Spirited entrepreneur distils Sheffield’s first "native" gin in 100 years
A YOUNG entrepreneur is about to distil the first “entirely home-grown” gin to be made in Sheffield for a century.
Robert Jones devised the idea for the distillery as a result of his experiences working part-time as a barman and “mixologist” in city clubs.
The human geography student at Sheffield Hallam University was able to turn the concept for a “native Sheffield gin” into reality following a grant from a university-led bursary scheme.
The bursary, which was established by philanthropists Sir Michael and Lady Morven Heller, gives second year undergraduates the chance to learn something new and unrelated to their course of study.
He has used the £1,000 grant to buy a handmade copper still and a secret mixture of botanicals native to the Peak District.
Jones said: “I was delighted that the panel decided to award me the grant which was enough to buy the still and equipment for my first batch of gin.
“I also had some money left over which I spent on a trip to London to visit the “Ginstitute” – a gin museum run by the people who make Portobello Road Gin. “
Jones has now secured premises at the Stancill Brewery, at Kelham Island, and hopes to bottle his first batch of gin later this month which will be on sale in Sheffield’s Forum Café Bars.
