Find Chef & Brewer pubs serving gin near you
Attention all gin lovers: this one's for you! And for those of you who wouldn't dream of ordering a nice, fresh G&T at the bar – well, allow us to explain exactly why you should consider giving one a try. Either way, if you're looking for pubs serving gin near you, you're in excellent hands with Chef & Brewer. From tasty food pairings to classic cocktails, there are plenty of different ways to enjoy this crisp, clean, juniper-flavoured spirit.
Find a pub with ginA brief history of gin
You're probably familiar with gin, but just in case you're not, here's a little backstory. Gin is a clear, aromatic, botanical-forward spirit that gets its unmistakable flavour from juniper berries. Classic gin is often described as dry; however, there are plenty of contemporary styles available, often featuring non-juniper flavours like fruit, herbs and spices.
Gin actually began as a medicinal spirit in the Netherlands during the 16th-century. However, you might associate it with the gin palaces and backstreets of 18th and 19th-century London, when it was colourfully referred to as "Mother's Ruin". The "Gin Craze" started in the early 1700s, during which time it became incredibly cheap and widely available. This was until strict regulations were introduced, leading to the invention of "London Dry Gin", a classic, juniper-forward spirit still popular today.
Different types of gin
There's a lot more to gin than you might think! London Dry Gin is arguably the most recognised variety, with popular brands like Beefeater and Bombay Sapphire (both of which you'll find at your local Chef & Brewer pub). You might also be familiar with Plymouth Gin, hailing, as the name suggests, from Plymouth, with a slightly earthier, softer and smoother flavour profile.
These days, gin is made all over the world, the key requirements being:
-
Made from a neutral, grain-based alcohol
-
Flavoured primarily with juniper berries
-
At least 37.5% ABV (or 75 proof)
That means there's a lot of room for creativity, which is why in many modern varieties, other flavours take centre stage, from lavender and cucumber to chocolate and honey.
How do you like yours?
Ah, there are so many ways to enjoy a nice glass of gin. But how do you take yours?
With tonic
Here it is – the timeless classic! When you think gin, you think tonic. Tonic is deliciously bitter, thanks to quinine, a natural compound derived from the bark of the Cinchona tree. This bitterness works in perfect harmony with the botanical nature of gin, creating a perfectly balanced tipple that has clearly stood the test of time. If the bitterness is a little too much, there's always lemonade.
With soda
Gin and soda is a popular low-calorie option that showcases the flavour of gin, rather than masking or contrasting it. Perfect if you're after something thirst-quenching after a countryside walk, or something to whet your whistle while enjoying a tasty pub meal.
On the rocks or neat
Ooh, this one's for the connoisseurs among us. If you really want to enjoy your choice of gin in all its glory, then taking it neat or over ice is the way to do it! Remember to let the gin breathe for a little while, allowing the aromas to open up before sipping slowly.
In a cocktail
Gin is an incredibly versatile spirit, making it an excellent, aromatic base for a range of cocktails. If you fancy sampling a few of our gin-based cocktails, grab yourself a fresh English Garden, a fizzy Pink Gin Spritz or perhaps a lovely Pink Berry 0%.
Food pairings
A fresh gin and tonic with plenty of ice is a joy on its own, but your favourite gin-based tipple can also take your pub meal from great to absolutely phenomenal. There are no hard and fast rules here, but classic gin pairings include:
Seafood, like our garlicky Pan-Fried King Prawns or rich Salmon and Mature Cheddar Fishcake.
Cheese-based dishes, like our creamy Whipped Goat's Cheese starter or even a side of Halloumi Fries.
Salads and veggie-forward dishes, like our light and fresh Roasted Vegetable Grain Salad or our hearty Vegetable Grill.
Our gin selection
Here at Chef & Brewer, we're pretty bloomin' proud of our range of terrific tipples. From quality wines to classic cask ale, you're guaranteed greatness at our place.
Sure, you could head to a trendy gin bar and get some social media-worthy snaps, or you could head to a Chef & Brewer pub near you, where the atmosphere is that lovely mix of cosy and vibrant. And our selection of different gins is pretty spectacular, too! Let's take a quick look:
Bombay Sapphire Gin
A classic favourite, this versatile London Dry Gin is bright, balanced and citrusy, perfect with tonic and even better alongside seafood dishes or cheese-based nibbles, such as our Baked British Cheese grazing platter. Or, if you prefer a sweeter tipple, why not try swapping to Bombay Bramble Gin, with its natural blackberry and raspberry flavours?
Hendrick's Gin
Another popular option, this premium Scottish gin is wonderfully smooth and refreshing, with notes of rose, cucumber and citrus zest. Often served with tonic and a slice of cucumber to accentuate its freshness, Hendrick's Gin is best enjoyed on a sunny day in the beer garden.
Beefeater Pink
Pink gin continues to enjoy its moment in the spotlight thanks to its subtle sweetness, and Beefeater Pink is an excellent example. This strawberry-forward gin makes the perfect cocktail ingredient, and our Pink Gin Spritz is delicious proof of just that!
Whitley Neill Raspberry
This bright, Scottish gin is aromatic and fabulously fruit-forward. Why not mix yours with tonic or lemonade and pair it with one of our decadent puddings? Something equally fresh and fruity, like our zesty Clementine Tart.
Malfy Arancia Gin
Speaking of zesty, this vibrant Sicilian blood orange Italian gin is like sunshine in a glass. Beautiful when combined with tonic for a zingy blood orange G&T and just as stunning with ginger beer if you're craving a burst of freshness.
Warner's Distillery
Our bars feature a delicious range of award-winning, farm-grown gins from Warner's Distillery, many of which feature in our fabulous cocktails. For instance, order an English Garden for a taste of Warner’s Elderflower Gin, or keep things alcohol-free with a Pink Berry 0%, made with Warner’s Pink Berry 0%.
Head to a pub serving gin near you
Ready to start your gin-appreciation journey? Head to a Chef & Brewer pub serving gin near you and find your new favourite combination. Tonic, soda, lemonade or otherwise, there's a refreshing sip waiting for you behind the bar.