A guest post by Brooke
You may be surprised to learn that the origins of London gin can be traced back to Duck Lane in Soho. Here is it’s history.
William Cavendish-Bentinck, Duke of Portland
William Bentinck, the third Duke of Portland (and later Prime Minister of Great Britain), was a man of vision and ambition. A close advisor to King William III and with Dutch origins, Bentinck brought with him a deep appreciation for jenever, the juniper-based spirit beloved in the Netherlands. But his vision extended far beyond merely importing this drink to England. Bentinck dreamed of crafting a gin that could rival—or even surpass—the Dutch original, using the resources on his own English estate. Determined to produce a superior gin that could take pride of place in London’s burgeoning drinking culture, he set about creating the foundations for a truly English spirit. By planting vast juniper fields across his land in southern Soho, Bentinck ensured a steady supply of the essential botanical and embarked on a mission to create what would become a distinctly London gin.
A New Era on Duck Lane: The Birth of Soho Gin
While the Duckworth family had already carved out a reputation as expert distillers elsewhere in London, their relocation to Duck Lane (named after the family) was a transformative moment. This new chapter in their story was enabled by the Earl of Portland, who envisioned creating a distinctively London gin that could rival Dutch imports. Bentinck, a close advisor to King William III and of Dutch heritage himself, provided the Duckworths not only with land but also a vision that would shape the future of gin in London.
The southern part of what is now known as Soho was then owned by Bentinck, who had recently planted juniper bushes across his estate, ensuring a sustainable source of the essential gin ingredient. Recognising the Duckworth family’s skill and dedication, he commissioned them to produce a gin that would showcase the quality of local ingredients, providing them land to establish their new distillery. With this move to Duck Lane in 1752, the Duckworths didn’t just bring their expertise; they redefined their craft, elevating gin from a common drink to a carefully crafted spirit under the new label of Soho Gin.
Establishing the Soho Distillery and The Duck Inn
The Duckworths’ new Soho Distillery was built to exacting standards, designed to uphold the family’s commitment to quality while taking advantage of the new juniper fields planted on Bentinck’s estate. Alongside the distillery, the Duckworths opened The Duck Inn, a public house where patrons could sample this uniquely London gin fresh from the stills. The Duck Inn became a popular gathering spot, drawing locals and visitors eager to try Soho Gin—a gin that offered a superior experience, crafted with locally sourced juniper and botanicals carefully chosen to balance both Dutch and English influences.
The fanfare surrounding the distillery’s opening cemented Soho Gin’s place in London’s gin landscape. Distilled with consistency, purity, and a distinct flavour profile that set it apart, Soho Gin rapidly earned a reputation for quality. While many gins of the time were rough and unrefined, Soho Gin was praised for its smoothness and complex flavour, attracting a more discerning clientele who appreciated the family’s attention to craft. This dedication to quality established the Soho Distillery as a hallmark of excellence and brought new prestige to the Duckworth name.
The Creation of a London Classic
Soho Gin, as it came to be known, was the first London gin that could be celebrated for its artisanal quality, setting it apart from the rough, often hastily produced spirits that filled the market. The combination of the Duckworth family’s distilling experience and Bentinck’s resources created a gin that reflected the best of both worlds—a distinctly English spirit inspired by Dutch tradition, crafted to exacting standards. Over time, Soho Gin’s quality and consistency became its defining traits, making it a favourite in both pubs and private clubs throughout London.
The Legacy of Soho Gin: A Standard of Quality
Today, Soho Gin stands as a testament to this momentous collaboration between the Duckworth family and William Bentinck. The decision to move their distillery to Duck Lane transformed Soho Gin into more than just a gin—it became a symbol of quality and a tribute to the Duckworth family’s legacy. By relocating to Soho, the family elevated their gin from a simple spirit to a carefully crafted product rooted in both heritage and innovation, a distinction that has endured through the centuries.
In every bottle of Soho Gin, the essence of its 1752 origins remains intact. Its origins on Duck Lane embody the Duckworths’ journey from early distillers to creators of one of London’s most celebrated gins—a story of vision, craft, and a commitment to quality that forever changed the face of London gin.
So when you’re in London, come to Soho and taste the original London gin from the Soho Distillery. You owe it to yourself to experience a sip of history—but be warned, it brings a level of happiness you may not be used to.
Cheers!
