Up-and-coming Scottish multiple operator Worq Hospitality has announced a collaboration with the award-winning Glasgow brand Shipyard Gin.
The brainchild of Glaswegian wedding filmmaker, Andy Samuel, Shipyard Gin launched to market in October 2021, and is now being made available across several of Worq’s properties, including El Santo in Glasgow’s Merchant City, 55 Bearsden Cross, and the Riva Boutique Hotel in Helensburgh.
Described as an ‘expertly crafted classic London dry gin’ distilled in Scotland, Shipyard’s palate is dominated by citrus, herbaceous flavours, and floral notes like gorse and elderflower.
Samuel’s distinctive gin is intended to pay homage to the rich history of Scottish shipbuilding, particularly in the West of Scotland.
“My vision was to create a high quality, exceptional gin brand that celebrates success and resilience, rather than decline,” he said. “My grandfather’s tenure as a plater at Scotts Shipbuilding in Greenock, together with my firsthand experiences in the 1990s, witnessing the industry’s decline and its devastating impact on the community, fuelled my desire.
“The closure of the shipyards set many shipbuilding areas into a downward trajectory, a spiral they have been struggling to reverse ever since,” he said. “The goal with Shipyard Gin was not just to commemorate history, but to actively contribute to the revival of these areas by creating a successful brand that creates jobs.”
Ultimately, Samuel’s longer term aim for the business is to attract visitors through a distillery & heritage centre, including an event space and tasting room, all celebrating Glasgow’s proud past as world class shipbuilders.
He is also launching the brand internationally, taking it into the USA market this March.
Having spent December working behind the bar at El Santito, El Santo’s hidden speakeasy cocktail bar, Andy has now curated a bespoke Shipyard Gin cocktail exclusively for the venue.
His Pineapple Mint Fizz will be on the menu at El Santito – alongside cocktails showcasing a number of leading spirits brands, including Patron Tequila – until the end of February.
“My work experience at El Santo embraced the less glamorous, yet crucial aspects of building a start-up drinks brand. As well as enjoying chatting with punters, it’s given me invaluable insight into the trade sector. These skills will significantly influence the development of our next gin creations.”
He added: “I would like to thank Worq Hospitality for their support and endorsement of our brand. Their decision to feature our gin across various venues has undeniably been a driving force in enhancing our brand visibility over the past two years.”
Worq managing director, Jonathan Doherty, commented: “Our thanks go to Andy for creating this amazing cocktail for us. Building partnerships with both new and established drink brands is what we’re all about here at Worq Hospitality, especially when the brand is local and as good as Shipyard Gin.
“Andy’s story, on giving back to the community, is certainly an inspiring one that resonates with us. We wish him lots of luck as Shipyard Gin looks to attract American tastebuds. On a final note, he is welcome behind our bar anytime!”
