What is the Gin Journey?
The Gin Journey was founded in August, 2013 by the current CEO Leon Dalloway. It was through his love of gin, passion for educating the guests sat at the bar, enjoyment of showing people great new spots and having a good laugh while doing it that the idea was conceived. The first ever Gin Journey was in Central London, since then we have launched all over the U.K.. Kicked things off in Asia with the Gin Journey Singapore and set up over the other side of the world with Gin Journey Sydney in Jan 2022.
The Gin Journey is an exploration into the world of gin. Be taken on a voyage of discovery by one of our expert Gin Guardians. We provide a boisterous insight into the world of gin while serving up delicious cocktails and samples of well crafted gin. Guests are whisked around by gin carriage to world class cocktails bars and era defining distilleries while most importantly, having a really lovely time.
The tour generally includes 5 samples of gin, 5 cocktails and a chauffeured drive from bar to bar.
Private bookings and gift vouchers are available.
Your Gin Guardians
Our Story
Gin was but a figment
-5000 B.CThe Gin Journey was a figment, the first recipe for beer was written in Mesotopia.
Introducing Juniper
-1200 A.DSalerno monks used a touch of juniper in alcohol. Latter day Calpol.
The evolution of Gin
1500 A.DThe people of Flanders begin using juniper in grain spirit; Genever is the Dutch spirit of choice.
‘Fable of the Bees’
1714The first record of the use of the word ‘gin’ in the ‘Fable of the Bees’ by Bernard Mandeville.
Martinis at The Savoy
1920sThe Martini is made popular throughout London high-society by Harry Craddock the American Head Bartender of the American Bar at the Savoy Hotel, the Strand.
Birth of the Gin Journey
17th of August 2013The Gin Journey is born, under the original moniker of Shake Rattle and Stir. Created by Leon Dalloway aka The Gin Boss as an approach to bring a fun and interactive gin tasting tour to the world. Blend gin, cocktails, London and ice in a mixing glass. Stir until chilled and serve.
Leon and Cocktail Kate
12th of March 2014Leon meets Cocktail Kate and they join forces to bring even more electric gin chat to the world.
#1 on Trip Advisor
12th of Feb 2015The Gin Journey reaches one hundred five star ratings out of one hundred reviews and becomes the number one nightlife attraction for London on TripAdvisor. Start pouring those French 75s.
Gin Journey comes to Manchester
23rd of Feb 2016Gin Journey Manchester is launched and a fresh Northern flavour is shaken into the original concept.
Gin Journey comes to Liverpool
24th of Feb 2016Gin Journey Liverpool launches a day later and Cocktail Kate beams with pride throughout her home town.
The Negroni Journey is born
31 of March 2016Negroni Journey launches in London. We did a gin tour, so why not throw a Journey for our favourite cocktail? An Italian twist, let’s paint the town red.
Gin Journey comes to Edinburgh
27 of July 2016Gin Journey Edinburgh launches. Whisky is lovely sure, but gin is bloody good too. We had to give the people of Edinburgh a chance to get ginny with us.
100 simultaneous Gin Journey lovers!
28th of January 2017A historic day; The first time over 100 gin fans were on tours across the UK at the same time and the first date we ran a tour in Bermondsey, south London.
Gin Journey comes to Notting Hill
10th of June 2017It was a hot London summer. World Gin Day descends. The Gin Boss and the crew decide to drop their latest Gin Journey. Hello to West London, hello to the World Famous Notting Hill. That’s our third regular London Gin Journey. East, South and West, where’s next?
Yorkshire calling.
3rd of March 2018Yorkshire calling. The Gin Journey Leeds is launched with some of Leeds’ finest bars on the menu and a large helping of local gin. Leeds Leeds Leeds let’s go.
ASIA you ready?
June 2018The Gin Journey launches it’s first tour in ASIA and Singapore boots off with our special brand of gin love. Where next?
Happy birthday to us.
17th of August 2018We’re 5 years old. We have a BIG party. Leon always said ‘I’ll celebrate when we’re 5 year old, that’s when I’ve got a real business.’ and boy did we celebrate!
Soho, London launches
September 2018Soho, London launches and we’ve gone full circle. The Gin Journey kicked off in 2013 in Central London but now we’ve launched our Soho specific tour. And what a tour it is!
Gin Journey Chester
October 2019Chester – that gorgeous walled city in the North West gets it’s very own Gin Journey. Set up by our Mancunian gin maestro Jono. It runs on the last Saturday of every month.
Gin Journey Down Under
19th of June 2021After years of blood sweat and schooners the Gin Journey arrives in Sydney. Get ready for a ripper of a tour. ‘Straya we’re ready for you.’