What did you do before creating Ludlow Gin? I’ve been lucky, I’ve had two very enjoyable parallel careers, classical music, and architectural conservation. Prior to starting Ludlow Gin, I was both Director of Music and Clerk of Works at one of England’s finest and largest mediaeval churches, St Laurence’s, Ludlow. I still keep my hand in giving recitals all over the UK, last year at St Paul’s Cathedral, London and shortly in Berlin where I’m doing a whisky tasting and organ recital! What made you decide to create your distillery and gin? There were two key moments - on December 30th while dozing after the Christmas lunch, my sister-in-law told me about their neighbour who was distilling apple brandy. She simply said, ‘you could do this you know’, it was a seed. The next day I was on a 10k run and ran past a gin distillery, the eureka moment, no one has made Ludlow Gin, my obsessive character kicked in, I love planning and I like a challenge. Before I knew it, I’d applied for the license, bought my first still, been granted a license and made my first gin about two months later. I thought I’d make 60 bottles a week as a hobby. September 2023 marks our fifth birthday, over the last five years our team has grown to include Ludlow Whisky, as well as Ludlow Fine Wines (formerly John Villar Wines). We’re excited to have launched our new distillery at Ludlow Farmshop in April, with a wide variety of activities for you to enjoy, we’ve finally realised our dream to bring something new and exciting to the famous food scene of Ludlow. Come visit the distillery at Ludlow Farmshop to see, taste, and experience the spirit of Ludlow.
What is the inspiration behind the gin and the Ludlow Gin brand? Having moved to Ludlow 25 years ago when my husband was appointed as organist at Hereford Cathedral, I ended up working in Ludlow and it’s become my work home. Having got to know so many people in the food trade, it was a natural progression. A big inspiration is the fact there are so many interesting ingredients with Ludlow connections:
Can you tell us more about the distillery? A visit to our new distillery will be your chance to get behind the scenes and discover how these curiously smooth spirits are crafted. Discover how Ludlow Distillery was born, from the humble beginnings of Ludlow Gin, through to the launch of our English single malt whisky. Learn about our production story and sample some of our finest spirits, all made with love. You can now visit our Distillery shop and discover our full range of gins, vodkas, rums, liqueurs, and our English single malt whisky. We even stock some exclusive Ludlow Distillery spirits you won’t find anywhere else, and our expert team are on hand to provide samples, answer questions, and share the love. Visitors are able to enjoy tastings and tours, as well as experiencing our Gin School where visitors can make their own bottle of gin. Gift Vouchers are available from the distillery website. The distillery is conveniently situated next to Ludlow Farmshop on the A49, just a stone’s throw from the Ludlow town and ideal for the discerning food and drink lover. Visitors can pick up locally produced seasonal fayre at the Farmshop, browse the popular plant centre and enjoy warm hospitality at Ludlow Kitchen and The Clive Arms.
Can you tell us more about the Ludlow Gin team? Our team is has grown significantly over the past two years particularly: Ben is our Ops & Sales Lead, Finn is still with us leading on production, now joined by Matt, Tom runs all things tourism, Michael runs finance, John and Adam are on the road as our sales team, Bonnie is our office administrator, and Steve supports with admin and HR. Our incredibly talented and hard-working team are supported by an equally brilliant team of freelancers as well: David – Cherry Press, Matt and Jamie – graphic design, Tom – marketing, Leo & Pete – photography and video, and Peter – events. Can you take us through your current gin range? Our gins, they’re like children and we have rather a lot… Our core range (available to buy direct from Ludlow Distillery):
What have been the biggest challenges and achievements so far? Starting a business is no mean feat. Having an idea is all very well, but getting it to market successful takes a whole range skills and a truck load of determination. Ludlow is a really special place and one of our main aims was to increase the reputation of the foodie heaven. It’s been a great privilege to do just that. How would you describe your gins in 3 words? Curiously smooth spirit.
What's your favourite way to drink your gin?
It really depends on mood, the time, and the place. Essentially, I’m a short drink man - I love our Ludlow Dry Gin as a martini, either neat or with a dash of Noily Pratt. It’s also sublime as a Bianco Negroni, paired with vermouth and the unique French bitters Suze. What gins would you always have on your gin shelf (other than your own of course!)? I like to restrict the amount I drink of our own products; it helps me to remember how special they are when tasting them. I have to confess to enjoying a wide variety of spirits and a short single malt is always a late-night treat. in terms of gin, I enjoy trying the many samples I collect on my travels, a favourite now is from Venice, a distillery called Poli, interesting pine needle notes makes a fragrant G&T! What's next for you and Ludlow Gin - any exciting plans? There are always exciting plans! In May we launch the next cask edition of our Ludlow Single Malt Whisky: Pedro Xemines, then in the summer we will be launching four fruit gins followed by the re-launch of our new and improved Ludlow Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur. In June we open our Gin School, which I am very excited about. You can join us to make your own classic London Dry Gin at our new distillery at Ludlow Farmshop. We have some exciting collaborations in the pipeline too – though news of those will have to wait. You Might Also Like...
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