers.

Ok, yep, well that’s the main tour completed. Any questions?

Yes, can I bring my eight year old?

No, nine and up only.

How much does it cost?

Adult tickets (18 - 59 years old) cost £15. Children get in free, but remember that under 9s can’t come in. Concessions (Over 60s and Students) cost £13.50. But guess what...entry is included with the London Pass.

Is there a VIP experience available?

Yes. Hosted on select Fridays, VIP tours give you more info, more access and more gin. They last about two and a half hours and kick off at 10.30am. Children cannot join the tours. 18 and above only. It costs £40 and is not available with the London Pass.

How long does the Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour last?

Around an hour and a half.

What are the opening hours and tour times?

Monday to Saturday, the distillery is open to visitors from 10am until 6.30pm. Last entry is at 5pm. They are closed on Sundays, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The first guided tour leaves at 11am, and they run on the hour, every hour. The last tour leaves at 5pm. On Bank Holidays, the distillery is open from 11am until 4.30pm, with the last admissions at 3pm.

Is the Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, it is fully wheelchair accessible.

Are there any multimedia aspects?

What a strange way of asking that question. Yes, there’s an app that you use on a complimentary hire iPad.

And how do I get to the Beefeater Gin Distillery Tour?

gin-distillation-process-copper-tanks

Tube is probably easiest. You’ll find two underground stations very close to the distillery. Oval on the Northern Line is around 10 minutes walk away. Vauxhall Underground Station is on the Victoria Line and is about 15 minutes walk away. You can also get mainline South West Train services into Vauxhall Station from across Surrey, Hampshire and the Greater London area. Bus-wise, you should check with Transport for London’s Journey Planner.

Is there a shop at the distillery?

Yes, right at the start.

Do they sell gin?

Strangely, no.

What?

Yes, of course they do. Little souvenirs and bottles of gin. You’ll love it. Fancy a drink out in the sunshine? Read our guide to London's best rooftop bars.

Matthew Pearson
London Travel Expert

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