Gin and industrial history, in one room. This Sheffield tasting visit takes you into Portland Works, a grade 2 listed building opened in 1879, where Locksley Distilling turns stainless-steel craft into small-batch gin. I like the fact that you get both the building story and the drink story, not just one or the other, and I also like the small group size that keeps the pace relaxed and the questions real.

• Portland Works setting (opened 1879): a grade 2 listed building that links Sheffield’s past to what’s happening now.
• Small group, up to 10 people: more time with your guide and more chances to ask about botanicals and process.
• A Locksley G&T included: start with a proper sample, described as sunshine in a glass.
• In-house production focus: you get a clear look at how the distillery creates and keeps key steps under one roof.
• Guided tasting with origin stories: you learn the choices behind the core range, not just the tasting notes.
• Good value for money: one recent visitor even mentioned a possible £5 off bottle offer, which helps turn a good evening into a souvenir.

Portland Works in Sheffield: where gin meets an 1879 building

This tour has a strong sense of place, and that matters. You meet near the gate on the corner of Randall Street, and then you are brought into Portland Works, a grade 2* listed building that dates back to 1879. It feels like Sheffield doing what Sheffield does best, industry plus creativity.

I like that the setting is not just a backdrop. The building is tied to the brand’s story around stainless steel, and the tour is structured so you connect that material history to the way a modern craft distillery works. Even if you are not a gin nerd, you will still understand the logic quickly: good spirits depend on process, and process depends on space.

Also, the vibe stays human. Expect a Yorkshire welcome and a guided pace that keeps things easy to follow, rather than lecturing you through jargon.

Meeting on Randall Street: how to find the gate and get in

The meeting point is practical and simple, but you still need to pay attention. Wait outside the gate on the corner of Randall Street, and your guide comes down to let you in.

One real-world tip: do not assume there will be a big street sign announcing the visit. A past visitor noted they had trouble finding the place because they are not allowed to put things outside for insurance reasons, so arriving a few minutes early and standing by the gate corner helps. If you see nobody standing around, that is normal, because the guide is the one who comes to collect you.

Wear shoes you can walk in. You will be moving through a working distillery environment, and comfortable footwear makes the whole 1.5 hours feel smoother.

Inside the Locksley distillery: what the guided walk actually covers

Once you enter, the tour shifts from location to process. You get a guided look around the distillery home, Portland Works, and you see how Locksley creates its products, with a special emphasis on keeping elements of production in-house.

The structure is designed for normal people, not just professionals. You are shown how the distillery operates, and then the guide connects that to the product range that keeps growing. That “small but serious” idea comes through clearly, since the distillery is open about its goal of being the best rather than the biggest.

You also get context on the Locksley story. The tour includes the history of Locksley Distilling’s creation and development, and it ties that story to the brand ethos and aspirations. If you enjoy understanding how local companies evolve, you will likely appreciate this portion as much as the tasting.

The in-house production focus: why it changes the quality of what you taste

The distillery’s approach is not just marketing language. The visit is built around the idea that they keep as much as possible under their own control, and you can feel the difference in how the guide explains it.

Here is what this means for you as a tasting visitor. When a distillery controls key steps, it can fine-tune flavor more consistently, and it can adjust faster when it experiments with new botanicals or versions of a core gin. During the tour, you are not only watching equipment, you are learning what those choices do for the final taste in your glass.

This is also where Sheffield context comes into play. One guide connection that came up in past visits is the link between stainless steel and innovation, including the point that Sheffield was a major player, not the United States. Even if you only remember one small fact, it is a useful one: the spirit story here is tied to industrial heritage, not just drink culture.

The tasting part: your Locksley G&T and the guided flight

After the tour walk-through, you sit down for the tasting session with an expert guide. You will taste through each of the gins in the current range, with a guided explanation of origin stories and botanical choices behind the core products.

The visit starts with a Locksley G&T included in the experience, described as sunshine in a glass. That first sip matters because it sets your baseline and gets you thinking about balance, aroma, and how the botanicals show up right away.

Then the guided tasting brings structure. Instead of throwing random samples at you, the guide talks you through what is different between versions and why those differences exist. Past visitors highlighted that they got plenty of samples and still felt the tour stayed relaxed rather than forced.

A small practical note: since this is a tasting, you will want to plan your evening accordingly. It is only 1.5 hours, but you are still drinking. Comfortable shoes and a short window make it easy to fit into a Sheffield evening.

Botanicals and flavor lessons you can use next time

What you take away from a good gin tasting is not only which bottle you like today. You also learn how to taste with purpose.

During this visit, the guide explains the botanical choice behind the core range, and it helps you connect a scent or flavor to a reason. That is where the experience becomes fun even if you are not buying a bottle. You start noticing patterns, like what tends to read as citrusy, herbal, or spice-forward, and you get better at predicting what you will enjoy in a different gin later.

I also appreciate that the tasting is taught in plain language. Guides like Danny, Jake, and Elliot have a reputation for making the session approachable, and that shows up in the way they share history alongside flavor. It helps you enjoy Sheffield while you learn how gin works.

If you like to compare styles, you will likely enjoy the methodical way samples are presented. If you prefer to just taste, you still get the basics without getting stuck in technical talk.

Price and value: is $24 for 1.5 hours worth it?

The price is listed at $24 per person, and you should think about what you receive for that time.

For your money, you are getting:

• a guided tour of the distillery home inside Portland Works
• a guided tasting session through the range
• a Locksley G&T included at the start
• an explanation of product origins and botanical choices
• a small group format capped at 10 participants

That combination is the value. Many drink experiences in the UK charge similarly but offer less structure, meaning you end up paying for the pour without the context. Here, you are paying for the whole package: setting, process walk-through, and a guided tasting that actually teaches you something.

One extra value point: a past visitor mentioned a possible £5 off bottles of gin. Since that offer is not guaranteed from the provided details, treat it as a potential bonus rather than a sure thing, but it is exactly the kind of perk that makes a tasting feel like a smart night out.

Who should book this Sheffield gin tour, and who might not

This tour fits best if you enjoy local makers and you want a mix of history and drink. The Portland Works setting, the stainless-steel connection, and the Locksley story make it feel like Sheffield culture, not a generic tasting.

You will likely love it if:

• you want a small-group experience that stays conversational
• you care about how spirits are made, even at a beginner level
• you like learning the botanical reasoning behind flavor

You might skip it if:

• you need a kid-friendly option, since it is not suitable for children under 18
• you want a silent, self-guided visit, because this is a guided, explanation-heavy format
• you are sensitive to drinking alcohol, even if it is a tasting

Should you book? My call

If you are planning a Sheffield evening and you want something that feels local and not touristy, I think this is a strong choice. The setting in Portland Works, the in-house production focus, and the guided tasting format all support each other, so the time feels intentional from start to finish.

Book it if you want a friendly guide, a structured set of samples, and a chance to learn why each gin tastes the way it does. And if you go, do not rush. Let the stories about Locksley, Sheffield industry, and the botanicals settle in, then enjoy the last sips knowing you actually understand what you are tasting.

FAQ

How long is the Locksley gin distillery tasting visit?

The experience lasts 1.5 hours.

What is included in the tasting visit?

You get a Locksley G&T, an intimate guided tour of the distillery, and an expert guided tasting session through the products, including guidance on origin stories and botanical choices.

Where do I meet the guide?

Wait outside the gate on the corner of Randall Street, and your guide will come down to let you in.

How big is the group and what language is the tour?

The tour is a small group limited to 10 participants, and the live guide provides the experience in English.

Is this experience suitable for children?

No. It is not suitable for children under 18.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, wear comfortable shoes, and plan for warm clothing.

Is there cancellation flexibility or pay later booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.