Fit for a King! Kate teams up with local tea and bee businesses to concoct her Coronation Gin

With the Coronation of King Charles fast approaching, self-styled ‘Gin Queen’ Kate Griffin decided to reach out to local gin lovers and collect ideas for a royal recipe to mark the occasion.

The winning suggestion was inspired by reports that His Majesty enjoys a cup of Darjeeling Tea with honey every morning.

Kate runs the Wessex Spirits Gin Palace on Winchester Street in Andover, and it was there that she set to work on her Coronation Gin.

It wouldn’t be a solo effort – with Kate preparing the spirit, Beckys Beezzzs on the other side of town is supplying the honey, while Winchester’s Char Teas has chipped in with the Darjeeling.

Supplying the honey – Beckys Beezzzs. Credit: Beckys Beezzzs

Finished off with a distinctive gold bottle, the gin is now destined for Buckingham Palace, where Kate hopes The King and his Queen Consort Camilla might enjoy a little over the Bank Holiday in their honour.

It’s not the first time that Kate has found cause for a seasonal spirit: “I’ve created some very unusual flavours before, including a Hot Cross Bun gin for Easter and a hibiscus and summer fruits Summer Solstice gin.

“When it came to the Royal celebrations I wanted to create something that was inspired by The King’s own tastes – and the tea and honey combination works so well that it was a worthy winner.

“It was an added bonus to be able to work with other local businesses to create the gin – now I just hope it gets the Royal Seal of approval!”

Kate has Graeme Patfield, Director at Fareham-based Polymedia PR, to thank for the idea.

He added: “We’re used to creating all kinds of inventive campaigns, but a gin is a first!

“We’re delighted that Kate loved our suggestion – and can confirm first-hand that the gin is delicious.”

A former secondary school teacher, Kate now creates bespoke flavoured gins to order for local businesses, individuals and corporate customers.

She also holds regular gin tastings and events at The Gin Palace, which she shares with craft brewers The Andover Tap, and where she is planning to hold a day-long Coronation Celebration on 6 May.

Kate’s Coronation Gin is strictly limited edition and available to order at wessexspirits.co.uk.