Hayman’s launches London 0%
With five generations of gin-making and expertise, London’s original family gin distiller, Hayman’s has extended its range with the launch of Hayman’s London 0%. Using
London's Family Gin Distillery
The Original Gin
Our Story
The 1860s marked the beginning of London gin as enjoyed today when our great great grandfather James redefined gin into a more sophisticated and refined spirit.
Often referred to as the ‘Great Gin Innovator’ of his time, James was a curious and charismatic pharmacist. Born in 1835, he enjoyed travelling to Canada and the USA before returning to London in 1862. In 1863, he bought a small gin distillery in Chelsea, London. James enjoyed experimenting and created many gins such as Burrough’s, Olde Chelsey, Beefeater and Black Cat.
This was the start of our 160 year family story and gin journey as London distillers with an unbroken heritage since 1863. Today, we are the last family of original London distillers still making gin in the heart of London.
The decade that defined London Gin
Whilst gin has been made in London since the 1700s, the first examples were unrefined and inconsistent due to poor distillation and limited botanicals. These early versions do not reflect the style enjoyed around the world today.
From the 1860s, London gin became the sophisticated and refined style we enjoy today – distillation techniques improved and gin could be sold in bottles rather than barrels and jugs. At this time, James was the first London distiller to include citrus in his gin recipes due to his love of Spanish oranges and lemons. He would cycle to London’s Covent Garden Market to collect the fruits which added a new refreshing dimension to London gin.
This was a period where gin was the ‘spirit of choice” enjoyed socially in ornate and decorative drinking establishments called ‘Gin Palaces’ – of which many still exist as London pubs.
The first style of London gin was known as Old Tom, which James developed into the rich, characterful and refined gin that is still a firm favourite of bartenders and gin lovers today. It was this new sophisticated style of London gin that inspired the ‘Golden Age’ of cocktails in the 1880s.
The Birth of London Dry
As well as evolving Old Tom gin, James also pioneered London Dry – a crisp, refreshing and distinctive style. This new modern gin gradually became a must-have for all cocktail bars and saloons as cocktails evolved from being sweeter to drier with the Negroni and Martini becoming firm favourites.
By the 1950s, London Dry was the only style of gin readily available and is now recognised as the global benchmark for gin.
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.”
Hayman’s Today
In 2023, alongside our father Christopher, we celebrated 160 years as London family gin distillers and continue to share the same passion and affection for gin as our great great grandfather.
Currently settled in Balham, South West London, our Distillery is just three miles from the original family distillery in Chelsea. Hayman’s is made the same way over two days using our original family recipes and is enjoyed all around the world. It is the only gin that truly represents the origins and authenticity of London gin.
Our father, Christopher joined the family company in 1969 and recently celebrated 55 years in the industry. Fondly known as “The Grandfather of Gin”, Christopher is passionate about the industry and its community. Along with his “gin friends”, he founded both the WSET Spirits Certificates and The Gin Guild. The Martini remains his firm favourite, and he often shares stories of the Three- Martini lunches.
James joined in 2004 and Miranda a year later in 2005. As fifth generation, our desire is to preserve our gin heritage and history of London gin whilst continuing to innovate. Our recent styles such as Hayman’s Vibrant Citrus and Hayman’s London 0% showcase our continuing passion for gin whilst remaining true to the signature style of our unbroken family heritage.
Today, Hayman’s can be enjoyed in 70 countries across the world.
James and Miranda Hayman 5th Generation
