As Sydney’s lockdown restrictions are being relaxed, it’s time to let the good times be-gin…

If there’s anything we’re craving right now as we emerge from months of monotonous evenings spent on the sofa, it’s something NEW. Luckily, the brains behind the Yarra Valley-based distiller, Four Pillars, are ready to assist, announcing the opening of a three-part Gin Laboratory in Surry Hills next week, just in time for World Gin Day.

That’s right! Say goodbye to Netflix lethargy and track pants, and hello to strangers, new tastes and the zest of good gin.

On Friday 12 June, the eve of World Gin Day, this leading international gin brand will open the (socially-distanced) doors to their new Crown Street building, featuring three gin-credible venues: a Gin Shop for all your purchasing needs, a Gin Lab featuring a working experimental still and the destination cocktail bar, Eileen’s Bar. 

The Gin Shop on the ground floor will feature all the signature and limited-edition releases that have made Four Pillars Australia’s favourite gin producers (and International Gin producer of the year 2019 at the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition in London), bar gear, books, merchandise and Made From Gin marmalade and chocolate that we all know and love.

The pièce de résistance of this new venture, however, is located upstairs, where the curious can explore a one-of-a-kind inner-city Gin Lab. Don’t miss the 70 litre German engineered Carl copper still, named Eileen after Four Pillars’ co-founder Matt Jones’ mother. It has sat for the last three years in situ at the distillery in Healesville before making its way to Sydney as the city’s new masterpiece. This piece of gin magic makes small batches of the bespoke liquor, where you can also book in for gin, distiller and cocktail masterclasses. Plus, all-day drinks will be available for walk-in customers, including the much-loved Four Pillars G&T Paddle (three different gins, three garnishes and a bottle of Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic). 

But, for the keen-eyed, there’s one more secret in store.

Cameron Mackenzie, James Irvine, Stu Gregor and Matt Jones, Four Pillars Sydney venue opening. Image supplied.

On the corner of Fitzroy and Crown Street, keep your eyes peeled for the iconic four dots of Four Pillars projected onto the doorstep. Enter the doorway and climb the stairs to be transported to the sophisticated Eileen’s Bar. A stunning asymmetrical concrete bar, three stations pouring out delicious drinks (gin and non-gin alike) and some romantic seating to soak in the magic. If isolation has you dreaming of discovering somewhere new, then this should be added to your winter list of cosy corners. 

“We were determined to take that same passion for making, creativity and experimentation and focus it on the delicious drinks you can make with our gins.” explains Matt Jones, Four Pillars co-founder, “And we wanted to serve it all up with our signature love of warm hospitality and beautiful design. The result is the Four Pillars Laboratory in Surry Hills, a delicious playground for Sydney’s gin lovers and a new bucket list destination for gin fanatics around the world.”

To celebrate the opening of this new gin destination (or should that be dest-gin-ation!), Four Pillars is putting together a weekend of activities, masterclasses and cocktail-fuelled fun for Sydney’s gin lovers to toast the responsible relaxation of lockdown.

So, if you just cannot wait to get gin-volved, you can join the team for their opening weekend and to celebrate World Gin Day on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 June. You can also sign up for one of Four Pillars’ gin masterclasses with co-founder and Gin Lab licensee, Stuart Gregor, where attendees can enjoy gin tastings, stories, music and a first look at the lab and bar ($75). Or, book in a visit to Eileen’s Bar on World Gin Day, to celebrate the responsible relaxation of restrictions with a punch.

Four Pillars Gin Laboratory
Where: Four Pillars Laboratory, Bussell Brothers Building, 406-410 Crown St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
When: The Gin Shop & Lab is open everyday, 10am – 6pm
Eileen’s Bar is open Wednesday to Saturday, 5pm – midnight
For more information visit: Four Pillars Gin.

Love gin? We do too! Why not check out the list of our top rated Australian gins. Or, if wine is more your taste, Sydneysiders can reignite date night with this romantic wine bar.