Shawford Springs care home visits Bombay Sapphire Distillery

The afternoon kicked off with a gin and tonic, followed by a tour of the distillery which included the iconic glass houses. Attendees also learnt about the artisanal distillation process, specifically the range of botanicals used to make gin.

Shawford Springs resident Ruth being shown how to make a cocktail (Image: Shawford Springs)

The girls outside the glass houses (Image: Shawford Springs)

Laverstoke Mill, the distillery's site, served as a paper mill that manufactured banknotes for the British Empire from 1724 until its purchase by The Bombay Spirit group in 2010.

Vernon enjoying his gin (Image: Shawford Springs)

Shawford Springs resident Vernon said: "We have all had such a wonderful visit to the distillery and have learnt a lot about how to make good gin and gin cocktails. I’ve even purchased a bottle of Bombay Bramble Gin to take back home to enjoy with my friends."

Beryl and Jean both enjoying their gin (Image: Shawford Springs)

General manager, Cassie Munnoch said: "We absolutely love being able to take our residents out and about to visit attractions such as The Bombay Sapphire Gin Distillery, it makes us so happy to be able to access venues like this. It has been a fantastic day and we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves."

Vernon inside one of the glass houses (Image: Shawford Springs)

Shawford Springs, run by Barchester Healthcare – one of the UK’s largest care providers – says it is committed to ensuring high-quality care in its residential, respite, and dementia care services. Visits like these form part of the Shawford Springs' life enrichment programme, promoting active engagement among residents.