Sipsmith, microdistillery located in London, England
Sipsmith is a small distillery in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham that produces gin through traditional copper-pot methods. The space showcases gleaming copper stills, including the distinctive Prudence still, alongside glass bottles and various dried botanicals used to create the spirits.
Founded in 2007, the distillery faced an obstacle when a law from 1823 prohibited small-scale distilleries, which the founders successfully changed in 2008. Production began in 2009, making Sipsmith the first copper distillery to operate in London in nearly two centuries.
The name Sipsmith comes from the craft of distilling, drawing on the language of skilled trades and smithery. It represents a revival of London's forgotten tradition of small-batch gin making, and visitors can sense how deeply the makers connect their work to the city's historic spirit-making heritage.
The distillery is located in the Chiswick area and offers guided tours on selected days that require advance booking. The space is compact and easy to navigate, allowing visitors to observe the distillation process closely and engage with the makers about their craft.
A notable detail on the bottle depicts the founder's vintage scooter motorcycle that was used to deliver the first batches of gin. Another element features a government scroll acknowledging the distillery as London's first small-batch gin maker in 200 years following the law change.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
