Play Hard

Inside Holy Island’s first distillery complete with a hidden cocktail bar

Searching for what to do on Holy Island, Lindisfarne? 793 Spirits is well worth a visit.

Written by Rachael Nichol
Published 09.08.2023

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Steeped in 6th Century, Viking and religious history, Holy Island, Lindisfarne is one of the North East’s most unique, captivating and mystical islands.

With imposing castles, quaint cottages and rugged coastal shores, a Holy Island day trip is sure to captivate all ages and make you dream of having a peaceful English island life.

Being just three miles wide and located off the coast of Northumberland, the most magical part of Holy Island is that it can only be visited during low tide and is cut off from the mainland twice a day – giving you the chance to really get away from it all.

And what better way to switch off than with a G&T in hand? How about bringing some captivating views of enchanting Lindisfarne and the refreshing North Sea air into the mix, too?

Introducing 793 Spirits, Holy Island’s first and only distillery. Serving up a new era of spirits whilst still capturing the islands’ folklore, the free-spirited team follow their own rules and do things differently.

From their distillery complete with a hidden cocktail bar where you can try their spirits for yourself to their shop where you can stock up on liquor to take home, 793 Spirits brings a unique, modern and vibrant vibe to the Island.

So, if you’re wondering what to do on Holy Island 793 Spirits is well worth a visit.

 

THE SPIRIT OF 793

793 Spirits are a fresh, contemporary and unique spirit brand that is really stirring things up in the liquor world. What makes them unique is that they don’t follow the conventions of an ordinary liquor brand, they set their own rules to follow: to make products they want to make, the way they want to and most importantly, to make it fun.

It all began as a bit of fun in 2017 when friends and drinking buddies, Andy, founder and distiller, and Molly, operations manager, started distilling in Andy’s parent’s pub. By 2019 the team began building their small purpose-built distillery in the pub and bought a 250L still.

Then lockdown hit, and they decided they loved distilling and didn’t want to return to their full-time jobs. And the dynamic pair just wanted to keep making liquor for a living and have never looked back.

After the whirlwind that 2021 was, 793 Spirits was born in 2022 and they also launched their new gin, Creed & Tide, after five years in the making. In May, the team opened their liquor store and spirits school, Spirit & Soul, to offer a more interactive experience for you guys and create an engaging space for like-minded liquor lovers.

What we love about 793 Spirits is that we can see exactly what they do, how they make their spirits, and where they make it and the team will be as interactive as possible as they are so passionate about what they do.

THE HIDDEN COCKTAIL BAR

Who doesn’t love a secret speakeasy bar? Hidden behind a bookcase in their liquor store you’ll find Hell and High Water cocktail bar. The vibrant, contemporary but cosy cocktail bar is the perfect place to enjoy all of 793’s spirits in their purest form.

Whether you want to experience the full flavours by having it on the rocks or want to enjoy a cheeky cocktail (or two), sit back, relax and catch up with your loved ones while looking out to some of Northumberland’s most iconic views and landmarks.

Cocktail Masterclasses – from £25.00 (Coming Soon) 

After training in mixology in the Caribbean, operations manager, Molly, travelled the world making cocktails in a range of venues from 5* hotel bars to casual dive bars. So, who better to learn how to make cocktails than her?

This unique experience will be the first on Holy Island, where you will learn all there is you need to know over a couple of hours and make your own original cocktails so that you can go home and impress your future guests.

THE LIQUOR STORE

And 793 Spirits don’t stop there, just a stone’s throw away from their distillery you’ll find their shop Spirit & Soul on Fenkle Street. There really is no comparing 793 Spirits to other big spirit brands, as their range of spirits really stands out on the shelf with their unique and quirky bottle designs that capture Holy Island’s history.

Whether you’re simply stocking up on liquor to enjoy a tipple at home or want to browse through all of their booze-related goodies or fancy some poured small-batch candles and scents by Tidal Aromatics, there’s really something for everyone here.

HLN LOVES:

Creed & Tide – from £23.00

793 Spirits’ first-ever spirit pays homage to the rich Viking history on Holy Island. Experience the piney flavours of juniper with a citrus kick, distilled with 13 unique botanicals such as cacao nibs, cardamom, liquorice and Holy Island sugar kelp that leaves a sweet, balanced and lasting taste.

Serve: a glass full of ice, a heart-filled measure of C&T, topped with premium tonic and a fresh twist of orange.

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Mjødka - £33.00

Triple-distilled with local wildflower honey to give a luxurious and subtle flavour. The main ingredient of mead and from the Old Norse word ‘Mjød’, 793 Spirits’ first vodka ‘Mjødka’ was born.

Serve: straight out of the freezer, over ice. Or, if you’d prefer a longer drink, top with your favourite mixer and a squeeze of fresh lime.

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Vanilla Mjødka - £33.00

This uniquely crafted vodka is triple distilled with local wildflower honey to give a luxurious and subtle flavour with a smooth hit of natural vanilla.

Serve: straight out of the freezer, over ice. Or, if you’d prefer a longer drink, top with your favourite cola and garnish with a cherry.

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Hold Fast Gin - £45.00

Distilled with 14 botanicals including stacks of lime, coconut and organically harvested sea salt from the island’s coastline. This Navy Strength gin couldn’t be more nautical if it tried.

Serve: with a glass full of ice, topped with premium tonic and a wedge of fresh lime.

Find Out More

The Guffy Curse – (Launching Soon)

793 Spirits’ first rum is set to be released later this year and currently resting in oak casks since December. Rum has always been the drink of choice for the island fishermen.

The name came from a long-standing superstition passed through generations on the island that is still strong today, the word pig is thought to bring bad luck and misfortune, so the word ‘Guffy’ is used instead.

 

For more information about 793 Spirits, visit their website. 

To stay up to date with any new spirits being launched and what’s on at 793 Spirits, follow their Instagram and like their Facebook page

Spirit & Soul – 6 Fenkle Street, Holy Island, TD15 2SR, UK

793 Spirits LTD Distillery – The Ship, Marygate, Holy Island, TD15 2SJ, UK

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