Overview
First Impressions
The Old Gin Distillery est 1850 isn’t what you’d expect when you think of London hotels — and that’s exactly why it works. Tucked away in North London’s Palmers Green, this converted Victorian distillery feels worlds apart from the typical tourist trail. The moment you walk in, you’re struck by how they’ve managed to preserve the industrial character while making it genuinely comfortable.
The Heritage Story
You know what’s refreshing? A hotel that doesn’t try to hide its past. The building’s distillery roots are everywhere — exposed brick walls, original timber beams, and these gorgeous cast-iron features that remind you this place actually made gin for over a century. It’s a proper four-star operation now, but they’ve kept enough of the rough edges to make it feel authentic rather than sanitized.
The Room Experience
My room was in what used to be part of the grain storage area — hence the sister property’s name you’ll see referenced. The space felt generous by London standards, with high ceilings that make you forget you’re in a city where most hotel rooms feel like shoeboxes. The design strikes this nice balance between industrial chic and actual comfort, though I’ll be honest — if you’re expecting marble bathrooms and thread counts mentioned in the marketing, this isn’t that kind of place.
Location Reality Check
Here’s the thing about Palmers Green — it’s not Central London, and they don’t pretend it is. You’re looking at about 20 minutes on the Piccadilly line to get to the heart of things, but honestly, that’s part of the appeal. The neighborhood feels residential and real, with proper local pubs and that Turkish restaurant down the road that locals actually use. There’s parking available too, which anyone who’s tried to drive in London will appreciate.
Why Guests Love It
The 9.2 rating makes sense once you understand what this place is trying to be. It’s not competing with the grand hotels in Mayfair — it’s offering something different for people who want character over convention. The staff seem to get that balance too; they’re helpful without being overly formal, and they know their local area well enough to point you toward things you wouldn’t find in guidebooks. If you’re the type who’d rather stay somewhere with a story than somewhere with a concierge in a top hat, The Old Gin Distillery est 1850 delivers exactly that.
Guest reviews
"Fantastic stay in this stylish North London apartment"
We had a fantastic stay in this stylish little apartment in North London. Although it’s conveniently close to a main road and bus stops, we were pleasantly surprised by how quiet it was — even with the windows open overnight — and there was easy street parking for our car. The space itself is really cosy and full of character, with funky artwork, quirky furniture, and a mix of modern and retro touches that make it feel unique. We loved the comfortable seating, record player and stereo setup with plenty of music choice, and little design details like the neon sign and patterned textiles. The owners went above and beyond, leaving us some of their own gin (they distil it!) along with arrival snacks and a lovely selection of food and drinks for breakfast, which made it feel so welcoming and homely. Wifi was excellent, and while we didn’t need them, we really appreciated that they’d provided international plug adaptors for overseas visitors. Highly recommended!
22 September 2025
"Space, comfort, peace & quiet."
The location was excellent for getting into London with the rail links etc, although just off the North Circular it was exceptionally quiet and peaceful.
The accommodation was spotlessly clean & Ian had left lots of extras like bacon, eggs, bread, milk & Gin (which was very good) & much appreciated.
There was everything you need (and more) within the property, lovely power shower & a big plus the air conditioning plus a lot of personal touches from Ian like the record player etc.
To top it off there was also a parking space we could use.
What could be improved: Nothing
25 August 2025
"Nice little apartment with good facilities, but a bit far from downtown London"
The small apartment has a spacious bedroom upstairs with a good bed. Facilities in general are good, especially an airconditioner which was very welcome with the heat in London. Nice story about the history of the gin distillery and some free gin included.
What could be improved: The location is a bit far from the centre of London, about half an hour towards Piccadilly, although it is good that the Bounds Green station is on the Piccadilly line. From Bounds Green station to the apartment is about 10 minutes walking, which is a lot with luggage (there are apparently buses, could be an option). There was an option to park a car, but we came by public transport. The gin distillery compound is quite close to the northern ringroad of London, which is less nice to walk along. The bedroom upstairs is nice, but because it is still connected to the ground floor by open stairs, it is not strictly a separate bedroom (in fact it could be called a duplex studio).
17 August 2025
"Perfect !!"
Location was great, very close to public transport so easy to get into London.
Accommodation was perfect, had everything we needed. Gin was delicious as well 😜
28 July 2025
"It was lovely."
Stylish, practical and quirky, with aircon, fans, charging cables and LPs, comfy seating, great host, breakfast provided, really cool, everything we needed!
What could be improved: There was no slotted spoon to scoop poached egg out of the pan (seriously!)
3 July 2025
"Cute, retro apartment!! Got everything u need"
It was so lovely , wee breakfast items , lovely touch , bed was soooo comfy
What could be improved: Getting work done outside , bit messy but couldnt be helped , but it didn’t bother me
14 June 2025
"great position and space furnished with care!"
Position is great (2mins walking to the bus stop for bus running 24h and taking u to bound a green in three stop), place is furnished nicely and with attention, the host had a lot of food and spices, breakfast option and the house gin.
What could be improved: -
14 May 2025
"Lovely location, fun and well equipped unit, would love to stay again"
Lovely location,close to tube and Tesco express.the unit was quirky, well stocked and clean.
What could be improved: Only minor thing was the two duvets on the double bed which was odd, kept losing one or the other in the middle of the night.
13 May 2025
"Comfy, cosy and quirky"
Comfy, cosy, quaint and quirky. A nice piece of London history. Well equipped. Provisions provided were a nice surprise. Just off the North Circular but surprisingly quiet.
What could be improved: Difficult to find somewhere to park nearby if you're driving. Quite a walk to tube/railway stations and then 30 mins in to central London.
28 April 2025
"Clean, comfortable and perfectly formed.exactly what we needed"
The host gave clear and detailed instructions on how to enter the property. The additional welcome items were fabulous and so thoughtful really helped as we arrived late
The quirky nature of the space really appealed. It was quiet off the main road and had all he utilities you would want, clean and comfortable
29 March 2025
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