Hayman’s London Light: Q&A with Cara Mills (@ginandinteriors)
As we head into the New Year, it’s the usual time for resolutions, diets and cutting back. Yet January doesn’t necessarily have to be ‘dry’
London's Family Gin Distillery
The Original Gin
Our Story
The story of Hayman’s started way back in 1863, when our great-great-grandfather pioneered the distinctive taste of London Dry Gin. Fast forward 160 years, and the London Dry style has become the most popular gin on the planet. We’re still proud to put his original recipe in every bottle.
As an independent family business, we really care about what we make, who we work with and the people who enjoy our gin. Family is at the heart of everything we do. Our Hayman’s London Distillery is home to tours, cocktail masterclasses and more, but above all it’s where we make our great-tasting gins, distilling ten botanicals over two full days in gleaming copper stills named after female family members Marjorie, Karin and Miranda.
It’s also where our family history meets our future. This is where we innovate and experiment to find new flavours and expressions, such as Hayman’s London Light which offers a low alcohol G&T but with no compromise on taste. And it’s where we find new ways to make our business sustainable, such as sourcing renewable ingredients and reducing our carbon emissions. We are proud to now be B Corp certified, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance and committed to having a positive impact on our people and planet.
The Hayman Family
James Hayman
“I always enjoyed visiting Dad at the distillery when I was younger. The distinct smell of botanicals was so intense that it left a lasting impression – I always hoped that I might work in the family company one day.”
Miranda Hayman
“One of my favourite memories of gin are from my student days in Spain. There’s nothing better than relaxing with a refreshing gin and tonic and sharing delicious tapas with friends.”
Christopher Hayman
“I remember watching from the window as the wooden crates of gin were delivered to my parents’ house in the company van. My father’s favourite tipple was a Bronx gin cocktail.”
The Hayman gin distilling story starts in 1863 when James Burrough, a charismatic London pharmacist opened a small distillery in Cale Street, Chelsea (then spelt as Chelsey). He experimented with a number of gin recipes, giving them names such as Burrough’s, Olde Chelsey, Beefeater and Black Cat. At that time, London’s gin of choice was Old Tom Gin, however James was busy pioneering a drier style that we know today as London Dry Gin.
James was the great grandfather of Christopher Hayman and the Hayman family have been distilling gin ever since.
In the same way as many a family business that has been around for more 160 years, the Hayman gin journey has been full of twists and turns – from global conflicts, prohibition and dips in gin trends. A major turn came in 1987 when the family business was sold. A disappointed Christopher promptly purchased back one part of the business so that he could continue the family’s gin distilling journey.
Today Hayman’s is based in Balham, South West London and only a few miles from the original family distillery in Chelsea. Christopher’s children James and Miranda now run Hayman’s -while sharing the same passion and affection for gin. Christopher, Hayman’s Master Distiller, is often seen in the distillery, taking an active role in the distillery process and sharing his knowledge. In 2019, he celebrated 50 years of working in gin, which was marked by introducing Hayman’s Rare Cut – our London Dry cut at 50% – the perfect strength for a Martini – Christopher’s favourite cocktail.
