Locksley Distilling Co. is an independent distillery situated in the historic Portland Works, a Grade II* listed building in Sheffield, UK. Established in 2013, it produces a range of craft spirits, including its flagship 'Sir Robin of Locksley' gin, inspired by the local legend of Robin Hood. The distillery offers visitors the opportunity to participate in gin-making experiences, where they can create their own unique blend using over 100 botanicals. Additionally, they provide guided tours and tasting sessions, allowing guests to explore the distillation process and sample various products. Collaborations with local businesses, such as Bullion Chocolate Makers, have led to unique offerings like the Co-Lab Cocoa Nib Liqueur. The distillery's commitment to ethical and environmental practices is evident in its use of local and organic ingredients, fair trade principles, and sustainable production methods.
What each source says
- Tripadvisor 5.0 184
- Google 5.0 70
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Engaging and Knowledgeable Guides The distillery tours are led by passionate and informative guides, such as Elliot and Joe, who provide insights into gin-making and the history of the Portland Works.
- Great for Special Occasions Many reviewers recommend the tours and experiences for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and hen parties, making it a memorable and unique activity.
- Hands-On Gin Making The 'Make Your Own Gin' experience is a highlight, offering the chance to create a personalized gin blend with guidance from experts and take home a unique bottle.
- Historical and Quirky Setting Located in the Grade 2 listed Portland Works, the distillery offers a glimpse into Sheffield's industrial past, adding a unique and charming dimension to the visit.
- Unique Gin Tasting Experience Visitors enjoy generous samples of various gins and liqueurs, allowing them to discover new flavors and learn about the distilling process in a fun, interactive way.
Criticised
- Limited Dates Due to popularity, it may be difficult to find your preferred dates for tours and experiences. Booking well in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.
- Liqueurs May Not Suit All Palates While the gins receive widespread praise, some find the gin liqueurs too sweet. Those who dislike sweet flavors may not enjoy the full range of tasting options.
- Location's Rustic Charm May Not Appeal to Everyone The distillery is housed in a historically significant but perhaps 'rustic' building. While many find this charming, those expecting a modern, polished environment might be initially surprised.
- Risk of Overindulgence The gin samples are described as generous, and visitors are warned not to drive. Transportation arrangements should be made in advance to ensure a safe journey home.
- Small Group Size Due to the limited size of the space, group experiences are small, This may not be appropriate for all as there are no large group bookings.
The longer read
Locksley Distilling Co. in Sheffield receives overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly for its gin tasting and making experiences. Reviewers consistently highlight the engaging and knowledgeable staff, especially Elliott and Joe, who are praised for their enthusiasm, humor, and ability to convey the history of both gin and the distillery's location within the historic Portland Works. Many reviewers describe the tours as informative and entertaining, even for those who aren't typically gin drinkers. The distillery itself, housed in a Grade II listed building, adds to the unique and memorable atmosphere, offering a glimpse into Sheffield's industrial past.
A major draw is the opportunity to sample a generous selection of Locksley's gins and liqueurs. Reviewers frequently mention the high quality and unique flavors of the gins, with several highlighting specific varieties like the Sir Robin of Locksley and the VSOT Navy Strength gin. The tasting experience is often described as a fun and social activity, suitable for couples, friends, and even hen parties.
Beyond the tasting, the gin-making experience stands out as a truly special and personalized activity. Participants appreciate the guidance provided in selecting botanicals and creating a custom gin tailored to their individual tastes. The hands-on process, using individual copper stills, is consistently described as enjoyable and rewarding. Many reviewers express excitement about taking home their own unique gin creation in a fancy bottle.
Several reviewers also mention the cocktail-making classes, praising the expert instruction and the chance to learn about different cocktail techniques and ingredients. The classes are described as a fun and social way to spend an evening, with ample opportunities to sample the creations.
In addition to the experiences themselves, reviewers appreciate the personal touch and passion of the owners, John and Cynthia, who are often mentioned for their dedication to quality and their captivating story. The small group sizes allow for a more intimate and engaging experience, with plenty of time for questions and interaction with the staff.
Overall, Locksley Distilling Co. is highly recommended for anyone looking for a unique and memorable activity in Sheffield, especially gin enthusiasts. The combination of informative tours, generous tastings, hands-on experiences, and passionate staff creates an exceptional and highly enjoyable experience that is well worth the visit.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 114 249 0359
- Website
- locksleydistilling.com
| Mon | 9:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Wed | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Thu | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Fri | 9:00 - 17:00 |
| Sat | Closed |
| Sun | Closed |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 5.0 against a median of 4.9 across the 3 venues we hold for Heeley, where the most-reviewed is Golf Fang - Sheffield.
Still deciding?
- What unique ingredients do you use in your spirits that reflect the local culture?
- Can you explain the distillation process and how it influences the flavor of your products?
- What inspired the founding of Locksley Distilling Co. Ltd. and its name?
- Are there any plans for future product launches or seasonal releases?
- How do you engage with the local community and support sustainable practices?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.