Double measure for gin exhibition

Edinburgh’s Contagious and London’s Farm Consultancy have collaborated on a £1.5m visitor experience for Plymouth Gin, creating graphics and interior designs respectively.

Facilities at the Black Friars distillery in Plymouth, which opens formally at the end of the month, will include a permanent exhibition, distillery tour, tasting area, cocktail lounge, café, delicatessen and shop.

According to Vaughan Yates, design director at Contagious, the work comes as Plymouth Gin’s owner, Swedish company V&S Group, ramps up its investment in the brand.

V&S, which also owns vodka brand Absolut, is seeking to position the product as ‘the premium gin used in cocktail bars’ and build it into a ‘top ten drinks brand’.

Plymouth Gin has been distilled in Plymouth since the late 18th century. The exhibition, also designed by Contagious, highlights the connection between the city and the brand and allows the company to show its large collection of historical objects, according to Yates.

Large-scale signage has been installed at the front of the building to promote the visitor centre.

A centrepiece of the development is a cocktail bar that operates as a private members’ club at weekends. It features a lighting installation designed to make the most of the space’s ‘dramatic, vaulted roof’ and uses neutral, contemporary furniture complemented by red walls, according to Farm Consultancy director Bob Thwaites.

All interiors were created by Farm Consultancy, with the exception of the café, which was designed by Shaun Clarkson ID.

Start the discussionStart the discussion
  • Post a comment

Latest articles