Summerhall Distillery is a quirky and pioneering spirit hub tucked away within the historic walls of the old Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. Established in 2013, it famously became the first exclusive gin distillery to open in Edinburgh in over 150 years. The distillery is home to the award-winning Pickering’s Gin, which is crafted using a secret family recipe from 1947. Located in the former dog kennels of the veterinary college, the production area features two custom-built copper stills named Gertrude and Emily. The space perfectly blends industrial heritage with a creative, bohemian atmosphere, as it is part of the larger Summerhall arts complex, a vibrant community of artists, galleries, and independent businesses.
Es gibt noch keine Touren in Summerhall Distillery.
The distillery shop is open Monday through Wednesday from 10:00 to 16:00 and Thursday through Sunday from 11:00 to 17:00. Tours, such as the popular Pickering's Gin Jolly, generally run from Wednesday to Sunday and cost approximately twenty-five pounds per person. This ticket usually includes a gin and tonic at the start, a guided tour of the production room, and a tasting of four different gins. Note that the visitor center typically closes for a brief winter break in early January, reopening on January 31st, 2026. The venue is strictly cashless, so be sure to bring a card for any purchases or tour bookings. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially for the specialized cocktail masterclasses.
Summerhall Distillery is a working production site with a focus on adult experiences; most tours are strictly for those aged eighteen and over, although children over twelve can sometimes join specific tours with a non-drinker ticket. Photography is generally allowed and encouraged, but as the space is quite compact, large bags and suitcases are not permitted. The distillery is located within a historic building, and while the main tasting experiences are accessible, some back-of-house areas may involve small sets of stairs. Pets are not allowed in the production or shop areas, with the exception of guide dogs. For a unique perk, you can bring back your empty Pickering's Gin bottles to the distillery shop for a fifteen percent discount on a refill.
The distillery is located at 1 Summerhall Place in the Newington area, right on the corner of the Meadows. From the city center or Waverley Station, it is a pleasant twenty-five-minute walk south via North Bridge and South Bridge. If you prefer the bus, take Lothian services 3, 5, 7, 8, 29, 31, 47, or 49 to the "Summerhall" or "Royal Commonwealth Pool" stops, which are just a short walk away. The number 30 bus also stops nearby on Bernard Terrace. For those staying in the West End, a taxi or Uber will take about ten minutes. There is no dedicated visitor parking at the venue, but metered street parking is available on surrounding streets like Summerhall Square and Sciennes, though it can be difficult to find a space.
For the best experience, try to book a tour on a Wednesday or Thursday morning to enjoy a quieter environment and more interaction with the guides. Weekends, particularly Saturday afternoons, are the busiest times and often host lively events like the "Cocktail & Cheese Brunch." If you are visiting during the Edinburgh Festival in August, the entire Summerhall complex becomes a massive arts hub with pop-up bars and outdoor performances, making it an incredibly exciting but crowded time to visit. To catch the stills "Gertrude and Emily" in action, a mid-week afternoon visit is your best bet. Late January is the only time to avoid, as the tour team usually takes their annual break during the first few weeks of the year.