Avanti West Coast raises a glass to local produce with unique gin created by distillery

• Partnership with Avanti West Coast and distillery sees creation of unique tipple
• New drink produced using botanicals found local to West Coast Main Line
• Gin exclusively available for customers travelling First Class on West Coast route

Avanti West Coast has launched a new gin in partnership with a family-owned distillery in Macclesfield exclusively for its First Class menu.  

Working with The Forest Distillery – a 17^th century barn in the Peak District National Park owned by husband-and-wife team Karl and Lindsay Bond - the intercity operator has created the drink called ‘Forest to First’.

The collaboration is part of Avanti West Coast’s commitment to offer a responsibly sourced menu – reducing its impact on the environment and showcasing products created in communities along its route.

Utilising the skills and expertise of Karl and Lindsay, who began home distilling tiny batches of spirits from their kitchen table, The Forest Distillery teamed up with the train operator to make an exclusive product that celebrates the region – from the selection of the ingredients to the design of the bottle.

Berries and botanicals foraged from Macclesfield Forest flavour the gin, which is distilled with water from the area’s ancient natural spring.

In a nod to the forest, where the gin is distilled and its ingredients are found, the bottle design features a weasel which is a familiar sight in the local area.  

Customers travelling in First Class on Avanti West Coast’s route can enjoy the refreshing drink during their journey as part of the complimentary food and drink offering onboard. 

Ahead of the gin’s launch, two new roles were specially created at The Forest Distillery to support the production of the bespoke drink.

The distillery’s award-winning Forest Gin is also available in the First Class Lounge at London Euston, where it is served from specially designed bottles handmade in Stoke-on-Trent by Wade Ceramics.

Philippa Creswell, Executive Director of Onboard at Avanti West Coast, said: “We want to champion small local producers as they’re innovative and passionate about what they do. Working with producers in the communities we serve gives us an opportunity to showcase the brilliant produce and quality products nearby to our route, while supporting our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. We’re sure our customers will agree when they’re sat back with a refreshing glass of Forest to First, enjoying the scenery at 125mph.”

Karl Bond, Co-founder of Forest Distillery Ltd, said: “We are so proud to have been asked to distil this gin exclusively for Avanti West Coast customers. As a family business, it is incredible to see our products served within First Class. The team at Avanti West Coast have been lovely to work with, and the resulting gin in the bottle is of an exceptional standard.”

ENDS