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 organ recitals. Recent years have included: St Paul’s Cathedral, London, Westminster Cathedral and Potsdam, Berlin, where I’ve given a whisky tasting and organ recital What made you decide to create your distillery and gin? There were two key moments, December 30th, while dozing after a delayed Christmas lunch, my sister-in-law told me about their neighbour distilling apple brandy. She simply said, “You could do this, you know.” That planted the seed. The next day, on a 10k run, I passed a gin distillery. That was my eureka moment! No one had made Ludlow Gin yet. My obsessive character kicked in—I love planning and a challenge. Before I knew it, I had applied for the license, bought my first still, been granted approval, and made my first gin within two months. I thought I’d make 60 bottles a week as a hobby. Fast-forward to September 2024, and we’re celebrating our sixth birthday! Over the years, our team has grown, expanding into Ludlow Whisky and Ludlow Fine Wines (formerly John Villar Wines). We launched our new distillery at Ludlow Farmshop in April 2023, offering a range of activities that bring something fresh and exciting to Ludlow’s famous food scene. Come visit us to see, taste, and experience the spirit of Ludlow - book distillery experiences online.
What is the inspiration behind your 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—it became my professional home. Knowing so many people in the food trade, creating a gin felt like a natural progression. A big inspiration comes from Ludlow’s rich history of ingredients:
At its core, Ludlow Gin is about timeless, classic, juniper-led London dry gins—perfect for a Churchill martini (just gin!). Can you tell us more about the distillery and what visitors can experience there? A visit to our new distillery is a chance to get behind the scenes and discover how our curiously smooth spirits are crafted. You’ll learn about our journey - from the humble beginnings of Ludlow Gin to launching our English single malt whisky. What to Expect at the Distillery:
Can you tell us more about the Ludlow Gin team? Our team has grown significantly over the past two years:
Can you take us through your current gin range? Our gins are like children—we have quite a few! Core Range (available online direct from Ludlow Distillery):
What have been the biggest challenges and achievements so far? Starting a business is no small feat. Having an idea is one thing, but bringing it to market successfully takes a wide range of skills and a truckload of determination. Ludlow is a special place, and one of our biggest goals was to enhance its reputation as a foodie haven—we’re incredibly proud to have done just that.
What's next for you and Ludlow Distillery - any exciting plans?
There’s always something exciting in the pipeline! We’ve been distilling large amounts of cider and perry for cidermakers across the UK - helping to create eaux de vie, brandy, and liqueurs.
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