Belfast Artisan Gin School Launch

4 January, 2022

Our sister business; Belfast Artisan Gin School were delighted to open its doors officially on Thursday 18^th November, 2021 for the Belfast Artisan Gin School launch which was officially opened by Councillor Billy Webb; the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey. 

Belfast Artisan Gin School which is situated above the Crown & Shamrock Inn in Newtownabbey, offers guests the opportunity to make and distil their own gin.  The Crown & Shamrock is steeped in local history and first opened its doors as a public house in 1872 and Belfast Artisan Gin School feel privileged to be located on the first floor of this cosy pub. 

Its two founders, Jo Davison and Fiona McAlinden have been quietly operating the business since August 2021 and are delighted with the response which the Gin School has already had across Northern Ireland.  

At Belfast Artisan Gin School, guests make their own bespoke gin using a mini copper still and botanicals of their own choosing.  The 3-hour gin experience is guided by both Jo Davison and Fiona McAlinden who are both passionate about all things gin.  

The gin experience commences with guests receiving a glass of Belfast Artisan Distillery Gin to enjoy, before the gin making gets underway.  Belfast Artisan Distillery Gin is produced in the Antrim & Newtownabbey area and this locally produced London Dry Gin is a small batch gin with a ‘Belfast twist.’

During the ‘Gin Experience,’ there are over 80 botanicals to choose from so everyone’s gin ends up with a unique taste & flavour.  Guests also get the opportunity to name and bottle their blend to take home with them.  

Jo Davison, Co-Founder of Belfast Artisan Distillery, said; “We have a wonderful space to operate from. The room accommodates up to 24 people.  We see a lot of couples and friends booking a gin experience and it has been popular also with large parties of up to 24 people looking to do something that bit different, for example celebrating a birthday or an upcoming wedding. 

“It is always great seeing everyone so happy at the end of the Gin Experience; walking away after learning a new skill.  We also keep everyone’s own unique gin recipe on record and can re-create it again for them at any time a participant would like to purchase it again.  Now that we are well and truly on the run up to Christmas, past Gin School participants have been re-ordering their unique blends to give as Christmas presents to friends & family this year which is a lovely thought.”  

Fiona McAlinden, who co-founded Belfast Artisan Gin School with Jo said; “One of our objectives is not only to enhance the Borough for local people but also to encourage and attract tourists from the UK, Ireland and further afield.  Belfast Artisan Gin School has had great reviews since we opened and we have already welcomed visitors from Jersey, Glasgow, London, Dublin and Liverpool as well as locals from Northern Ireland.  It has been great to be welcoming guests from so many different parts of the UK & Ireland through our doors, especially during the middle of a Pandemic.  We therefore appreciate all of the support from everyone who has  and continues to support and champion us.” 

To book an experience with Gin School, click here. 

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