Sydney is home to a respectable number of top boutique distilleries, but the city's gin lovers have probably spied with envious eyes Melbourne's claim to one of the best brands in the business, namely Four Pillars.
Well, Sydney gin tragics, be jealous no longer, because the Victorian juniper whisperers have planted their flag in the heart of Surry Hills, with a trio of venues all under one roof.
First and perhaps foremost, there's the gin shop, where the distillery's full range – including all of its limited-edition varieties and its wildly popular Bloody Shiraz gin – is available for purchase. Then there's the gin lab, where visitors take part in tasting workshops, cocktail masterclasses and even experimental DIY evenings where visitors can mix up their very own mix of boozy botanicals, under the guiding hand of Four Pillars' master distillers. Finally, there's Eileen's Bar – so named after the 70-litre still that takes pride of place in the heart of the gin lab, imported to Sydney from Four Pillars' Healesville distillery – where you can take an elbow, enjoy some bar snacks and sample cocktails showcasing Four Pillars in all its forms. Since opening in May 2020, it has quickly become a popular go-to for the discerning drinkers of Surry Hills, and in an area already well served with bars aplenty, that's no mean feat.
