Last week saw the official launch of the Eagle House gin distillery in Launceston.

Guests were invited to sample the two flavours of gin — Bright Summer gin with hints of blueberry, raspberry and lemongrass and Bold Winter gin with orange and cardamom.

Taking centre stage in the heart of the bar is the new gin still, which drew gasps and much admiration from those in attendance.

It is hoped that the gin distillery — believed to be the only hotel-based distillery in the South West — will put not only the hotel on the map, but also Launceston.

It has been a true labour of love for hotel owners Bill and Rebecca Perry, who purchased the historic hotel in January 2017.

At the time the couple felt the hotel, which seemed destined to be turned into flats, should be restored to its former glory for the local community and for those further afield to enjoy as a hotel.

New to the hotel is the creation of a terraced bar with views over the surrounding countryside, and now the introduction of the gin distillery.

At the launch, Rebecca said: “It would have been far easier for us to have put this still in a shed back on our farm or at Pennygillam. But we were determined to house it at the hotel and open a small manufacturing business in the heart of town, which I don’t think has happened for quite a long time.

“Town centres all over the country are really struggling to survive and we hope that Launceston’s first gin will put us on the map.

“I think we have some positives to look forward to in Launceston ­ the town council are putting on some wonderful events, English Heritage are looking to open up the castle green and have it used more, which is great, and we are really very fortunate to be on the comedy circuit and have the likes of Jack Dee and Alan Carr and Gryff Rhys Jones, which is pulling in a crowd on a regular basis. I feel like the first green shoots are emerging.

“We have some wonderful companies and some great independent shops. There’s also a great kindness and goodwill in this tight knit community.”

Rebecca added: “There are lots of gin distilleries out there now and the Cornish gin circuit is really getting going, but I think this is the only hotel gin distillery certainly in the South West and there’s probably only a handful in the country so it really does put us on the map — stay, eat, drink sleep, and I really hope that this distillery will go some way to reinvigorating the town centre.”

Jack Rockliffe-King, general manager of the Eagle House Hotel is the resident gin distiller and creator of the hotel’s signature Eagle One gin.

Distillation began on a small scale in 2018 with Dulcie, a traditional copper alembic still, named after Jack’s great-aunt who loved nothing better than a glass of gin.

Gordon, a 20-litre still arrived later that year and now the 230-litre bespoke gin still from Bridgetown Brewing Co will allow the team to grow this exciting arm of the business.

Eagle One’s Bright Summer Gin and Bold Winter Gin are available for sale at the Eagle House Hotel in 100ml bottles priced at £8 and 500ml bottles at £30.

Regular gin tastings are also being held. For more information, contact the hotel on 01566 774488.