It’s World Gin Day on the 8th June and to mark the occasion we thought we’d share five great Newmarket spots to enjoy a gin in our latest blog post.

With summer around the corner it’s time to find the perfect spots to sit and enjoy sipping an ice-cold and refreshing Gin & Tonic. Newmarket boasts several places that are perfect for relaxing in and in case you weren’t aware of it, there’s even a special Newmarket Gin that you can purchase to add to your collection if you are a connoisseur. The Newmarket Gin  is handcrafted in small batches by John Walters, an award-winning Artisan Distiller and is a combination of 10 botanicals to create a smooth and refreshing English Botanist gin.  One of the botanicals even includes orchid petals which are harvested from the famous Devil’s Dyke. The Devil’s Dyke makes a great walking spot which you can read more about by clicking here.

A bottle of Newmarket Gin was produced to celebrate the 350th year of horseracing in Newmarket and the bottle includes several nods to the town’s racing heritage with a binocular effect looking in to an image of horses thundering across the turf while the  neck of the bottle is accented with leather and the colours often found on the heath whenever the Newmarket rugs are worn by horses out for their morning exercise in colder weather.

If you are looking for some fantastic places to enjoy a  Gin & Tonic this summer then here’s our list of highly recommended spots.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa

This wonderful venue  is ideal for sitting back and relaxing. This summer you can enjoy their fabulous Picnic On the Lawn which allows you to  indulge  in a range of wonderful delights or you could choose to enjoy the splendour of the gardens from the terrace. Order a Newmarket Gin, – Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa were part of the development of this fabulous tipple – and admire the surroundings. There’s another link here in that it carries the nickname of ‘The Squires Reserve’ after Captain George Baird.  Hailed as a notorious gentleman rider and trainer, Baird’s nickname is also given to Squires, the award-winning restaurant at Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa given that he once owned the property.

If you’d prefer, you could always enjoy time in the Roxana Bar with a few nibbles.

The Tack Room

When the sun is shining this has to be one of the best places in town. Situated at Palace House,  The Tack Room boasts a wonderful terrace area in the King’s Yard and you can catch up with friends in relaxed surroundings which also overlooks an impressive statue of Frankel, one of the best horses to have graced the turf. It’s the perfect venue for a pre-racing brunch or for an afternoon spent with friends. Their lunch menu includes  items like the Suffolk Charcutrie Board, perfect for picking on while enjoying an ice-cold gin and tonic!

The Packhorse Inn

One of the gems in the nearby village of Moulton, The Packhorse Inn is another idyllic venue well worth frequenting if you are looking for a spot to meet. Not only do they offer a fantastic selection of gins that you can sample but they also offer several delicious cocktails that feature this  tipple. Try a French 75, a light and delicious mix of champagne, Gin, sugar and lemon juice or you could go for another of the classics like a Tom Collins. This  is a refreshing mix of Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and topped with soda, perfect for a warm summer afternoon!

Their terrace and lawn area is a great setting to enjoy one of these fabulous drinks in and their menu will surely tempt you into trying one of the fantastic dishes served up by their brilliant kitchen.

Heath Court Hotel

If you consider yourself something of a gin connoisseur then  this is the venue for you. The Heath Court Hotel boasts an extensive selection of gins – to match their impressive whisky collection – and you are bound to find the right blend to fit your tastes. Enjoy your drink in the lounge, a wonderfully relaxed setting.  The Heath Court Hotel is easy to find given that it sits near the top of the High Street on the Moulton Road. The restaurant and loung areas at the Heath Court Hotel offer a relaxed environment with contemporary finishes.

The King’s Head

If you needed further proof that Newmarket is spoilt with some top quality venues to enjoy a relaxed drink or lunch then The King’s Head in Dullingham is another fine example. Not only do they serve up some wonderful gastronomic dishes but the venue also lends  itself to being great for alfresco vibes especially with their outside seating overlooking the village green. Sounds like a fantastic way to spend a few hours on a warm weekend afternoon! The team at The King’s Head pride themselves on creating a relaxed atmosphere and their kitchen of talented chefs are passionate about sourcing from local suppliers and adding modern and exciting twists to some of the classic dishes.

Where else would you recommend going to enjoy a refreshing Gin & Tonic in Newmarket? Let us know by heading to our Facebook page and commenting, or tag us in your pictures on Instagram and Twitter and show us how you are celebrating World Gin Day!