Skip to main content

Welcome to The Distillery: The World’s First Gin Hotel

gin hotel
Image used with permission by copyright holder
For those that like to base their travel around spirits—weeks on the bourbon trail or an epic month wending your way through Burgundy, for example—more often than not, one problem arises: at the end of the day, you have to leave the distillery and go back to your hotel. Now, though, with the world’s first gin hotel, The Distillery, Portobello Road Gin has eliminated that issue.

Located on Portobello Road in London, England, the four-floor concept hotel opened its doors in December 2016 and is chock full of junipery goodness. On the ground floor, you’ll find The Resting Room, a bar meant to showcase a wide range of spirits created by Master Distiller Jake Burger and a master-level team in two 30L stills located on site. Having the stills on-site means you can try one-of-a-kind gin blends and other experimental spirits, such as an avocado and olive oil vodka. Beyond that, you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of spirits that have been aged in hand-built barrels housed in the bar. Not only are they housed in the bar, but they’re suspended above the bar, and your spirits are served directly from said barrels.

The Resting Room Image used with permission by copyright holder
GinTonica Image used with permission by copyright holder

On the first floor, you’ll find GinTonica, a bar and kitchen with Spanish influences that pays homage to the Spanish love of juniper (as well as the passion for local and fresh ingredients). At GinTonica, you’ll be able to order a variety of gin & tonics, garnished with everything from the usual lime to orange, lavender, or even cocoa nibs while indulging in a menu crafted by Executive Head Chef Greg Lewis of Pintura Kitchen & Bar.

The Boardroom
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Heading upstairs, you’ll find The Boardroom, a private dining room and bar, fulfilling all of your executive needs, as well as three luxury boutique hotel rooms that all overlook the distillery’s namesake Portobello Road.

Recommended Videos

Soon, the Distillery will also house the Ginstitute, a gin-making experience known throughout London (and the world) and headed by same Master Distiller, Jake Burger. Not only will you be able to take a trip through the history of gin, but you’ll be able to leave with your own personally-blended and one-of-a-kind gin.

Guest Rooms Image used with permission by copyright holder

With such an array of ginperiences packed into one place, this seems as good a place as any to add to your bucket list if you’re a gin lover. If you’re not a gin lover, you should probably book a trip anyway, as you’re just as likely to come away loving the stuff after experiencing Portobello Road Gin first-hand.

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
Thinking of moving to Europe? These cities have the highest and lowest rent
Amsterdam came in as the most expensive city in Europe for renters.
Amsterdam

Dreaming of starting a new life in Europe? HousingAnywhere has just released their International Rent Index for Q4, shedding light on the rental prices in some of the continent's most popular cities. The study analyzed 28 cities across 12 European countries, revealing fascinating insights into the cost of apartment rentals. So, which cities are the priciest, and where can you find the best deals?

It’s important to note that this study excluded major rental hubs like Oslo, London, and Copenhagen, which could significantly impact overall trends in rental costs.
The most expensive cities in Europe for renting

Read more
San Francisco travel guide: Where to stay, what to eat, and more
Beyond the Golden Gate, there's a city full of surprises
San Francisco, California

Here at The Manual, San Francisco is one of our favorite spots to travel to, and it's easy to see why. From the historic charm of its world-famous cable cars to the cutting-edge art at the SFMoMA, San Francisco never fails to impress. Its eclectic neighborhoods, like Chinatown and the Mission District, give it a unique flair, while its classic landmarks, like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, continue to bring in millions of tourists each year.

But it's not just the city itself that's worth exploring. San Francisco is also conveniently located near some of the most jaw-dropping national parks in California, like Yosemite National Park and Muir Woods, making it an ideal launchpad for those looking to experience the stunning landscapes of the Golden State. So, if you aren't sure what to do in San Francisco, we've got you covered in this San Fransisco travel guide.
Where to stay

Read more
Escape the city: why Vashon Island is Seattle’s hidden gem
Hidden gems worth exploring on this special pacific island
The owner of Nashi Orchards standing under an apple tree on her property

Vashon Island is just an hour from downtown Seattle, but you’ll feel like you’ve been whisked away to another world. On the 29.7 square-mile island, the pace is slower; everyone knows each other, and I was welcomed into the tight-knit community from the moment I arrived. It's worth adding to your list of Washington State natural attractions to try, rivaling other popular West Coast islands like Bainbridge Island and Whidbey Island.
My weekend on Vashon Island provided just enough time to scope out a few gems worth a stop. Whether hopping on a ferry for a quick afternoon or spending the week, I'm sure you'll fall in love with this charming island just as I did. Here's my list of things to do on Vashon Island.

1. Sip on traditional ciders from local orchards

Read more