On the eve of World Gin Day, Four Pillars will swing open the doors to its Surry Hills ‘Laboratory’.
It’s been a long time coming. We first heard whispers of Four Pillars (the world’s leading international gin producer) opening a Sydney outpost in 2019. And in the wake of a pandemic, the team is giving Sydney a reason to head out for a drink.
The Four Pillars Laboratory will be open for business from Friday, June 12th (launching ahead of what has been unofficially renamed ‘World Gin Weekend’). Finding its home at 410 Crown Street, Surry Hills in the Bussell Brothers building, the venue will feature three distinct elements: a Gin Shop, Gin Lab (with a working experimental still) and a destination cocktail bar, Eileen’s Bar.
The Surry Hils Laboratory has been a big project for the team, led by Four Pillars Co-founder Matt Jones and Experience Director Leah Mackenzie, in concert with Yasmine Ghoniem from YSG Studio (formerly Amber Road).
As for Eileen’s Bar, this one is the love child of our Pillars Creative Drinks Director James Irvine, who collaborated on the bar design through virtual reality with world-leading, Oslo-based bar design agency Behind Bars, led by Jaye O’Dwyer. Here you’ll find a drinks menu of gin classics and modern masterpieces celebrating the Four Pillar’s family of gins. Plus, there is also a range of snacks designed by Made From Gin maestro Matt Wilkinson and a curated selection of beer, cider and wine from several of Four Pillars’ best mates in the business.
On the ground floor, you’ll find the Four Pillars Gin Shop, stock up will all of the brand’s signature and limited edition gins. Plus, you’ll also find all the gear you’ll need to elevate your at-home bar with tools, books, merch, Made From Gin marmalade, gin-infused chocolate and so much more.
But what would a launch be without a celebration? To kick off their first days of trade, the Four Pillars team are hosting a weekend of activities, masterclasses and cocktial-fuelled fun for Sydney’s gin lovers. Talk about the perfect way to toast to easing lockdown restrictions!
From Friday, June 12th to Sunday, June 14th the Gin Lab will hosting gin masterclasses with co-founder Stuart Gregor (each running for 60 minutes, with a welcome G&T on arrival plus at least 4 gin tastings fro $75 per person). To secure your spot, sign up to the Four Pillar’s mailing list here (with tickets released Mon, June 1st).
Across the opening weekend, Eileen’s Bar will also be open for a max. 24 guests who will be invited for a 90-minute visit (with seatings at 5pm, 7pm and 9pm nightly). To secure your booking, sign up to the Four Pillar’s mailing list here (with bookings open to subscribers from Mon, June 1st).
Find the Four Pillars Laboratory at 406-410 Crown Street, Surry Hills. The Gin Lab and Gin Shop will be open from 10am to 6pm daily, while Eileen’s Bar will be open Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm to midnight. To find out more, click here.
