Posted on 29/11/2017 by David
Gin has undergone something of a renaissance in recent years. No longer the source of ‘mother’s ruin’, the juniper-based drink has exploded in popularity. Thankfully, it’s come a long way from some of the earlier botanical recipes - which included urine and sulphuric acid in the 18th century!
The tasty tipple has been taken to new heights, with various experimental mixes and craft distilleries popping up all over the place. North Wales is not only home to several small, craft gin distilleries, but Bombay Sapphire uses water from Wales’ very own Lake Vrynwy for it’s world-renowned gin!
If you’re more into the drinking of gin than the making of it, then you won’t be disappointed by the area. There are plenty of fantastic pubs and bars serving a variety of gins, from local blends to worldwide favourites.
In celebration of the spirit, we’ve listed five of our favourite joints for a G&T in North Wales. Cheers!
1. Prohibition, Deganwy
Although originally a 1920’s inspired wine and cocktail bar, Prohibition (named, of course, after the American Prohibition movement) is also well known for its range of gins, with more than 15 on offer.
The oh-so-decadent interior will make you feel glamorous and the authentic jazz will get your feet tapping as you sup on one of the many gins the bar has on offer.
As well as a traditional G&T, there’s a wide selection of gin-based cocktails - we suggest you try a lush Pink Gin Fizz cocktail! If you fancy creating your own, Prohibition run regular workshops with an expert mixologist.
2. The Plough, St Asaph
Whilst not strictly gin, the Cocktail Bar at the Plough stocks a fabulous range of gins, including Plymouth Sloe Gin and premium Larios Rosé, as well as a variety of Franklin’s tonics and mixers to create classic and experimental mixes.
Take part in a Cocktail Masterclass or treat yourself to a meal from the a la carte menu, whilst sitting back in a cosy old coaching inn which feels modern and spacious at the same time. Try the Strawberry Royal Gin Fizz!
3. The Sun Inn, Old Colwyn
Visit the Sun Inn in Old Colwyn to try not one, not two, but more than 100 different varieties of gin! This community pub and specialist gin bar also stocks a huge range of mixers for creating the perfect G&T.
Knowledgeable staff are on hand to guide you through some of their suggested choices, but more experienced gin drinkers might like to check out the Gin Cellar Menu to create their own experimental combinations.
The range includes gins from all over the world and many distilled in Wales - including Merywen from Denbigh, Brecon from master-distillers Penderyn and Pollination from the Dyfi Valley. The pub holds regular 'Gintuition' gin nights for drinkers to have a play around with their favourite spirit.
4. The Bull, Beaumaris
This 400 year old coaching inn was voted one of the best pubs in Wales in the 2017 Good Pub Guide. Behind the bar is a selection of 26 different gins, suited to just about everyone’s taste.
One of its best-selling gins (and rightly so, we love it) is the very locally-produced Snowdonia Distillery Forager's Gin, distilled right here in the Conwy Valley. The Bull also serves some cracking gin-based cocktails - try the uber-classy but simple French 75: gin, champagne and lemon!
5. The Point, Talacre
The Point, situated just a few yards away from the famous lighthouse and sand dunes at Talacre, is well worth a visit for the quirky interior alone. There’s live music on during the evening, sports are shown on large screen TVs and dogs are welcome.
It’s also must-visit for gin fans seeking something a bit different. The pub spotlights new and unusual varieties with Gin of the Week but also stocks best-sellers, such as Whitley Neil, Sipsmith and Tanqueray.
Keep an eye out for the flavoured gins too. We love strawberry gin with chocolate tonic - an absolute winner of a combination!
Where would you recommend for a G&T in North Wales. Let us know on our Facebook and Twitter pages!