Beefeater Gin Distillery
20 Montford Place, London, Greater London, SE11 5DE
Visitors flock to this Edwardian-era distillery in Kennington to sample award-winning gin made with a 19th-century recipe—but you don’t have to be a gin lover to enjoy a tour. Exploring the Beefeater Gin Distillery is also an opportunity to learn the history of gin in London, while on a campus that features everything from original Victorian pot stills to rooms overflowing with fragrant fresh botanicals, tasting rooms, and “secret” bars.
The Basics
A Beefeater Gin Distillery tour takes about an hour and includes a guided tour, a self-guided visit to the exhibition areas, and a chance to sample the award-winning Beefeater Gin. Tours are free for London Pass holders and VIP tours, which includes a gin tasting led by an expert, are also available.
Things to Know Before You Go
The legal age for drinking or purchasing alcohol in the UK is 18—you may be asked for ID. Soft drinks are offered to underage visitors.
Interactive iPads, which are preloaded with guides and info, are available to rent at the ticket office.
The distillery is fully wheelchair accessible, complete with lift access and accessible restrooms.
Advance bookings are recommended.
How to Get There
Beefeater London: The Home of Gin is located in Kennington, South London. The nearest tube stations are Oval on the Northern Line and Vauxhall on the Victoria Line.
When to Get There
Beefeater Distillery is open Monday to Saturday; tours typically run every 30 minutes. The busiest time is in July and August when afternoon tours can sell out; during slower times of year, there may be fewer daily tours.
A Tour of Beefeater Gin Distillery
Tours of the Beefeater Gin Distillery are split into two parts—a self-guided tour of the interactive Beefeater London: The Home of Gin, followed by a guided tour of the facility. During the first half, journey back to 18th-century London and discover the gin craze that swept the city; you can walk down a replica of William Hogarth's famous Gin Lane, explore a Victorian-era Covent Garden (that produced the herbs, fruits, and flowers that flavored the gin), and visit Burrough's American Bar. On the guided tour, meanwhile, you’ll see the original copper stills, learn about the art of gin-making, and enjoy a complimentary gin-and-tonic at the distillery’s bar.
Ways to explore
Guided tours are the only way to experience the Beefeater Gin Distillery in London. The basic 1.5-hour tour includes a visit to the production site, an interactive talk about botanicals, and a guided tasting of three London gins. A slightly longer “VIP” option explores the gin-making process in greater depth and includes both a welcome cocktail and a visit to the private speakeasy-style bar for a custom gin and tonic. The VIP tours are also smaller, which is ideal for visitors eager for one-on-one time to discuss the history and craft of gin.
Accessibility
The Beefeater Gin Distillery is wheelchair accessible.
Age limits
No entry for kids under age 8, ages 8–17 must be accompanied by an adult
What to pack
Reusable water bottle, umbrella, Oyster card (for public transit)
What to wear
Comfortable shoes with traction, as the distillery tours include time on the factory floor
Not allowed
Matches, lighters, e-cigarettes
Amenities
Restrooms, Wi-Fi, bag check
Address
The Beefeater Gin Distillery is located near Kennington Park, south of the River Thames—it’s a roughly 20-minute tube ride from central London sites like Trafalgar Square or Buckingham Palace.
Driving
While you can drive to the Beefeater Gin Distillery, congested streets and limited parking mean most visitors opt to come by public transit or taxi. A parking garage is located a 15-minute walk away, at 106 Fentiman Road.
Public transportation
There are two tube stations located close to the distillery. Oval tube station, on the Northern Line, is a 10-minute walk away. Vauxhall tube station, on the Victoria Line, is roughly 15 minutes away.
Best times to visit
The most popular time to visit the distillery is in the afternoon—closer to cocktail hour. For last-minute tickets or fewer crowds, visit in the morning.
Best days to visit
Friday and Saturday tours are popular. If you can visit on a weekday, you’ll find the distillery relatively quiet.
Best months to visit
Summer brings a festive atmosphere to the distillery, which hosts warm-weather events and opens the doors to outdoor seating.
Special events
The distillery hosts special events, generally in July and August. Past festivities have included a summer drag party and summer festival. Check the website for listings.
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