Born out of one woman’s love of a good G&T, the seed to creating and sharing premium, award-winning gins was sown after being introduced to a small batch Exmoor gin on a long weekend in Devon – after which I was hooked! This prompted several very enjoyable years of seeking out & discovering the delights of fabulous handcrafted gins from the UK & around the world – enjoyed as a stand-alone G&T (with or without the T) or as a refreshing accompaniment to a meal. Talking quality gin, mixers & garnishes became my ‘specialist subject’!

Over time, friends and family would ask why I didn’t consider creating a gin, often while sipping a G&T in the garden on a warm(ish!) English summer’s evening. Easy to answer at the time – too busy juggling work & family, all too aware of the significant time, knowledge & investment needed. And so, although the seed was sown, the timing wasn’t yet right.

More fun and reflective times in the garden with friends and family – catching up, celebrating milestones, recharging, slaving over a laptop, enjoying a cup of Orange Pekoe tea (my lovely Dad’s favourite cuppa) – or simply an after-work Friday gin o’clock.

‘Tea Garden’ has been joined by ‘Hop Garden’, inspired by our ‘Garden of England’ counties where sun-ripened hops, apples and berry-laden hedgerows are grown in abundance. Both of these traditionally dry, handcrafted gins have won coveted medal recognition at international spirits competitions: the IWSC (International Wine & Spirits Competition) and the LSC (London Spirits Competition) Awards.

Described as  ‘sipping’ gins due to their smooth, premium mouth-feel, taste & aroma, you don’t need tonic to enjoy them, just ice and garnish – however, if you prefer T with your G, ideally pair with a quality non-flavoured Indian Tonic to enhance, rather than overwhelm, the flavour and aroma of the gin.

Inspired by customer feedback, both gins now have companion Room Diffusers, exclusively blended for Chesford by a fragrance house and capturing the essence of the aromas of the key botanicals.

Chesford Garden gins are 100% natural & plant-based, and the triple-distillation process means they are ready to be enjoyed by everyone who appreciates a handcrafted, flavoursome gin – including those who are gluten intolerant. Our bottles and packaging are also recyclable or bio-degradable – plus, a single measure & lite tonic are circa only 90cals.