BECAUSE NO GOOD STORY STARTED WITH SOMEONE EATING A SALAD
Lauren and Harriet met and quickly became friends while working behind the bar in their hometown of Southsea in 2014. For a while, life took different directions for the GIRLS; however, years later, they would find themselves on the other side of the bar discussing their shared passion for, well, booze and the area they GREW UP in…
and so it begins…
In Spring 2020, an opportunity presented itself when their good friend gave them a chance to go into business together, running The Gin Emporium, a 1969 Citroen HY van restored into a quirky mobile bar. But this dream was to be short-lived as within weeks, the Coronavirus Pandemic scuppered their plans for worldwide domination. Now unable to trade due to lockdowns and cancelled outdoor events, Lauren and Harriet set to work, determined to continue to build a business regardless of the shit show they’d found themselves in!
a lightbulb
moment
Spotting a gap in the local market and wanting to spread cheer during a pretty bleak time, the two girls worked with a local distillery to produce and deliver premium bottled gin cocktails. In a range of fruity flavours, these cocktails, along with their branding and attention to detail, would prove a massive hit - much to their relief!
THANK F*cK FOR THAT!
High on their cocktails' success, they worked with the local distillery over lockdown to create a gin encapsulating Southsea's vibrant, diverse culture. In an area oozing with creativity, they wanted to create an honestly produced spirit with a fantastic taste that stood out from other gins on the back bar.
They started small, experimenting with different botanicals and refining the recipe until they found the perfect blend. Launched in the summer of 2021, Southsea Spirit is a tropical bathtub-style gin with flavours of juniper, fresh orange, caramelised pineapple and a touch of coconut, inspired by their seaside home and bursting with its spirit.
The gin has quickly gained a following locally and, to date, can be enjoyed at home or in local bars and restaurants across the city and further afield.