The Little Gin Shack Blog
Well, we are back in business and loving all the wonderful comments we are receiving on Trip Adviser and our own Facebook pages. Do take a look!
…. But these are difficult times – I don’t need to dwell on the affect that Covid-19 has had on the Cornish economy, and our little bit of it. We have taken significant measures to keep shoppers and guests looking to enjoy a G&T safe, as well as our lovely staff. We can allow 6 shoppers into the Shack at one time, and have two “pods” to allow up to 8 guests at a time. To book a table to come for a G&T, we are asking for a £5.00 per head deposit, following a number of “no-shows”.
On to more exciting news – we welcome two new members of staff – Tony & Tonic and Have a Gin Hollie, whilst we say goodbye to Gin George as he concentrates on his studies. Gin Jan and Rach the Gin Girl complete the line-up for this season – all of which have the same passion for gin and customer service that Leisha and I do.
Our gin offering now stands at nearly 180 – with some fantastic new additions including Porthilly Gin, Atlantic Gooseberry & Elderflower, Tarquin’s Cornish Sunshine Blood Orange (perfect as a Cornish Sundowner – double gin, double dry Prosecco and a tad of Elderflower tonic) and Lantic Distillery’s Summer gin. Do come and try some. We have parred back on some of the gins from further afield from Cornwall as we remain committed to supporting small, local distilleries.
Our other news – and call me bonkers after our major refit last winter – we hope to move to larger premises in the autumn. The new Shack will be on Wadebridge’s main street – Molesworth Street – and subject to a new licence – offer more seating, an outside space, and more room to browse and sample. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.
Finally, Leisha and I would like to extend our sincere thanks to all that tuned in and commented on our Gin Tastings from Gin Shack Central (the kitchen) and to those who placed orders via our website. We are extremely grateful for the support – it kept The Little Gin Shack, and our dream alive. Remember – if you are unable to make it to Cornwall this year – the online shop is open 24/7!
That’s it for now our fabulous gin followers – keep in touch!
June 1st - we will open the Shack
Hello all - we hope you are all ok, enjoying some lovely gin, and trying to make sense of the new Government rules!
As an Off-Licence - we are permitted to be open, but took the tough decision to remain closed during the lockdown. This primarily was to protect the staff, but also not to encourage customers into the shop.
We feel that June 1st will be an appropriate time to recommence business but in a limited way. The Gin Bar will remain closed, and we will not be able to offer samples - but will be on hand to advise and guide you with your choice of gins.
I cannot express my thanks to all those who have ordered online - and kept us afloat. Leisha (Mrs. Gin) has been working very hard to collate orders, order stock and dispatch parcels as quickly as possible.
As I said - previously - "we'll be back" and look out for a few bargains on re-opening.
In the meantime - keep safe!
A Strange New Dawn
We all wake up to a strange new way of living today - and this will take a while to adjust to for us all.
But lets not forget - there will always be gin and there will always be tonic! So - a few suggestions to help you cope with the next few weeks whilst stuck indoors!
Sloe-cello
- 5cl Wrecking Coast sloe honey gin, 5cl Atlantic Distillery Organic Cornish limoncello (ideally keep your limoncello in the freezer) and a twist of lemon peel. For a longer drink - add Fever-Tree Scillian Lemonade
Red Snapper
- 5cl of your favourite gin - Little Gin Shack Gin for me, Old Tom spiced tomato juice, freshly ground black pepper, crushed ice, Worcester sauce and lemon rind. Who needs a Bloody Mary!
Tarquin's Royale
- 5cl Tarquin's Blackberry & Honey gin into a prosecco glass, top up with cold prosecco and garnish with a few blackberries
Rock Gold Dirty Martini
- 7.5cl Rock Gold, 7.5cl dry martini in a lovely martini glass. 1 block of ice and sir together with a cocktail stick loaded with fresh olives. Pure 1940's Hollywood!
Wrecking Coast Scillian
- 5cl Wrecking Coast Cornish Clotted Cream gin, muddled raspberries, crushed ice and top up with Fever-Tree Scillian lemonade
Coping With Boris
- 5cl of either Pappillion Navy, Trevethan Chauffers Reserve, Tarquin's Seadog or Plymouth Navy Strength - and lots of ice! Sip and listen carefully at 5:00pm.
Thank you for reading, thank you for the wonderful messages of support, thank you for staying safe!
We Are Still Here!
Hi all
It has been a while since I updated this page - but as I am forced to self isolate as a Type-1 diabetic - gonna have some time on my hands
Firstly - I hope you are well, staying safe and are stocked up with gin! Our online site is up to date - and we will upgrade the delivery charge to first class at no extra cost to you- so do check us out.
Lots happened since our last post - the shop was re-configured almost doubling our size, and for when the current situation passes we also now have a Gin Bar where you can come sit and relax with your best gin in hand.
Do let me know if we can help - for those in our local area of Wadebridge we will deliver your gin for free - the postage charge will be returned to you after checkout.
Keep safe and drink gin!
Neil
Let Christmas Be-gin!
The Little Gin Shack is full to bursting with new gins and gift ideas to temp you!
We have not one, not two but three wonderful Christmas inspired gins. Atlantic Distillery's Pudding gin - positively brimming with Christmas flavours and spices is like Christmas in a glass. Tarquin's Figgy Pudding Gin is subtle, and very more-ish, and think mince pies for Stafford Gin's Christmas gin. All in the website shop!
Leading up to the big day - we have a fabulous Gin Advent Calander, full of 24 premium 3cl gin miniatures, and gin-filled baubles for the tree. Enjoy your first tipple of Pickering's Gin, then re-fill and re-hang - the tree just keeps on giving! And finally, for the big feast - gin crackers (and rum crackers) - all with a mini gin or rum inside. So much better than a plastic moustache or a fourtune telling curly fish!
To unwrap after lunch - well, where to start - gin cushions, gift packs, jams, T-shirts, gin games, the list goes on and on!
Come visit soon - you are assured of the warmest of seasonal welcomes! Oh, and the windows look fab too, even if I say so myself!
Got a taste for Gin?
Had great fun with several groups over the last week or so doing private tasting sessions.
I choose 6 gins to sample - first neat, then with the perfect mixer - talk about the gin and what works with what. Then, the guests each choose their favourite, and I serve up a perfect double.
Always fun, always a laugh - let me know if you and your friends would like to do one!
Drink Gin to Raise Money for a Worthy Cause!
Land of Saints will launch in mid October - a deliciously floral gin with hints of citrus. Made in association with the world's oldest conservation charity Fauna & Floral International (www.fauna-flora.org) a donation will be made for each bottle produced.
Land of Saints follows a number of Cornish Gin Distilleries produced to raise money for well deserving projects. The Wrecking Coast New Heli Gin has raised over £5,000 for the Cornwall Air Ambulance campaign to purchase a new helicopter. The Thompson brothers at St Ives Gin have planted a tree for every bottle of their Blood Orange Limited Edition produced, and Curio Gin Fly Navy raises money for the Royal Navy's "Fly Navy" charity.
.... so enjoy your gin knowing you have helped to support a very worthy cause!
It's Autumn
Welcome to my first post on our new blog page. As Autumn arrives with weather to match, I've been experimenting with the British classic - Sloe Gin. The Sloes are ready to pick if you are intending to make your own - remember to prick them if you are freezing them.
So, try this for a delicious Sloe Gin Cocktail. Put a bottle of Limoncello in the freezer - it will turn into a "slush puppy!" Add a double measure to a chilled glass, and slowly drizzle an equal measure of chilled Sloe Gin over the top. Garnish with a twist of lemon peel and enjoy!
We have 2 Cornish Sloe Gins in stock - Wrecking Coast Honey & Sloe Gin and On The Rocks Sloe Gin, as well as the time honoured favourite - Plymouth Sloe. Don't forget to try Atlantic Distillery's organic Cornish Limoncello too!
... this cocktail also works well with Caspyn Gin's Damson Gin too!
Enjoy!