Happy Birthday Burleighs!

Burleigh’s Gin is something of a fairy tale story for Leicester and Leicestershire. Two years ago, the very first gin was distilled in the Nanpantan distillery and since then it has been a meteoric rise to success which I have had pleasure in tracking. Phil Burley and Master Distiller, Jamie Baxter, have developed a craft distillery which produces some of the best gin which is being enjoyed here in Leicester and all around the world.

The distillery came first, followed in short order by the 45 Gin School where you learn about the history of gin as well as distilling your own to your own personal taste. That still remains one of the most fun afternoons I’ve ever had. Then, last December we saw the launch of 45 West, the Burleigh’s bar and bottle shop. This is a great chilled out place for after work drinks, or to pick up something tasty to drink at home. I particularly enjoy their #winewednesday offer, with special offers on selected wine and free nibbles 🙂

Then, on Friday we got to celebrate together with an open invitation to their Second Birthday Party. I love a good party so The Boy and I headed down.We were greeted with a gorgeously summer welcoming cocktail of Distiller’s Cut, elderflower, prosecco and rose petals. The mood was celebratory despite the disastrous referendum result.

We were also treated to some canapes from Lilu Fine Dining, carefully matched to the often local botanicals that make up Burleigh’s signature flavour. As ever we were treated to some delicious flavours and high quality ingredients.

For me the rise of Burleigh’s is demonstrative of the upturn in Leicester’s night time economy. We’ve seen some big new players moving in to the city of the last couple of years bringing the highest quality offering. I just hope that they all survive through the financial difficulties that are surely looming – I want to see Leicester continuing to grow and blossom.