A GIN start-up company is making headway in the new year as it expands into a new production premises.

Test Valley Gin, which is approaching its first birthday, has now acquired a site in Andover which will be used for making gin and hosting cocktail and tasting events for small pre-booked groups once a licence is given the go-ahead.

Founder Kate Griffin set up her business in February 2017 and is now looking to expand after using her grandfather’s annexe for producing gin, where she currently makes about 36 bottles a week.

Mrs Griffin said: “I decided to move as I needed more space for production. My grandad’s annexe is tiny, and the layout is not ideal and the orders keep coming so I need more space for more efficient production.

“I’m hoping to be up and running by the end of February but it’s out of my hands - just a waiting game.”

The former English teacher said it has been an “absolutely crazy” start to the business with overwhelming amounts of support and progression such as launching a second gin, Spire Gin, back in November.

Test Valley Gin is handcrafted and infused with small batches of herbs from the local area. It is currently stocked in shops across Andover, Romsey, Stockbridge and Winchester to name a few, and online at The Gin Stall website.

Now the business will be expanding its production in its new Dene Road headquarters.

Mrs Griffin added: “I’ve always loved gin, my mum makes the most amazing sloe gin so I’ve grown up with it. Then I became a teacher and had children so gin played a really important part of my life!

“It was really my husband’s idea to make a local gin but he doesn’t drink spirits so I selflessly took on the task myself.

“I started by trialling different infusions in my kitchen. After making lots of mistakes I hit on the flavours I really liked and that worked well.”

Test Valley Gin is also celebrating its first birthday at its launch venue, The Greyhound, in Stockbridge next month on 16 February.

Visit Test Valley Gin’s Facebook page for details at facebook.com/testvalleygin.