Our Story: From a Garden Annexe to Andover’s Heart
Wessex Spirits first came to life in February 2017 as Test Valley Gin, founded by former English teacher Kate Griffin. Armed with inspiration from her mum’s sloe gin and a desire to create something entirely unique, Kate set up shop in the annexe of her grandad’s garden. Her inaugural creation? A deliciously savoury gin infused with fresh basil and thyme.
What began with a playful thought—“The worst that can happen is I’m left with 50 bottles of gin”—quickly blossomed into a full-time passion. A year later, the business outgrew Gramps’ garden and moved into Andover, expanding the range and specialising in bespoke spirit infusions tailored to tell unique personal and business stories. Drawing on a deep love for literature, the name evolved into Wessex Spirits—a nod to Thomas Hardy’s iconic region.
In September 2021, Wessex Spirits found its forever home inside the charming, timber-framed 17th-century coaching inn formerly known as The Lamb Inn, joining forces with The Andover Tap.
A New Chapter
In February 2025, after eight wonderful years of creating beloved local spirits, Kate passed the baton to return to teaching. Today, Wessex Spirits and The Gin Palace are proudly owned and run by Paula and Tim (The Beertap Inns family).
Having long championed local craft behind the bar at The Andover Tap, taking on Wessex Spirits was a natural match. Paula, Tim, and the team carry forward the founding ethos of small-batch quality, authentic infusion, and community connection.
What We Do
The Gin Palace
Our dedicated on-site bar and tasting space! The Gin Palace is where our signature infused gins, rums, and vodkas take centre stage. Whether you are dropping in for a classic G&T, a Vanilla rum mixer, or sampling a seasonal spirit flight, it is the ultimate spot to relax and discover your new favourite drop.
Small-Batch Infusions & Bespoke Spirits
We don’t distill; we infuse. By steeping carefully selected botanicals, fruits, and natural ingredients into premium base spirits, we produce distinctive, full-flavoured gins, rums, and vodkas with real character. Beyond our core lineup of small-batch spirits, we specialise in bespoke spirit creation—working alongside individuals, weddings, and corporate clients to select custom flavour profiles and bespoke labels that tell a specific story.
The Andover Tap & Ewe Brew
Sharing our historic premises, The Andover Tap showcases fine real ales, craft beers, and our very own Ewe Brew crafted right on site. It’s a true haven for local drink enthusiasts.
The Andover Tap On Tour
Bringing the party to you! Our mobile bar setup delivers our signature craft beers, Wessex Spirits infusions, and pub hospitality directly to festivals, weddings, and private events.
Award-Winning Craft & Hospitality
We are proud that our passion for handcrafted spirits and welcoming hospitality has been recognised locally and nationally across several prestigious awards:
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British Good Food Awards – Winner for Test Valley Gin
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Muddy Stilettos Awards – Award-winning bar & venue
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The Countryside Alliance Awards – Nominated & celebrated regional business
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Restaurant Guru – Recommended venue
Pop In & Say Hello
Whether you are looking for a relaxing pint of craft ale at The Andover Tap, an award-winning G&T or rum mixer in The Gin Palace, or want to chat about crafting your very own bespoke spirit batch, our doors are always open. Come down to The Lamb Inn and share a glass with us!
