With sales surpassing £1 billion last year, there's no more denying it - gin is the drink of the moment. This Saturday marks the ninth year of World Gin Day and to help you get into the spirit of things, we got in contact with DesignMyNight for the best places to celebrate across the UK. From an Indian-inspired gin garden in London to an entire juniper festival in Glasgow, there's no way you’re staying in on the 10th.
Gin Brunch - London
Out of all heavenly matches, gin and brunch is pretty up there. To pay homage to the nation's favourite spirit, French bistro Bon Vivant are hosting a juniper-fuelled breakfast party, Parisian style. Sip on gin cocktails, try a dish from their French-inspired brunch menu and nibble on delectable pastries before finishing your meal with a boozy gin sorbet. The brunch is just £24, and there will be a DJ on hand to provide the soundtrack to this marvellous World Gin Day celebration.
Bombay Sapphire Gin Garden - London
Jetting to a country where warm weather is guaranteed for World Gin Day would be a dream, but a closer option would be visiting London's Indian-inspired gin garden at Devonshire Square instead. Prepare to be transported into a haven where luxury gazebos, swinging benches, baby elephant replicas and flourishing botanicals reign supreme. Drink chilli and cucumber G&Ts, and nibble on authentic Indian-inspired bites for a relaxed approach to celebrating on the 10th.
GinTonica at The Distillery - London
All gin-lovers have probably heard of The Distillery by now, and shame on them if they haven't. Billed as London's first ever gin hotel, book a table at their first-floor restaurant, GinTonica, and toast World Gin Day in style. The Distillery also happens to be one of the four bars taking part in the Jasmine Trail, which is a gin-fuelled treasure hunt across London. Order a Gunpowder Sour, find a 'hidden map' in the venue and upload a picture to social media for your chance to win the trip of a lifetime.
Graphic Bar - London
Did someone say modern-day gin palace? Graphic Bar sits pretty in Soho and is the perfect place to celebrate World Gin Day with your fellow gin connoisseurs. They stock over 300 world gins including Willem Barentsz, and their eclectic menu covers everything from classic cocktails and snazzy G&Ts to Insta-worthy paint pot cocktails. They're also taking part in the World Gin Day treasure hunt, so make sure you order their Jasmine Trail G&T.
Glasgow Juniper Festival - Glasgow
There's a two-day festival happening in Glasgow this weekend and it's going to celebrate all things juniper. Taking place at SWG3, you and your gin-loving pals will get to taste distilled gins from Glasgow and beyond. Take part in masterclasses and chat to the passionate traders for tips on creating the perfect gin and tonic while making the most of the delicious street food. If you manage to fall head over heels with a bespoke gin, you'll be able to take it home from their onsite bottle shop.
Gorilla - Manchester
If you're after a raucous, juniper-fuelled night on the 10th, there's no better host than Gorilla in Manchester. Boasting an in-house Gin Parlour, these guys know their stuff when it comes to mothers ruin. Stocking gins from all over the world, their impressive cocktail list gives a firm nod to classics and martinis. These guys are known for their G&T twists too. Make sure to try their own infused buttered gin, served with pineapple and Fentimans Tonic.
Heads & Tales - Edinburgh
Heads & Tales in Edinburgh isn't your run-of-the-mill bar. This hidden gem shares a space with Edinburgh Gin Distillery, so you can actually watch the gin making process while you drink. This joint is a home away from home for gin enthusiasts, as you can create your own bespoke cocktail - exactly to your taste, as well as enjoying the venue's own expert concoctions. If you fancy a bite to eat while you're there, the famed charcuterie boards are the perfect accompaniment.
The Gin Tub - Brighton
The Gin Tub in Brighton is a cosy bar brimming with vintage quirks, and in case the name hasn't tipped you off, it's a no-brainer for celebrating World Gin Day. With over 80 types of gin on offer, you're bound find a tipple that takes your fancy.
Six Storeys on Soho - London
Quince and blue cheese gin? It might sound absurd but the decadent Six Storeys on Soho have perfected the infused spirit. This central London hotspot has stunning interiors and six other exquisite in-house infused gins to woo your taste buds if blue cheese gin isn't your thing.
214 Bermondsey - London
This secret speakeasy is tucked away on Bermondsey Street and considered a little slice of heaven amongst gin aficionados. It has 80 types and counting, available in both perfect serve martinis and delectable cocktails. Want to know a secret? If you head down on World Gin Day and quote "I'm here to check-in for the international flight" you can taste three worldly gins with a BTW tonic (a mix that gives a firm nod to the Victorian recipe), and attempt to guess what you're drinking. All for the gin-orous price of £12. For more info on what's on in London and across the UK, visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Twitter and Instagram; @DesignMyNight.
