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City of London Distillery

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London
London

City of London Distillery

22-24 Bride Lane, London EC4Y 8DT, United Kingdom

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Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away in a basement off Fleet Street, the City of London Distillery operates as both London's only working distillery in the historic Square Mile and one of the capital's most intimate speakeasies. With copper stills named Clarissa, Jennifer, and Elizabeth working behind glass in a cosy 9x14ft space, this multi-award-winning venue offers something genuinely unique in London's crowded bar scene.

City of London Distillery: London's Best-Kept Gin Secret

Where craft meets history in the Square Mile's only working distillery

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Descending into this underground speakeasy feels like discovering a well-guarded secret. The exposed brick walls and warm copper glow from the working stills create an undeniably romantic atmosphere that scores high on sophistication without feeling pretentious. The aromatic gin vapours add an authentic sensory layer you simply won't find elsewhere. The intimate 9x14ft space means this isn't a venue for large groups – it's designed for couples and small gatherings of up to 10 people maximum. The retro-cozy aesthetic perfectly balances vintage charm with the industrial beauty of active distillation equipment. The relaxed speakeasy energy encourages conversation, though the basement location does feel somewhat cramped when busy. This is very much a hidden gem that rewards those who seek it out, embodying that classic London tradition of the best spots being the hardest to find.

Food & Drink

While this isn't a restaurant, the City of London Distillery excels in what it does offer – an exceptional gin experience. With over 375 gins available, including their signature varieties like London Dry, Christopher Wren, Square Mile, Old Tom, Sloe, and Six Bells Lemon, the selection is genuinely impressive. The gin flights at £25 provide excellent value for exploring their award-winning range, while cocktails priced between £7.50-£11 represent competitive pricing for London, especially given the quality and unique setting. Light bites are available including cheese and meat boards, olives, and nuts – simple offerings that complement rather than compete with the gin focus. The distillery also offers immersive experiences like distillery tours (£15) and gin-making classes (£125 per person), adding educational value to the drinking experience.

Service & Experience

The knowledgeable staff clearly understand their craft, guiding guests through gin flights and offering expert advice on the extensive selection. Table service ensures a more refined experience than typical bar service, fitting the sophisticated atmosphere. The team's expertise shines when explaining the distillation process and helping navigate the 375+ gin options. Given the intimate setting and specialized nature of the venue, staff attention feels personal and informative rather than rushed.

Value for Money

At price level 2 out of 4, this represents what I'd call 'affordable luxury' – you're paying for a genuinely unique experience rather than just drinks. Cocktails at £7.50-£11 are competitive for London, particularly considering you're drinking in the city's only working distillery. The gin flights at £25 offer excellent value for exploring multiple award-winning spirits, while the distillery tours at £15 provide behind-the-scenes access that justifies the cost. The gin-making classes at £125 per person represent a significant investment but offer hands-on experience you can't get elsewhere in the Square Mile.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Open Monday-Thursday 12pm-10pm and Friday-Saturday 12pm-11pm (closed Sundays). The 5pm distillery tour is particularly recommended as it allows you to see the operation in action before settling in for evening cocktails. Weekday visits likely offer a more intimate experience given the small space.

What to Focus On

Start with a gin flight (£25) to explore their signature varieties including the London Dry, Christopher Wren, and Square Mile gins. Their award-winning spirits are the main draw, so focus on their house productions rather than the broader selection of 375+ gins.

Christoff's Insider Tips

Book the 5pm distillery tour for behind-the-scenes access to see the copper stills in action, then stay for sunset cocktails. The venue offers private hire for events up to 10 people – perfect for special occasions. Follow their Instagram @cityoflondondistillery for updates and special releases.

The Final Verdict

City of London Distillery succeeds brilliantly at being something genuinely different in London's saturated bar scene. The combination of working distillery, intimate speakeasy atmosphere, and expert-guided gin education creates an experience that feels both authentic and special. Yes, the basement location feels cramped and accessibility may be limited, but these constraints also contribute to the venue's exclusive, hidden-gem appeal. The pricing strikes the right balance between premium experience and London reality, while the knowledgeable staff elevate this beyond a typical night out.

Christoff's Rating:
8.2/10

Perfect For:

couples seeking romantic date nightsgin enthusiasts wanting educational experiencessmall groups celebrating special occasions

Quick Details

1

City of London Distillery

⭐️ Working distillery
⭐️ Copper stills
⭐️ Gin education
💖 Romantic underground

London's only working distillery in the Square Mile operates from a basement speakeasy that feels like discovering a secret laboratory. The copper stills named Clarissa, Jennifer, and Elizabeth work behind glass in the intimate 9x14ft space, creating an atmosphere where gin vapors mix with the romantic glow of copper and exposed brick. This isn't just a bar,it's a working distillery where you can watch your gin being made while sipping cocktails crafted from their award-winning spirits. The knowledgeable staff guide gin flights and immersive experiences, from distillery tours to gin-making classes, making this perfect for anyone who wants to understand their drink as much as enjoy it. With 375+ gins including their signature varieties, this represents genuine craft rather than manufactured atmosphere.

What's Great

✓ Only working gin distillery in London's Square Mile with award-winning spirits

✓ Intimate basement setting with copper stills and genuine romantic underground atmosphere

Keep in Mind

× Underground basement location may feel cramped with larger groups

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Book the 5pm distillery tour for behind-scenes access, then stay for sunset cocktails

Vibe check scores

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Venue details

🕐"Mon-Thu: 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 12pm-11pm, Sun: Closed"
📍22-24 Bride Lane, London EC4Y 8DT, United Kingdom
💷£££
📞+44 20 7936 3636
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

City of London Distillery has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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