The Ginstitute — Attraction in London

As a group of six celebrating a family member's 50th birthday, we had high expectations for the Ginstitute Tasting at the Soho Hotel – and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can love gin more than you already do, the answer is yes – especially after an experience like this.

We were taken on a spirited journey through the fascinating world of gin, trying a delightful variety of different gins, learning the intricate history behind each sip, and delving into the nuanced ingredients that make up this spectacular potion. And major kudos to Jess, our sommelier for the evening, who was nothing short of brilliant. Her deep knowledge, easy-going nature, and infectious passion for gin turned what could have been a routine tasting into a lively, engaging, and wonderfully educational experience. She really is an asset to the Ginstitute, effortlessly drawing everyone in – even those who might normally prefer a whiskey or a rum.

The setting at Soho Hotel’s private library added a layer of class and intimacy that made the entire evening feel so special. There was something magical about this little nook in central London, where the vibrancy of the city outside contrasted beautifully with the serene, almost hushed atmosphere inside. It’s hard to describe just how perfectly the environment enhanced the experience – it felt like stepping into a different world for a few hours, one where everything revolves around the sheer joy of great company and outstanding gin.

Now, a word to the wise: the Ginstitute experience is what you make of it. If you come with the right people, in the right mindset, then the Ginstitute takes care of the rest. Our group brought the energy, and Jess expertly guided it, making sure every part of the evening was memorable. It’s not just about the gin, although the gin is superb, it’s about being present in the moment with those who matter most.

The cherry on top? We got to take home a bottle of gin crafted by our own hands – a keepsake to remind us of this extraordinary experience for years to come. The cost was well worth it, and honestly, for the quality of the experience - Afternoon drinking is the new vibe. In short, this is an experience you won’t forget and our perfect end to a brat summer – intimate, classy, educational, and absolutely brimming with charm. If you love gin, or even if you’re just gin-curious, do yourself a favour and book it. You won’t regret it, well maybe in...

I got two tickets for ' the experience ' for Christmas. My boyfriend got this for me as I'm a gin fanatic and obsessed with botanicals , and all the old ways of using them for medicine , drinks , perfume etc . I was super exited , but had no idea what to expect. Yesterday we finally managed to make time to go, and we're so glad we did!

We listened to the instructions and had a huge and heavy dinner before we went , and I can only recommend you do the same ;)

Our host was Patrick , who's a professional distiller and a comedian at heart 😊 We both agreed that Patrick played a huge role in this evening's success. In the first part of the experience we and the 6 other participants were sat in a dark and elegant "learning room" , which was designed to give you that classic old bar feel. We were served the first of many delicious gin&tonics there , and then enjoyed one hour of history lesson. It was super informative , very very interesting, and delivered by Patrick in a way that was very entertaining . For the next part all 8 of us sat down at one table in the room next door , and were taught about the different botanicals , where they came from , what they're used for etc . We got to touch and taste the dry botanicals , and sip the pure spirits made of them . Long story short , to me it was heaven . After having tried and understood the function of each botanical in a Gin , we got to create our own bottle of Gin from our favourites.

The whole 3 hour experience is very well thought through and perfectly organized . The ambience is beautiful and classy , and all their staff is super friendly . We loved Patrick , and recommend the experience with him 100%

All in all it was the perfect gift , we left very happy , in a good mood and rather drunk 😊

Will recommend to all our...

Attention all gin lovers! If you find yourself wandering down Portobello Road in London, do not pass up the opportunity to visit The Ginstitute. Trust me, it's worth the detour.

This place is like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, but for gin. The knowledgeable staff will take you on a journey through the history of gin, from its origins as a medicinal tonic to its current status as a beloved cocktail ingredient.

And if that's not enough to get you excited, the real magic happens when you get to create your own gin. That's right - you'll be a master distiller for a day, experimenting with botanicals and creating a personalized blend that will make all your friends jealous.

But don't worry if you're not a gin expert - the staff will guide you every step of the way, making sure your concoction is top-notch. And when you're done, you get to take home a bottle of your very own gin creation.

But the experience doesn't stop there. The Ginstitute also boasts a cozy bar where you can sip on some expertly crafted cocktails, all made with their signature gin blends.

So, whether you're a gin aficionado or just looking for a unique experience in London, The Ginstitute is a must-visit destination. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite...