Little Lon Distilling Co.
ProHighlights
- Gin masterclass in an 1877 heritage-listed workers' cottage, the last single-storey cottage left in the CBD
- Taste all four core gins, tour the copper still room and finish with a cocktail of your choice
- Private groups can book a mixologist-led cocktail class or hire the gin garden and cottage
About Little Lon Distilling Co.
Little Lon Distilling Co. makes small-batch gin inside a heritage-listed red-brick cottage built around 1877 at 17 Casselden Place, in the lanes behind Little Lonsdale St in the Melbourne CBD. The area was once the city's notorious red-light quarter, and the distillery names its gins after characters who lived there, among them Ginger Mick, Proudfoot, Miss Yoko and Dutchy Thomas. The copper pot still, known as Yokohama, sits in what was once a bedroom of the cottage. The Gin Masterclass is the main group experience. You start with a gin and tonic, taste the four core gins with a guide, hear the story of gin, the lane and the cottage, take a look at the distillery and finish with a cocktail of your choice. Classes run on Saturday afternoons from 1pm and 3pm, each lasting 90 minutes, and Sunday dates can be arranged for groups of at least eight. A separate Cocktail Masterclass, also for eight or more, has a mixologist teach the three core techniques of building, stirring and shaking while you make two cocktails with the house gins; a cheese and charcuterie board can be added. For parties, the venue offers a few distinct spaces. The gin garden is heated and mostly undercover, suiting larger groups; the cottage itself works for smaller, intimate gatherings; and a private meeting space sits above the garden. The events team puts together tailored packages for milestone birthdays, hens and bucks, and work functions. Outside events, the cocktail bar and distillery door open from Tuesday to Saturday afternoons, and walk-ins are welcome.
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What's Included
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Little Lon gin masterclass?
The Gin Masterclass is $95 per person and includes a gin and tonic on arrival, a guided tasting of four core gins, the history of gin and the cottage, a distillery tour and a cocktail to finish. The Cocktail Masterclass is $105 per person.
When do the gin masterclasses run?
They run every Saturday in two sittings, 1pm to 2.30pm and 3pm to 4.30pm. Sunday sessions can be arranged on request for groups of at least eight, and cocktail classes are scheduled by enquiry with the same minimum.
Can we book a private event for a hens or birthday group?
Yes. The events team handles birthdays, hens and bucks, and corporate functions, using the heated gin garden for larger groups, the cottage for smaller ones, and a private meeting room above the garden. Packages are tailored, so contact them for a quote.
Is there food at Little Lon Distilling Co.?
Cocktail Masterclass bookings can add a Curtis Stone cheese and charcuterie board, and masterclass gift certificates offer a cheese and charcuterie option at $25 for one or $45 for two. Ask the events team about food for private functions.
What are the bar opening hours?
The cocktail bar and distillery door open Tuesday and Wednesday 4pm to 8pm, Thursday and Friday 4pm to 9.30pm, and Saturday 2pm to 10pm. Public holiday hours are posted on their socials, and walk-ins are always welcome.
Where we are
Suitable occasions
Simon Prentice
4 months ago
Stumbled across this place and ended up staying much longer than planned. Great little hidden bar with a really unique vibe, excellent cocktails and staff who clearly know their stuff without being pretentious about it.…
rosie desilva
6 months ago
What an amazing find. Another Melbourne gem hidden down an alleyway, serving impeccable drinks (hands down the best martini I've ever had). Service was phenomenal. We got a history of the building and area and were ins…
Nathan McKelligott
6 months ago
We had a wonderful afternoon at this gin bar, including the chance to sample their upcoming products. The tastings were thoughtfully presented, with knowledgeable and passionate staff explaining each one. The relaxed, we…
Rhyannon Preston
a year ago
What a delightful find in the heart of Melbourne! This cute little heritage building hosts Gin Distillery, and we had such a wonderful experience tasting their gins while learning about the history of the cottage and the…
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