After selling his successful logistics business, David Blick had time to think about what he wanted to do. Having lived in the Leamington Spa and Warwick area for over 25 years, David, a keen local historian, realised there was no local gin company.
With the launch of the Warwickshire Gin Company he has been able to produce a range of local spirits, including gin, which would incorporate historic stories and fables from across his home county.
We were recently delighted to be able to interview David on the occasion of his company’s seventh anniversary, which is summarised below.
HCDM: Who is in your team?
David Blick: The team consists of myself (Founder/Owner), Chloe and Olivia who now operate all the production of the spirits, bottling, labelling, packing, shipping and sometimes delivery.
All three of us act as hosts for our three experiences and attend events at the weekend in our mobile pub, Lockhart’s.
The team initially worked from my kitchen and once we had the keys to our premises it was a while before we got going, although making 6,500 litres of hand sanitiser was the first thing we made in the distillery due to Covid!
HCDM: What inspires your drinks collection?
DB: All of our drinks are inspired by historical events in Warwickshire. The gin that got us started was the wonderful story of Sam Lockhart and his elephants he had living with him in the town. As they were from Sri Lanka we used flavours in the gin and so our Leamington on Parade Gin was born, with cinnamon, chilli, ginger and black tea.
Some of the stories behind our drinks also have global importance, such as our Pelota Dry Gin, inspired by Spanish Merchant named Juan Augurio Perera, who invented lawn tennis and opened the world’s first Lawn Tennis Club in Leamington in 1873.
We also have connections to the War of the Roses with our Kingmaker range of gin and vodka, and the World Champion Boxer Randolph Turpin, who beat Sugar Ray Robinson back in 1951, inspires our Pugilist Rum range.
We use Guyanan rum spirit as our base and add our special Warwickshire spice blend to create a warming, moreish rich rum.
The newest of the gins is Peeping Tom, a dry gin, a nod to the legend of Coventry’s Lady Godiva, the wife of The Earl of Mercia who, legend has it, in the 11th century, rode naked through the city on horseback in a bid to get her husband to lower oppressive taxes on the townspeople.
The Philosopher’s Daughter is inspired by John Dee, one of Queen Elizabeth I’s most trusted advisors – and his daughter Kathrine. Dee was tasked with many requests, which led him to make many discoveries, one of which was the distillation of alcohol. Kathrine would have carefully selected many of the botanicals for her father to fulfil his works, until his death at the age of 81 years.
Customers from all over the world have visited our distillery and thoroughly enjoy the storytelling and journey of our award- winning spirits.
HCDM: What are the core values of the business?
DB: Being local makes us sustainable immediately, we make and bottle our spirits on site, we are a huge believer in the local circular economy, using and working with as many other local companies as possible.
We are constantly trying to promote not only our products but others in our local community so we can all thrive and employ more local people.
HCDM: Plans for the future?
DB: We have recently launched our ready-to-drink gin and tonic cans, which we believe open new markets for us – this is every exciting as the market is dominated by the multi-nationals and I believe there is room for an artisan player!
Next year we want to get these into more event spaces and retailers, and may look at launching additional products in cans.
Now we have had a full year of operating our mobile pub, Lockhart’s Bar, we are looking to fill the calendar for the festival seasons of 2026.
HCDM: How are the prevailing economic conditions affecting business, including the impact of NIC increases, minimum wage rises and high energy costs?
DB: Business is difficult for everyone, particularly hospitality. Labour costs are disproportionately high in hospitality which can be seen in prices in bars and restaurants, customers are seeing less value, especially when the same products are available in supermarkets at a fraction of the cost.
Those venues that offer something different in product and experience will be the ones that thrive and survive the current economic conditions, which don’t look like improving anytime soon.
HCDM: What are your proudest achievements?
DB: One of the things I’m most proud of is occupying the envied top spot on TripAdvisor. We’ve also achieved the “Travellers’ Choice Award” which puts the Warwickshire distillery in the top 10% of businesses listed in the world based on reviews.
And of course, we’re always proud to shout about the many international awards for our drinks!
HCDM: Finally, when you get the chance, what do you do to relax?
DB: Other than unwinding with a Pugilist Spiced Rum and ginger ale or a Pelota and Indian Tonic, in the summer months I do a fair amount of road cycling and recently picked up running again. I’m aiming to get to half marathon distance by Christmas.
I’m also a season ticket holder at Villa Park, although wouldn’t necessarily align that with ‘relaxing!’
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