English Spirit Distillery

The English Spirit Distillery sits just outside Halstead, where they're making gin and vodka in proper Essex fashion. It's a working distillery, so you're not just looking at pretty bottles - you're actually seeing the stills and learning what goes into each batch. The whole operation has that craft brewery feel without being precious about it.

You'll walk through the production area, get explanations of the process, and then move into the tasting room where things get interesting. They do flights of their spirits, and the staff know what they're talking about without the pretension. Expect to spend a couple of hours here if you're thorough, less if you're just dropping by for a quick taste and a look around.

It works best for adults who appreciate a proper gin or vodka - this isn't really a family day out unless your kids are old enough to sit through the production explanation. That said, they're usually happy to accommodate groups and have a decent shop if you want to take bottles home.

If you're staying at Gosfield Lake Resort nearby, it's only a short drive, so worth squeezing in as part of a longer afternoon. The Essex countryside around here is pleasant enough, though you're not coming to Halstead for dramatic scenery. Check ahead for opening times and whether tastings need booking - opening hours seem to vary.