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In recent years there has been a definitive move away from the mass-produced and towards the bespoke. It’s reflected in businesses all around Basingstoke. This trend isn’t because we have more to spend, necessarily. It is because the average consumer cares more about the quality of the product that they are buying. This is especially true when it comes to consumables. So where in and around Basingstoke can you find the most delectable artisan products?
Most famously, you will find the Bombay Sapphire distillery just west of Basingstoke in Whitchurch. An international brand, this is a popular Basingstoke destination for experiences and tastings.
Gorilla Spirits Co. is a small batch distiller but boasts an unique story. Based southeast of Basingstoke, the company produce gins alongside rum, vodka and liqueur and offers distillery tour experiences. £1 of every bottle sold goes towards Gorilla conservation through The Gorilla Organization.
Most central to Basingstoke, and on the way to the Vyne manor house, you’ll find VodCorr Spirit Distillers. Just two years old, you can source rum, flavoured gins and, of course, vodka. They source their ingredients as locally as possible to produce authentically British spirits.
West Basingstoke is home to the family run Longdog Brewery. With 4 core ales, a selection of seasonal specials, plus home delivery and tours on offer, this is a local favourite.
On the road from Basingstoke to Hook sits Andwell Brewing Co, a microbrewery with a conscience – brewing great ales, IPA’s and largers at a good price. Visit the Brewhouse for a drink or take a brewery tour for the full experience.
Based on a farm north of Basingstoke, the Sherfield Village Brewery produces a surprisingly wide range of bitters and stouts. Although not an experience destination, they deliver beer direct to local customers and maintain a strong festival presence.
Exporting English sparkling wines to 16 countries, Hattingley Valley has established a name for itself since its first release in 2013. You can find this Hampshire winery in between Basingstoke and Winchester. Tours and tastings take place all year round except for during the Autumn harvest. The plethora of awards year after year are testament to the great conditions that the countryside around Basingstoke offers for winemaking!
Come the festive season, good cheese boards wouldn’t be without the renowned Winslade and Tunworth cheeses that are produced by the Hampshire Cheese Company. These creamy cheeses are similar to camemberts and are celebrated by the likes of Nigel Slater and Raymond Blanc. The dairy is nestled in countryside to the south of Basingstoke and supplies delis and farm shops in the local vicinity and beyond!
Local bakers abound if you look carefully, but A Basing Bakes are definitely worth a mention with their extensive range of gluten free savoury and sweet baked goods. Covering Basingstoke and surrounding areas, you’ll find them at markets and festivals, with a mouthwatering range of made to order goods.
Over in Old Basing a new bakery and coffee shop, The Street Bake Shop, bakes cakes, breads, pastries and buns on site. All the breads are baked from a sourdough base, and the cafe is dedicated to providing real and honest food.
Basingstoke hosts regular markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the top of the town. You’ll find heaps of locally produced food and goods. In addition, artisanal markets periodically take place. In the surrounding areas, Andover Artisan Market takes place on the third Sunday of the month and Alton Farmer’s Market takes place on the second Saturday of the month.
Basingstoke and its surrounding areas are full of locally produced goods. So from gifts to experiences, or just a little treat for yourself, you need not leave the Basingstoke area!
