Beefeater
Formed: | 1820 |
Address: | The Beefeater Distillery, 20 Montford Place, Kennington, London, SE11 5DE United Kingdom |
Telephone: | +44 020 7820 4200 |
Website: | https://www.beefeatergin.com |
Email: | beefeater@pernod-ricard.com |
In the urban heart of London it dates back to 1820 when a pharmacist, James Burrough used his skills in chemistry to invent a recipe of exceptional quality which inspired the London style dry gin we now call Beefeater.
To this day Beefeater gin continues the traditions of excellence – every drop of Beefeater London dry gin is made in London in a distillery they took over in 1958 where you can smell the botanicals from the street below.
A Beefeater is actually a Yeoman Warder of the Tower of London who have guarded the Tower for 500 years and Beefeater share more than just a name with the Guardsman, they share the bond to London past, present and future.
At Beefeater they consistently make gin of exceptional quality and that’s why Beefeater London dry gin is the world’s most awarded gin. James Burrough’s first was back in 1873.
Desmond Payne MBE is the world’s most experienced master gin distiller.
“It’s a practised skill and the creative process, developed over many years the senses are engaged. The nose, the pallet – my primary job at Beefeater is to maintain excellence and it’s really an old fashioned process – somethings don’t need technology.
Beefeater brands
Further information

Beefeater Distillery
The largest London distillery is Beefeater Gin. This iconic London gin has been produced in London since 1876. It is one of the few major spirits to have stayed in London over the years, calling Kennington home since 1958. The new Beefeater visitor’s centre opened in 2014. For the first time in 150 years, you are able to see how Read more

Adam Cocker, Beefeater
From home brews to Beefeater: Adam Cocker's spirited journey to Beefeater Adam Cocker’s journey towards gin distillation began in 2005, when his travels to more than 20 vineyards and distilleries around the world sparked a fascination with fermentation and flavour. Back in London the following year, that interest evolved into a hands-on passion for home brewing and winemaking. Adam even Read more

Desmond Payne MBE, Beefeater
After fifty years, eight gins, a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Gin Guild, and now an MBE, Beefeater’s Master Distiller Desmond Payne shows no signs of slowing down. Known as ‘Mr Beefeater’, Payne has been at the heart of the gin industry for decades, shaping the craft and continuing to innovate. Reflecting on his career, Payne acknowledges the long journey Read more
News featuring Beefeater

Beefeater adds Grapefruit Gin to range in selected markets
The brand behind the world’s most awarded gin[1] launches a new, citrus-inspired flavour in growing Nordic and Eastern European markets. In Spring 2025, Beefeater is staying true to its passion for innovation and continuing to drive growth within the spirits Read more
The Global Gin Industry Comes together for the Gin Guild’s Spring Installation
London, May 2 Gin distillers and industry professionals from around the world came together at the London Guildhall for the Gin Guild’s Annual Gin Industry Dinner and Spring Installation. The evening, celebrating twelve years since the Gin Guild’s foundation, began Read more