Capital gin distillery Pickering's to expand to China

A CAPITAL gin distillery is set to make its mark in China with the opening of Beijing's first dedicated gin bar.
Pickering's gin is to expand into ChinaPickering's gin is to expand into China
Pickering's gin is to expand into China

More than a hundred local dignitaries, celebrities and influencers from China’s capital gathered to celebrate the opening of Pickering’s Gin and Seafood bar in the Chaoyang District.

Located in the bustling Sanlitun area – one of Beijing’s liveliest hotspots for wining and dining – the brand new purpose-built venue is part of a long-term export strategy for the award-winning distillery.

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Developed in conjunction with PandaBrew, the 270 square metre venue comprises a 120-cover restaurant, three bars and a live music stage.

It also includes a dedicated ‘Peacock Nest’, said to deliver an ‘immersive Pickering’s brand experience’ to guests. Marcus Pickering, co-founder and head of export, heralded the bar as an important milestone for Scotland and the UK in China as he said: “We are bringing a unique offering to the Chinese market with our range of gins distilled in the heart of Scotland’s capital. This is about showcasing the best Scotland, and indeed what Britain has to offer to the East.”

“In the next six months we will work towards having the seafood on the menu sourced exclusively from Scotland including lobster, oysters and mussels.

“We are working with the Department of International Trade and Scottish Development International to make this a truly Scottish destination in Beijing.”

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He added: “We have been overwhelmed with our Chinese welcome to the market here and we’re confident this is just the first of many Pickering’s Gin bars in China.”

The new bar stocks the full Pickering’s Gin range and aims to take advantage of a growing thirst for spirits among China’s affluent consumers.

Customers can sample the ‘Ultimate Gin and Tonic Experience’ with Pickering’s gin sous-vide with butterfly peas, lemongrass and even washed with olive oil.

Bespoke cocktail offerings include a Distilled Negroni infusing Pickering’s Navy Strength Gin with Sichuan pepper and the Peacock Egg which is served like a yolk in an egg shell.

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Currently one of the world’s biggest spirits consumers, China imported around 52.81 million litres of spirits from overseas in the first nine months of 2017, in a market worth roughly £608 million.

Matt Gammell, head distiller and co-founder commented: “This is a big step for us and we are grateful to have such an experienced partner in 
PandaBrew.”

“We’re sure that the quality of our gin, combined with the food on offer, will become an instant hit with locals and expats alike.”

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