Gintastic places to stay
Gin. What more fashionable liquor is there right now? Artisan distilleries. Gin bars. Gin tasting. Non-alcoholic gin. Gin flights. It’s everywhere. And in the Further Afield collection we’ve some fabulous places to stay where you can indulge your love of gin – here’s our Top 5.
St Valery, Alnmouth
Harvey (and Roxy the dog) offer a very gin friendly stay at this dog welcoming B&B. Amazing rooms just off the equally dog friendly beach (above) and an incredibly well stocked honesty bar for when you’re done with your walking. For a really local gin, just half an hour away near Morpeth is the Moorland Spirit Co which produces the renowned Hepple Gin (https://moorlandspirit.co/products/hepplegin)
Manoir Laurette, SW France
Rob and Lora love their food, wine and gin. They offer fabulous cheese and wine if you fancy eating in house, but they also have a “mini gin emporium” with over 25 labels to choose from during your stay with them. No driving = more tasting!
Thatched Cottage Hotel, Hampshire
Jump on the train or take an easy drive to Brockenhurst and The Thatched Cottage Hotel. Matthew and David have an onsite gin bar which has over 300 different gins. They also offer “gin flights” where you have the chance to try a few types – including some very local labels including a salty and lovely Mermaid Gin from the nearby Isle of Wight Distillery (https://isleofwightdistillery.com)
La Villa de Mazamet, SW France
With a great wine and spirits list all year round (including 15 different type of gin from around the world), check out the Gintastic Weekend at La Villa in November. Three nights, two dinners, gin quiz and the all important tasting. Prices from €465 for two.
Dorset House, Lyme Regis
Jason and Lyn have a great honesty bar, packed full of great wines and spirits, but including local gins which you can sample. While you’re staying why not visit the nearby Lyme Bay Winery (https://www.lymebaywinery.co.uk) which is just outside of Axminster and produces Lyme Bay Dry Gin.
