The Stamford Arms creates “gin passports” for customers

The Stamford Arms in Groby, Leicestershire, has launched its own Gin Club.

Anyone interested in joining The Stamford Arms’ Gin Club receives a monthly “gin passport” – a 10-page booklet provided by the pub. When they try a new gin, they receive a stamp in their passport, allowing them to record the varieties they’ve tried and like. The Stamford Arms team chooses 10 featured gins every month, and manager Chris Taylor, the man behind the idea, also suggests which tonics and garnishes go well with each.

“We’ve gone from serving one variety of gin to 45,” says Chris. “People are loving gin at the moment – sales are rising and have outstripped vodka, which is probably seen as a bit boring in comparison. We’ve created our own gin section of the bar and recently put on a gin night with Burleighs of Leicestershire. Tickets were £25 per person for a Gin Masterclass, two free gin & tonics, a selection of tapas dishes and a gin-tasting session. We sold all 35 tickets.”

Chris is now working with Sipsmith Gin to create an al fresco Stamford Arms gin bar for the summer to coincide with Wimbledon fortnight.