The old Plymouth Gin distillery in the Barbican has a wonderful history and is one of the oldest buildings in the city.
It dates from the early 15th century, with the original Refectory Room still intact, with its hull-shaped timber roof dating from 1431. It was originally a monastery occupied by the Black Friars, but in 1536, with the Reformation and dissolution of the monasteries, it became first a debtors’ prison and then a billet for fleeing French Huguenots. Earliest indications of liquor production show that a "mault-house" existed here in 1697.
In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night here prior to setting sail to the New World in the Mayflower. Indeed, their ship is still the label trademark of Plymouth Gin.
In Victorian times, the gin became popular with the Royal Navy, who at peak, were buying 1,000 barrels a year for issue to the ranks. This was navy-strength, 57% ABV liquor.
By 1900, more than 1,000 barrels per week were being sent to New York, where the original recipe for a dry martini specified Plymouth Gin.
Throughout World War II, Plymouth was bombed relentlessly by the Luftwaffe, which reduced most of the area to rubble, but the distillery escaped relatively unscathed, suffering one hit that caused a small fire but little structural damage. But after the war, fortunes started to slide as a succession of owners let the brand slip, and by the early ‘90s, less than 5,000 cases a year were being produced.
However, the distillery was passed to a new owner who had the vision to market the product effectively, and by the end of the’90s, Plymouth Gin was being sold in more then 20 countries and is currently the highest selling premium gin in the world.
Trips are available to view the distillery, which is open to visitors 7 days a week from 10:30am to 4:30pm. The entrance fee is £6 for one adult.