A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to bring a new working distillery to Spitalfields Market, bringing small-batch spirit-making to the heart of East London.
Planning to open in late 2026, Spitalfields Distillery will produce spirits on site, just steps from where they are served. Designed as a visible, open part of the market experience, visitors will be able to see the process in real time, from distillation through to the final pour.
Led by the team behind ALFI and Player’s Social, the arrival of a distillery in the heart of the market marks a new chapter for Spitalfields. Long known as a place of traders, makers and independent businesses, the market continues to evolve, with community at its core, introducing new ways for people to spend time, discover and connect.
Jason Dervin, Spitalfields Estate Director, says:
“Spitalfields has always been shaped by its community, the people, businesses, and makers who bring it to life every day. That sense of shared ownership is what makes this place so special. The launch of a distillery on site feels like an exciting and natural next step, creating something new for people to experience together, while staying true to what makes Spitalfields what it is.”
The distillery will be located within ALFI, part of the terrace space. Positioned at the centre of the market, the ‘middle of the middle,’ (you can’t say Spitalfields without saying ALFI), the restaurant is already a local’s favourite gem within the market, bringing people together over great food, natural wines, and a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Alongside its experience-led approach, the concept is rooted in a more local and transparent way of producing spirits. By distilling in-house, the team aims to shorten supply chains, maintain quality and offer a more accessible approach to premium spirits, while keeping production connected to the community it serves.
Each bottle will nod to the market’s 350-year heritage, featuring artwork inspired by Spitalfields and a design that blends tradition with the edge East London is known for. The distillery will launch with a core range including gin, vodka and rum, alongside limited releases and seasonal runs inspired by the energy of the market and its community.
“Our goal is simple,” adds Ben Hodges from the founding team behind the distillery. “…to make great spirits locally, be open about how they are made, where ingredients come from, and how sustainability is built into every step, creating something the local community can feel part of.”
A Crowdcube crowdfunding campaign is now live to support the project, giving the community the opportunity to own a stake in Spitalfields Distillery and play a direct role in bringing the concept to life.
The campaign closes on Monday 30 March, with early investors gaining access to exclusive launch events, tastings and a first look at the distillery in action.
