Dorking Distillery is a new custom-made distillery at Denbies Wine Estate, conceived by five co-founders who purchased the artisan drinks brand the Gin Kitchen. The grant from the Economic Growth Fund has been used to help repurpose and convert two fabricated sea containers to create their new distillery.
Co-founder Serena Billinghurst said: “ We are a premium spirits producer using the highest quality ingredients. We have been lucky to work with local artist Charlotte Godfrey to redesign the Gin Kitchen collection range, using the same much loved ceramic bottles, with new artwork which we are excited to share.
“We have built our distillery at Denbies, and are starting by selling the Gin Kitchen range, but also plan to develop a zero-alcohol drink and other spirits over time as well. We will also be offering a refill service, so instead of having to buy another bottle you can visit and refill straight from the still, or receive a refill pouch out in the post.”
Exciting plans for the future
As well as growing the product range, the team at Dorking Distillery has also set its sights on events.
“We would like to host tasting events from the distillery and start organising larger music events in the future,” said Serena. “That is a key part of where we see our growth. The events are an exciting opportunity for us to create more jobs in the county and put Surrey on the map as the place to go for artisan gin tasting.”
The grant from the Economic Growth Fund has helped get the project over the line and enabled the launch.
“This grant has been the life changing boost that we needed to get us over the line with creating the distillery,” Serena said.
“This project has been like an onion, with many layers, it has been a challenging but also an amazing experience and we’re excited to be open!”
What is the Surrey Economic Growth Fund?
Surrey County Council launched the Economic Growth Fund in April 2025 with a focus on supporting ideas to accelerate growth, boost innovation and create new employment opportunities.
About £2 million was distributed when the first round of grants was announced in September 2025.
With a further £1 million awarded in round two, the total invested locally in 2025 now stands at more than £3 million.
The Economic Growth Fund is one of several ways the council supports businesses and a growing Surrey economy.
To register for fully-funded support to start and grow a business get in touch via our Business Support Form.
