Copper Rivet Distillery
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Copper Rivet Distillery

4.8
·130 reviews·, United Kingdom

Award-winning 'grain-to-glass' distillery in historic Chatham Dockyard, crafting exceptional spirits with local ingredients.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours

CrowdLow
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Copper Rivet Distillery

Copper Rivet Distillery

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Award-winning 'grain-to-glass' distillery in historic Chatham Dockyard, crafting exceptional spirits with local ingredients.

4.8
(130 reviews)

"A diamond of a restaurant and an inspiring history with amazing spirits!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot for gin or whisky tours to learn about the 'grain-to-glass' process.

Restaurant Reservations Recommended

The restaurant is highly praised; book ahead for weekend dining to avoid disappointment.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 130 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grain-to-Glass Process Tour

Grain-to-Glass Process Tour

Witness the meticulous journey from locally grown grain to exquisite spirits. Learn about their unique machinery and sustainable practices.

Masthouse Single Malt Whisky

Masthouse Single Malt Whisky

Savor the rich, complex flavors of their signature whisky, a testament to their dedication to quality and traditional methods.

Chatham Dockyard Gin

Chatham Dockyard Gin

Experience the botanically-infused gin, crafted with local ingredients and inspired by the historic dockyard setting.

The Pumproom Restaurant & Bar

The Pumproom Restaurant & Bar

Enjoy delicious food and drinks with stunning river views from the terrace of this beautifully aesthetic venue.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Distillery Tour in Advance

Tours at Copper Rivet Distillery are highly recommended to understand their 'grain-to-glass' process. Booking ahead ensures your spot, especially for popular whisky or gin tours. Check their website for availability and tour times to avoid disappointment.

Consider the Dining Experience

While the distillery offers tastings and drinks, many visitors rave about the restaurant. If you plan to dine, making a reservation is wise, particularly for weekend evenings. Some reviewers suggest sticking to straight drinks over cocktails.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Lively atmosphere, great for dining
Crowd
High
When
Sunday lunch
Why
Quiet bar, beautiful river views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#waldorfistoofar Part 40: Copper Compass Distilling📍White Plains, MD #blackowneddistillery #blackowned #waldorfistoofar #waldorf #waldorfmd #charlescounty #charlescountymd #southernmd #dmv #dmvtiktok #fyp
@shannon_not_so_bland
1.8K likes • 31.7K views

Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot for gin or whisky tours to learn about the 'grain-to-glass' process. InstagramReddit

Restaurant Reservations Recommended

The restaurant is highly praised; book ahead for weekend dining to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Welcome to The Pumproom 👋🏻   You’ll find us at the historic Chatham Dockyard, alongside @copperrivetdistillery – one of the UK’s only grain-to-glass distilleries.   Our building was originally built in 1873 to pump water in and out of the docks while ships were mended or built. Now, it’s home to us.   We offer a relaxed dining experience with flavoursome and creative dishes - designed by Head Chef...
the_pumproom
150 likes • 4.6K views
From the grain in the fields to the final glass of flavour-packed produce, Abhi and his team at Copper Rivet Distillery care deeply about every step of the supply chain. They grow their own barley locally in Kent and then use our specialist tollmalting offering to malt it. We combine advanced technology and the knowledge of our master maltsters to produce some of the lowest carbon malt you can b...
muntonsmalt
11 likes • 403 views

Enjoy the Views

The terrace offers beautiful river and castle views, perfect for a sunny afternoon. Reddit

Straight Drinks Over Cocktails

Some visitors suggest opting for straight pours rather than cocktails for the best taste. Reddit

Ever wondered what a typical day looks like at a whisky distillery? We spent the day at Copper Rivet Distillery in Chatham, Kent, to see how the magic happens – and got a rare glimpse at the meticulous, mad, and marvellous work that goes into every drop. We got stuck into every corner of the distillery and filmed the whole thing. Watch it to see what it’s like to experience a working whisky dis...
masterofmalt
146 likes • 10.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot for gin or whisky tours to learn about the 'grain-to-glass' process. InstagramReddit

Restaurant Reservations Recommended

The restaurant is highly praised; book ahead for weekend dining to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Enjoy the Views

The terrace offers beautiful river and castle views, perfect for a sunny afternoon. Reddit

Straight Drinks Over Cocktails

Some visitors suggest opting for straight pours rather than cocktails for the best taste. Reddit

Explore the Historic Dockyard

The distillery is set in a historically significant area; take time to explore the surroundings. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(130 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Copper Rivet Distillery for its informative tours, delicious food at The Pumproom, and the unique historical setting of Chatham Dockyard. The quality of their spirits, particularly the Masthouse Single Malt Whisky and Chatham Dockyard Gin, is frequently highlighted. Some minor points of improvement mentioned include the cocktail offerings and a desire for more light bites at the bar.

"We were given a Gin Tour as a gift from friends Christmas and we finally got to the use our gift this weekend. I learned a great deal from the tour. The Guide was knowledgeable and delivered the tour at a great pace, explaining how they end up to with whiskey, vodka and gin. The time it takes and the process from start to finish. The samples were brilliant and the drink at the end was a nice touch as was the discount voucher. Such a beautiful place to visit. Can’t thank the staff enough for all they did to make this a great experience. Can’t wait to go back soon for more purchases and a drink in the garden overlooking the river once the weather gets warmer."

Julia Lindon-Taylor

"Lovely distillery bar inside; cool on a hot day and very quiet at around 1pm on a Sunday. Outside was also very quiet initially but soon got busier. Beautiful views of the river and of the castle on the other side. Would love to return. Strawberry gin not very sweet (maybe as it’s more “natural/authentic”? and would’ve stayed longer if they had any nibbles or food. I could’ve stayed much longer enjoying the sunshine and outdoor space but hubby was hungry so a shame they don’t serve some light bites at least. Would definitely return on a summer’s day."

Fiona Tracey

"Irana (sorry if I've spelt it incorrectly) is such a lovely person that made our experience so special. It was just the tonic we needed after a very sad summer (and I don't just mean the tasting) The history of the place is inspiring, the environment beautiful and Irana you made the experience interesting/educational, the quality of the fluids amazing 🤗 but most of all such fun. Thank you so much for a much needed positive experience X"

Joan Hutchinson Cox

What People Like

Informative distillery tours
Excellent restaurant food
Historic dockyard setting

What People Dislike

Limited bar snacks
Cocktail quality

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Copper Rivet Distillery is located in the historic Chatham Dockyard, Kent. Visitors can reach it by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include train to Chatham station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available near the distillery within the Chatham Dockyard area. It's advisable to check specific parking regulations for the dockyard on the day of your visit.

Yes, you can visit the bar and restaurant area without booking a formal tour. However, booking a tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate their 'grain-to-glass' process. Instagram

Opening hours can vary, especially for the bar, restaurant, and tours. It's best to check the official Copper Rivet Distillery website for the most up-to-date information on their operating hours.

The distillery aims to be accessible, but due to the historic nature of the dockyard buildings, some areas might present challenges. It's recommended to contact them directly to discuss specific accessibility needs.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices vary depending on the type of tour (gin, whisky, etc.) and any special packages. It's recommended to visit their website for current pricing and booking information. Instagram

Yes, booking your distillery tour in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your spot, especially for popular whisky and gin tours. InstagramReddit

Tours typically include a guided walk-through of the distillery, an explanation of the 'grain-to-glass' process, and often a tasting of their spirits. Some packages may include additional benefits. Reddit

Absolutely! You can purchase a range of their spirits, including Masthouse Single Malt Whisky and Chatham Dockyard Gin, directly from the distillery shop. Instagram

While specific discount codes aren't widely advertised, keep an eye on their social media or website for any seasonal promotions or package deals. Instagram

🎫 🍸 Spirits & Tastings

Copper Rivet Distillery produces a variety of spirits, including their signature Masthouse Single Malt Whisky, Chatham Dockyard Gin, and other unique offerings like their White Whisky. Instagram+1

Yes, tastings are a key part of the distillery experience, often included in tours or available at the bar. You can sample their range to find your favorite. Reddit

The Masthouse Single Malt Whisky is known for its rich and complex flavor profile, a result of their meticulous 'grain-to-glass' production process using locally sourced barley. Instagram

Yes, Copper Rivet Distillery has offered flavored gins, such as a strawberry gin. However, availability may vary, so it's worth checking their current offerings. Reddit

Reviews are mixed on cocktails. While some enjoy them, others suggest sticking to straight drinks for the best appreciation of the spirit's quality. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Copper Rivet Distillery features The Pumproom restaurant, which offers a dining experience with great views and tasty food. InstagramReddit

The restaurant serves a range of dishes, described as immensely tasty with good portion sizes that leave you satisfied but not overwhelmed. Reddit

While the restaurant offers full meals, some visitors have noted a lack of light bites or snacks at the bar, which can be a drawback if you're not planning a full meal. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book a table in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as the restaurant is a popular dining spot. Reddit

The terrace at The Pumproom offers beautiful views of the river and the castle on the opposite side, making it a lovely spot to enjoy a meal or drinks. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the distillery's industrial architecture, the scenic river views from the terrace, and close-ups of their beautifully presented spirits. InstagramReddit

Yes, photography is generally permitted during the tours, allowing you to document the fascinating 'grain-to-glass' process and the unique machinery. Instagram

The terrace overlooking the river can offer beautiful light for sunset photos, especially during the golden hour. Reddit

A mix of industrial photography capturing the distillery's machinery and architecture, alongside lifestyle shots of people enjoying drinks and the views, would work well. Instagram

While the distillery offers great photo ops, it's best enjoyed as part of a broader experience including a tour and tasting or dining, to fully appreciate its charm. Instagram

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